At Sylvan Beach, our shoreline is a scarce resource. As the saying goes, “they’re not making any more of it!”
We rely on a volunteer board and a volunteer committee to keep things running. We need help from Shareholders and Associates to keep things running smoothly. It is incumbent upon all of us to self-govern and follow the rules so we can ensure our precious shoreline is available for our use and enjoyment for years to come.
Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sylvan Beach shoreline use. For more detailed information concerning the shoreline rules, policies, and bylaws, please refer to your SBRC Handbook or click here.
The goal of these FAQs is to help all Association members educate themselves on the rules and policies that help our shoreline run smoothly. The more we know, the more we can govern ourselves. Thank you in advance for your cooperation, making our shoreline enjoyable for everyone.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact any member of the Shoreline Committee, or email sylvanbeachmi@gmail.com.
Is the number of docks and hoists limited in any way?
Yes. Because of the channel, White Lake is a navigable body of water. It is regulated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). In 2003, SBRC was issued a permit allowing for 24 docks, 68 boat hoists, and 2 moorings.
Are we approaching the limit set by the Army Corps permit?
We currently have 23 docks, 3 moorings, and 66 hoists installed along the shoreline. There are 2 Shareholders on the waiting list. Recent research into the current permit definitions has corrected a long-standing understanding: hoists and moorings are counted separately under the permit, and boats tied directly to a dock—without a hoist—do not count against the hoist limit.
Who can have a watercraft on the shoreline of Sylvan Beach?
- If available, a Shareholder cottage is entitled to access to one dock and, if space is available, two hoists of varying size.
- If available, an Associate I cottage is entitled to access to one dock and, if space is available, one hoist of varying size.
What is a dock? What is a hoist?
- A dock is a temporary structure installed in the spring and removed in early fall, and is used to park and access watercraft.
- A hoist can vary in size and is used to lift all sorts of watercraft in and out of the water. Watercraft can include motorboats, pontoon boats, tri-toon boats, personal watercraft, and sailboats.
How do I apply for a Dock/ Hoist? How do I get added to the Wait List?
Fill out the form found on the SBRC Website via the link here.
May I store watercraft on the White Lake Beach?
Yes. Small sailboats, kayaks, and dinghies may be stored on the beach beginning on May 1 and must be removed by September 30 of the same year. Owners must be considerate of dock owners and be accommodating, moving watercraft if asked. Beginning in 2026, owners will be asked to inform the Committee of each watercraft they plan to store on the shoreline.
What if I can’t use my dock or hoist for a season for any reason?
- First, notify the Shoreline Chairperson in writing with a clear explanation of the situation by June 30. Failure to do so can result in lost dock and hoist privileges.
- Shoreline policy allows you to let a Shareholder or Associate I on the waitlist to use your hoist for one Season, provided they pay for all installation of dock/hoist fees, assume all liability, and are approved by the Shoreline Committee. This waiver gives the original holder of the hoist privilege until December 31 of that year to inform the Shoreline Chairperson whether the hoist will be used in the coming Season or whether they will be giving up their rights. If the owner does not provide a plan to the Shoreline Chairperson, all dock/hoist rights shall be deemed to be abandoned.
- If your hoist goes unused for a season, it will be reassigned the following year. Situations include: 1) A hoist is installed, but no boat is ever placed on it . 2) A hoist holds a boat that is unregistered or mismatched, and the boat is never used.
Is it okay to store unused dock, hoist, or trailers on the shoreline?
No, not between July 1 and Labor Day (“the Season”). All unused dock and hoist equipment must be stored off Association property during the Season. Empty trailers may be stored in the Association’s trailer lot. Additionally, all trailers and hoists must be clearly identified with the owner’s name.
May I use docks on the Association shoreline if I don’t have a hoist on one?
Docks are personally-owned. For occasional use like fishing or drop-off/pick-up, it’s best to ask the owner—unless it’s an emergency. Regular use always requires the owner’s permission. Unapproved use can create liability.
How long does the hoist and dock privilege last?
As long as the Shareholder/Associate I owns their cottage or needs the hoist. Misuse, as given in the examples above, may result in loss. Privileges aren’t transferable, except to immediate family with Shoreline Committee approval. Dock space is shared to meet USACE guidelines; dock groups arrange their cost-sharing.
May I tie my boat to a dock, and does it count toward my two-hoist limit?
A boat temporarily tied to a dock doesn’t count toward your two-hoist limit. However, if you plan to tie up your boat regularly or for the Season, you must have dock privilege approved by the Shoreline Committee—even without a hoist. Please notify the Shoreline Chairperson to avoid confusion.
Can I store my large sailboat, like a Hobie Cat, on the Lake Michigan shoreline?
Yes, for one week at a time in a location approved by the Shoreline Committee. Keep it at least 50 feet from any beach access and tie-down lines to reduce noise.
Is there a “No Wake Zone” at Sylvan Beach?
Yes. Michigan law dictates that No-Wake zones exist 100 feet from the furthest point of a dock. Violation of the no-wake zone can result in fines from the authorities and potential loss of dock privileges at Sylvan Beach. Please ensure all those who use your boats are aware of this rule to protect our access, and more importantly, the community members using the no-wake space for kayaking, swimming, and the like.
Do I need a license to operate a boat in the State of Michigan?
In Michigan, there isn’t a mandatory “boating license” for all boaters. However, individuals born on or after July 1, 1996, need a boating safety certificate to operate a motorized recreational boat. For those operating a personal watercraft, like a jet ski, anyone born on or after December 31, 1978, needs the certificate. For more information regarding who can operate watercraft on the waters of Michigan and the requirements to do so, visit the Michigan DNR site via this link.