The Marblehead Yacht Club is facing a series of required renovations after a recent round of inspections uncovered code and safety issues, according to Harbormaster Mark Souza. Founded in 1978, MYC is the town’s oldest yacht club. The property, at 4 Cliff St., is owned by the town.
The issues came to light as the club sought an alcohol license, a step that triggered broader oversight from town departments.
“You’re required to go to the Select Board to get that license, which in turn activates a bunch of other things through the Building Department’s office on inspections — fire, electrical, plumbing, health, all that,” Souza explained at an April 13 meeting of the Harbor & Waters Board.
While the facility has continued to receive health inspections, Souza said several other required inspections had not taken place “in quite some time.” A recent meeting with town inspectors revealed multiple deficiencies, including two major concerns: the yacht club’s lack of a compliant fire protection system and its flat roof.
“The flat roof in their congregating area inside the building is out of code,” Souza said. “It’s holding water. It doesn’t shed water properly, so it doesn’t meet the standards of public safety.”
The planned fix would involve constructing a new pitched surface over the existing rubber roof to allow for proper drainage. Souza said there is currently no structural damage or active leaks, making that approach the most economical.
An estimate for the roof work has come in at $17,530, with additional quotes still pending as required by town procurement rules.
The second major issue involves fire safety systems.
“At some point, the building was connected to the fire department’s dispatch,” Souza said. “There is a box in there for that. For some reason, it’s not connected. Wires were removed at some point. So, that has to get updated. There isn’t a sprinkler system.”
Under current codes, Souza said the building will need an operational fire alarm connection and likely a sprinkler system due to its size and use, which includes a kitchen.
Additional issues identified during inspections include malfunctioning light fixtures, exit signage lacking battery backup and other minor electrical concerns. Souza said he is working with facility manager Mike Mentuck to address those items.
The Current reached out to Mentuck but did not hear back.
Despite the deficiencies, the building is not expected to close as long as the town demonstrates progress toward repairs.
“It’s fine right now, as long as we have a plan in the works to get the stuff done,” Souza said.
Souza said the town is currently awaiting a formal estimate for the fire system upgrades. In the meantime, the Harbors & Waters Board is preparing a funding plan to cover both major projects.
“I think we feel a safe number to cover both of these — the roof and the system — is $50,000,” he said.
The board is considering increasing an existing facilities budget to accommodate the work, with the goal of completing the upgrades in the next fiscal year.
