Docking and low tide

[48dodge]

Anyone here have experience with pluff mud and docking their boats at low tide? My question is about my 222 and my in-laws dock. During a normal low tide, there is about 1 1/2 feet of water on one dock and about 2 feet on the other side. So, the keel would rest in the mud most likely during a low tide. Does the pluff mud give enough to allow the keel to slip into it without pushing the boat over to one side or the other? I need to do some trailer work and need to dock it for a day or two while I fix the trailer if I can. Thanks in advance.

 

[Joe11688]

Low tide at the dock

I'd use the deep water dock at a neap tide, and make sure that your centerboard and rudder are in the raised position. Your 222 has a draft of 20 inches, so you should be OK. As long as there's soft mud under the keel and no rocks to damage it, I would think that you'd would experience no problems. Check out the tide chart in your area to find out when the Spring Tides and Neap Tides will occur during the month that you want to leave your boat tied to the dock.Joe