earl and securing boat

[dckids]

we are in a canal off pimlico sound. boat is tied up with 4 lines between 4 pilings ( 2 sets of 2). should we add some lines in preparation for earl winds ( estimated at 50 mph) and how loose/tight should they be?

thanks all
dckids

jfienhelfman@yahoo.com

 

[Bill Jones]

I would get the boat out of the water and secured on its trailer. If that isn't possible, double all lines. The problem is that the lines may need to be loosened if there is (and there probably will be) a flood surge. A lot of boats survive the winds, its getting lifted about their pilings and then set down rather abruptly on them.

Bill Jones
s/v Wind Dancer

 

[Deucer]

Concur with pulling the boat. We're on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Our boat rode out Gustav in 08 on the trailer just fine. Put in her the water just to have Ike pass 300 mi south. Rode out 30kt winds in a slip on a floating dock, but lost the port stern cleat with all the bashing around. I had double lines on every cleat pulled tight. So, if you have the option...pull it out and move it inland.

 

[Alan]

Agreed, pull your boat if you can. If you can't a mooring is a safer place than a slip. The boat will survive on a mooring if it can stay there and another boat doesn't impact it. At a slip the boat can be pounded by docks, pilings and/or all the other boats surrounding it.

 

[Hugh4753]

Agree with pulling the boat. We're up the Pamlico and consensus on the dock is we're gonna put the bow to the north and ride it out after taking down all the canvas. If you stay in the canal you'll need to keep a constant check on the lines for surge. We've got a couple of guys who stay on the dock to take care of peoples lines. Up here we're not expecting it to be too bad but things can change. On my way to the boat now to start taking down sails.

 

[isaksp00]

If you can't pull it, see if you can arrange the ideally doubled bow/stern lines to be as long as possible - e.g., from the port side aft cleat, across the stern, then to the starboard side piling. Instead of from one side to the pilings on the same side. That'll help allow for surge up and down.

 

[Drew13440]

As noted above, the storm surge is what will get you. Pull her if you can. Link below is NOAA's best guess for water levels. Click on the map in your area and remember, it is their best guess and thats it.

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/psurgegraphics_at2.shtml?gm