Low Tide II

[Scott & Erin]

OK, a revision of my previous question. apparently there was some confusion.We are prospective new sailboat owners, live right on the water of Quincy Bay, and have this question: Besides the obvious wear and tear of letting a small sailboat (20" - 22', with a little cabin) sit on the mud flats as the tide goes out, are there any other issues to worry about? I have done it before with small powerboats and the biggest problems were some nicks/scrapes and an ugly bottom. Could anyone recommend a good starter sailboat for this sort of thing? Would a boat like an ODay 22 be ok, or would it be prone to tipping (1'3" draft)? Thanks.

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Letting boats dry out -

There is nothing conceptionally wrong with letting a sailboat dry out at low tide. Look to English harbors and you'll see its the norm. You do want to take care that there is nothing hard to pound on in low water on a choppy day, but you already know that from your powerboat experience.One thing you need to be careful with when a sailboat drys out is that it doesn't lay over too far. If the keel is too deep the boat will heel in the direction of the ebbing tide as it settles. Then on the flood there is the risk of water flowing over the gunwale before the boat is in enough water to float free. This can cause water damage and in extreme circumstances sink boats.The solution is to buy either a boat with a centerboard and no exposed keelson, or to buy a boat with bilge keels. These are common in Europe and England, but less so here; not impossible to find however. A boat like the O'day 192 fits other requirements but is likely to fall over at low. Look at http://home.att.net/~oday/192b.htm to see hull lines. I believe the 23 is similar. If I were you, I'd be looking for an O'day Mariner with the centerboard configuration. These have a flat exit to the hull and with the c/b retracted will sit in the mud nicely. Its 19 feet, has a cuddy for camping out in, and the sail really well.Good luck - hit us with the rest of your questions as the arrise.Justin - O'day Owners' Web

 

[Bob Gravenstine]

Centerboard may be a problem.

I know of a friend that had a problem with mud and sand getting into the centerboard trunk and wedging the board in the up position after they had beached their boat. You may have the same problem if allowed to sit on the mud during low tide.

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Good point

yeah, true enough. Maybe a downhaul on the board?

 

[Les Murray]

Why not a trailerable?

I have sailed out of Quincy Bay several times. I would launch out of Weymouth at the boat ramp there and go out into the bay. Nice sailing in that area.I have a 20' Hunter that my wife and I would launch and return. It has a swing keel and a pop-top.You could also launch out of Dorchester over by the gas tanks. Get there early though because it fills up fast.A nice boat for this is a Catalina/Capri or an O'Day. My Hunter is OK, but tender in the bilges (heels alot).You could also look for a mooring in the area. There are alot of marinas that offer moorings to tie up to for the summer. They are usually out in the deep water so you don't have to worry about groundings. Hewitts in Weymouth is a good place to check.HTH,Les MurrayS/V CeilidhCatalina 36 #560