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daninPA
Joined: 16 Aug 2020 Posts: 238 City/Region: MOUNT JOY
State or Province: PA
C-Dory Year: 1994
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: NAVIRE
Photos: daninPA
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Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2021 7:45 pm Post subject: Tideminders |
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After worrying about my docklines everytime the wind picks up or the moon is full I decided to follow a neighbor's lead and invest in tideminders.
Our C-Dory Navire is in a slip at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds marina at the northern end of the Chesapeake Bay, where tides rise and fall an average of 3', and heavy rainfall can cause the Susquehanna damns to release further raising the water level. The marina is also exposed to wakes and winds from the North through East.
Every time I go to the marina, I notice either wear on the pilings (which are new) or the lines. I spent hours getting the lines just right to accommodate the tides, but there was no practical way to ensure the lines didn't slide down or ride up and get caught (and yes, I tried doubling up on the clove hitch, etc).
After talking to a neighbor who choose not to pull his boat out before the last TS, I gulped and bought three sets of Tideminders (yeah, not cheap).
But -- these things are heavy duty. I read the instructions, watched the YT video, and tied up the boat as instructed. After checking and re-checking a few times (pulling various lines, seeing how far the boat traveled before being caught, etc) we left with a clear conscience.
I plan to head down Monday and check things out, but I definitely feel more confident in the slip now.
I will also remember to take pictures next time! |
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daninPA
Joined: 16 Aug 2020 Posts: 238 City/Region: MOUNT JOY
State or Province: PA
C-Dory Year: 1994
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: NAVIRE
Photos: daninPA
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Posted: Wed Sep 29, 2021 6:55 pm Post subject: |
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Here’s a short video that shows how the Tideminders work in choppy conditions. Our marina is completely exposed to the NW through ESE.
https://youtu.be/UrUCv8_oxZc
We get 3’ tide swings here, so the Tideminders also help with that twice-daily adjustment.
We had a real test a couple weeks ago when our area received 3” of rain in less than 12 hours. Tide was artificially high with runoff from the Susquehanna, but the C-Dory was floating like a cork, centered in the slip. |
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gstraub
Joined: 02 Aug 2017 Posts: 113 City/Region: Callao
State or Province: VA
C-Dory Year: 1998
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: EnDoryFun
Photos: EnDoryFun
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Posted: Wed Sep 29, 2021 7:25 pm Post subject: |
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We have been using Tide Minders for our sailboat for years with no issues. We get a lot of wakes where we are tied up, and the lines just slide up and down. They are great. _________________ Gerhard |
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PaulNBriannaLynn
Joined: 26 Oct 2012 Posts: 757 City/Region: Fort White
State or Province: FL
C-Dory Year: 2007
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: TBD
Photos: Lorelei
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Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2021 3:57 pm Post subject: |
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I wondered what happened to Loren's C-dory project! That boat was stored near our house when we lived in Savannah, and he would check out our 22' for ideas and measurements.
Really cool boat with some neat custom features. Personally, I like the no stripe it makes it unique.
Ive never used this type of mooring in my life. It makes me nervous. Id probably rather anchor out and paddle in since I don't know what Im doing _________________ 2007 22 cruiser sold 10/2021
2009 Parker 23 sold 10/2017
2003 22 cruiser sold 3/2016 |
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daninPA
Joined: 16 Aug 2020 Posts: 238 City/Region: MOUNT JOY
State or Province: PA
C-Dory Year: 1994
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: NAVIRE
Photos: daninPA
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Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2021 5:23 pm Post subject: |
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PaulNBriannaLynn wrote: | I wondered what happened to Loren's C-dory project! That boat was stored near our house when we lived in Savannah, and he would check out our 22' for ideas and measurements.
Really cool boat with some neat custom features. Personally, I like the no stripe it makes it unique.
Ive never used this type of mooring in my life. It makes me nervous. Id probably rather anchor out and paddle in since I don't know what Im doing |
Well, I think Loren's project is in good hands! We have really enjoyed it. We took it up to the St Lawrence in June for a week, then have kept it at APG most of the summer in a slip (although the algae growth is horrendous. But, at least the Bay is fresh water that far north).
I wasn't put off at all by any of the customizations. While a table would be nice, we haven't missed it. The A/C came in handy a few times. The radar has been a novelty so far. The stereo is awesome! The Garmin, VHF, and dual bilge pumps are nice.
The Yamaha 115 is a great engine and 30 MPH is possible in calm seas. I usually cruise along at 12-15 in typical Bay chop.
I added a Permatrim immediately as the boat was stern-heavy. We also had the trailer renewed.
The slip tie-in was a learning process. lots of reading, YT videos, and asking fellow boaters at the marina. It was VERY hard to walk away and leave it the first few times ("Did I leave too much slack? Not enough?")
But the Tideminders really put my mind at ease -- no more worrying that a line would get caught and not let the boat rise with the tide! |
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starcrafttom
Joined: 07 Nov 2003 Posts: 7882 City/Region: marysville
State or Province: WA
C-Dory Year: 1984
C-Dory Model: 27 Cruiser
Vessel Name: to be decided later
Photos: Susan E
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Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2021 9:37 pm Post subject: |
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I got a question. Why are floating docks not used in the south and east. I know small tides but it still seems a good idea. are they that much more to build? _________________ Thomas J Elliott
http://tomsfishinggear.blogspot.com/ |
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daninPA
Joined: 16 Aug 2020 Posts: 238 City/Region: MOUNT JOY
State or Province: PA
C-Dory Year: 1994
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: NAVIRE
Photos: daninPA
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Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2021 9:42 pm Post subject: |
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starcrafttom wrote: | I got a question. Why are floating docks not used in the south and east. I know small tides but it still seems a good idea. are they that much more to build? |
There are a few, but cost of installation and maintenance seems to be the key factor. APG marina used to have floating docks but the retrieval and upkeep costs were too high and so the rebuild took the cheapest approach.
The longtime slip holders complained but not much response. It’s a military post, which mostly just means bureaucracy and lowest bid. |
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