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!
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!