Boat sitting on mud? Beware?

[FREDDYPD]

I have an opportunity to get a boat slip in my area. (they are very hard to come by here) The problem I see is that I am told that 2 hours before and after low tide, boats have a diffcult if not impossible time getting out into the open water or getting back to dock. I am even being told that at extreme low tides the boat may sit on the mud! The price seems to be decent ($40/ft season) and I am being told they might dredge in 2 or 3 years. Should I give it a try? I like trailering, mywife would like to try a season of dock space......any suggestions? I have a 21' sea ray walkaround.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Boat sitting on mud? Beware?

I guess I don't have to remind you of that outdrive and what could happen if that boat is sitting in the mud with all the pressure on the outdrive. Even trimmed all the way up, it still could cause issues with leverage on the transom.

In my mind, I wouldn't do it unless I could put a manual lift in the space so the boat could be free from sitting in the mud. I suppose you could just get the boat out of the slip during an extreme low tide, but how much fun would it be trying to keep up with that?

 

[stevieray]

Re: Boat sitting on mud? Beware?

Another thing to think about is that you would have to paint the bottom & outdrive with antifoulant if you are going to leave it in for any length of time. If you don't, you would not believe the amount of growth build-up you will get (unless you pull it out periodically to clean - then you might as well keep trailering). A bare bottom also will be more prone to blister than a properly barrier-coated & painted one.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Boat sitting on mud? Beware?

it's been said, besides the additional up keep, the muds a hassle, had a sail boat, we use to have to rock to get the sediment away from the keel. sometimes it was a no go.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Boat sitting on mud? Beware?

It (the motor) ain't gonna corrode if you flush it and keep it on a trailer. It's gonna corrode in the water no matter what cuz you ain't gonna flush it. In the water you're lucky to get 5 years out of it. Trailered and flushed it can last decades.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Boat sitting on mud? Beware?

Take a shovel and some kids and go down on a minus tide day and dig it out. Lot of work and you may have to do it a couple of times but it can be done if allowed.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Boat sitting on mud? Beware?

That sounds like a Slip that I wouldn't pay $4.00@ft. for,......Muchless $40.00@ft.....

 

[FREDDYPD]

Re: Boat sitting on mud? Beware?

Thanks for all your advice. That is surely how I feel about the whole thing, but I was hoping someone on this forum would have a positive response for my wife's sake.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Boat sitting on mud? Beware?

Ok, get a lift and only use the boat when the tide is in your favor. Don't know what lifts cost but it has to be staggering along with the $40 per foot you are looking at some cash.

Makr

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Boat sitting on mud? Beware?

It would have to be a sling lift. Does anybody make those anymore? Anything with a structure under the boat will make it impossible to get the boat off during anything lower than high tide.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Boat sitting on mud? Beware?

here our slips are running $200 MO, up to 25'. so $810 for the season is not bad. if you are using the boat like 3 to 4 times a week, the usage will help clean out the slip. at high tide, with the boat secured start the engine, and put it in gear, let the prop wash clean it out, the flush the engine. if the slip has fresh water available, you can put muffs on and flush the engine after use. it's a little trick in the water but can be done.

 

[FREDDYPD]

Re: Boat sitting on mud? Beware?

I am definitely not investing in a lift. Not even sure if that would be allowed. The area that I am talking about used to be home to 2 yacht clubs that have gone out of business and have been taken over by the State. This is the first year and there was a lottery for the slips. There are so many unknown factors such as security, electric and fresh water availability.
Thanks for all your responses!

 

[cjones4@hvc.rr.com]

Re: Boat sitting on mud? Beware?

In my opinion (and in support of your better half), the benefits of being in a slip will outweigh the mud issues. In a slip you will use the boat much more frequently, maybe even just hang out without leaving the slip sometimes. Once you are in maybe you will get priority if a deeper water slip opens up. I suggest you give it a try for a season. Anything that can add to the wife's enjoyment of the boat is worth a try.

 

[tommays]

Re: Boat sitting on mud? Beware?

You near Kings Park ?

If so there is SO much time you will NOT be able to use the boat and the stink and the bugs

It took 10 years of BS just so the main channel can be dredged in the spring so you can pass at low tide

Tommays

 

[Bondo]

Re: Boat sitting on mud? Beware?

gone out of business and have been taken over by the State.

You near Kings Park ?
If so there is SO much time you will NOT be able to use the boat and the stink and the bugs
It took 10 years of BS just so the main channel can be dredged in the spring so you can pass at low tide
Tommays

Ayuh,........
And,... With our new King Idiot Spitzter,.......
You can Bet,..
That there Won't be any Fund$ left over for the State Parks System...........:'(

 

[jtexas]

Re: Boat sitting on mud? Beware?

you don't need a lift to keep it out of the mud, nor shovels...just some straps permanently affixed to the pilings to keep her a foot or so off the bottom. Allow for stretching. or some trailer bunks on a frame attached to the pilings a foot off the bottom.

 

[FREDDYPD]

Re: Boat sitting on mud? Beware?

Thank you all for your responses. I sent in my deposit. I will give it a try. If I don't like it, back on the trailer it goes! I will miss flushing it out out home, working on it in the driveway, and being able to go out low tide or high tide. My wife is very excited about it, so I want to try it out for her.

 

[stevieray]

Re: Boat sitting on mud? Beware?

What are you going to do about painting the bottom?

 

[FREDDYPD]

Re: Boat sitting on mud? Beware?

Great question, glad you asked. The boat was painted spring 2006 and was used about 10 times. I trailered and hosed it off every time. Can I get away with not painting it this season?

 

[DJ]

Re: Boat sitting on mud? Beware?

Can I get away with not painting it this season?

Yes.

Will you like the clean up? NO!

Paint it. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.