GL: Tug 44 mud berth

[M S]

Can it be done without hurting the boat? Sure. Can it be done with minimal
effort and cost (compared to the hassle of getting the boat hauled)? Maybe,
maybe not.
 
1) How soft is the mud? If it is fairly firm and just a solid fiberglass keel
will sink in a few inches, it should be fine. If it will sink in more than a
foot or so, there is the chance of freeze thaw forces. Even then, the rounded
shape of the hull will tend to slide up with any compression forces. The
railroad ties or even some 6 foot lengths of 2x10 should keep most of the hull
out of the mud (extremely soft mud could still be a problem).
 
2) How strong is the dock and can you tie off to it solidly? Most docks I see
probably aren't strong enough. A better but probably more expensive option
would be to pay a diver to build a cradle under the boat while it is in the
water. A little expensive and probably too late this year, but a boat lift
would solve the problem and have other benefits.
 
3) Will the boat sit level? Unlike when you block the boat on land you cant
raise the bow a little so everything drains to the scuppers. If you have a
diver build a cradle you could probably adjust for it.
 
I doubt there would be major damage even if she just sinks into the mud a foot
or so. As mentioned, clear out the thru hulls and expect the bottom paint  to
be worn off in areas (there will be shifting and while it likely won't crush
the hull, once frozen the rock hard mud will scrape and scratch anywhere there
is movement).
 
If I had time to think it out and set things up ahead of time, I would go for
it. If it is a last second fall back plan, I would be nervous about forgetting
something.
 
Mike & Tammy
Valhalla II (Gemini 3400)