[Sentoa] 26 on a Tidal Grid?

[Charles E. Billings]

Hi Mike,
    If you're using an actual "tidal grid"  with concrete or wood beams running athwatships, on which the keel will rest, as well as pilings (good and solid) to which one can secure the piling side of the tug, it's not a huge or dangerous job.   The key is this - when you position the tug next to the pilings, be sure that you have a bit more weight on the piling side of the tug, so that it leans just slightly on the pilings - not too much, just enough so that there is a slight list toward the pilings.   If your tug naturally sits level in the water with nobody aboard, and you're the only one aboard when you tie up starboard side too, just your weight on the starboard side may be enough to give you that little bit of "lean".   If there are two of you aboard, both should be on the starboard side if that's the side to which you are securing the tug to the pilings.   Additionally, you would want to make absolutely certain that the tug is well secured against the pilings (or pier, whatever is next to the grid).   Do not secure the tug too tightly as the tide drops, but wait until the keel bottoms on the support beams, then tighten the lines.   You do NOT want the tug to be leaning away from the pilings.
    We had a tidal grid at the club for a long time, but when we put in the "new pier" (as the old timers call it, perhaps 20 years ago) to the marina, the DNR required us remove the pilings next to the grid, essentially making the grid useless.   We do have our own marine railway though, but it was nice to have the grid available  for quick and easy zinc change-outs, and inspections of the underside of our boats.
    If you have a grid at your marina, or one nearby, check with other boaters in your area who may have used the grid, for suggestions and perhaps some volunteer assistance.   Good luck.   As I said, it's not really a complicated process.
Happy tuggin',
Charlie Billings
NOBSKA, 32-057
Bremerton YC, WA

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Mike Pedersen 
  To: South East Nordic Tugs Owners' Association (SENTOA) 
  Sent: Monday, July 06, 2009 3:22 PM
  Subject: [Sentoa] 26 on a Tidal Grid?


  Anyone have experience of placing their tug on a tidal grid?  I see some good tides coming up the week of the 19th and would like to check some zincs.

  Any and all recommendations welcome.

  Mike Pedersen
  NORTHERN SPY
  26-028
  Powell River, BC


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