By Semiahmoo Marina Staff
Recently we were given a little reminder of what mother nature can do do a docked boat. More than one roller furling was seen ripped to shreds as its loose threads flapped in the after breeze reminding other boaters of what can happen. Here are a few reminders you might want to take into consideration before leaving your boat for the season.
In preparing your mooring lines, always provide ample line for the size vessel , with adequate chafe protection. We always suggest doubling lines in case your primary line chafes through and adding snubbers. Leaving emergency lines readily available on board, is also a good idea.
In the past , many head-sails have been damaged due to unfurling in high winds. Mother nature seems to know how to unfurl even the most secure and tightly wrapped sails. Trying to secure sails that have unfurled during a storm, can be a death defying feat. Usually, by the time the sail has been re-secured, it has destroyed itself. Removing sails during this time of year, especially for those who plan on leaving the area, can prove to be much easier and cheaper, in the long run.
Please remove all loose materials from the dock. Remember the only allowable item on your finger are your boarding steps, and these are highly susceptible to being blown into the harbor. All your other items should be stored in your dock box, on board, or taken home.
Anchor didn’t hold! (Photo: Vicki Day)
Dinghies should be stored ashore or placed on deck to avoid having them fill with water and sink. Dinghy boards are not designed to hold 300 pound tenders filled with 500 pounds of water. Covering your dinghy stored right side up, has also proven to be a really poor idea. Covers invariably fail and Mother Nature wins again. We will be glad to store your dinghy on the racks in the work yard for $15 per month. This is well worth the peace of mind you’ll have.
Trailers are not be stored in the parking lot area or in the field beside the parking area. Please make other arrangements to store these.
Semiahmoo Marina offers a boat watch service. This program includes exterior check of boat and lines. Please see our website www.semiahmoomarina.com or call the office for more information or to sign up..