Using the half shelf in Sunderland marina.

[Ankle-Biter]

After spending the sunny weekend painting the Coquet Lady from a dingy, I might add it was a nightmare and painted the dingy as much as the Coquet Lady, its time to do the bottom of the boat.

I was going to use the half shelf, and I asked the lad next to me what it was like. he said it was a nightmare.

He said the following.
1 The boat would have to rest on the wall,and this can damage the boat.
2 This means you can only paint one half of the boat
3. As the tide goes goes down the boat will "slap" the bottom of the half shelf.
4 Be careful your boat does not roll over, it wil need to be braced.
5 I cant do it on my own it needs at least two people.

Anyone used the half shelf at Sunderland? What was it like? Any advice.

Anyone want to give me a hand

Cheers Alan

[mark]

not that one but dried a few boaties out over the years

its not that bad, the worst bit is defiantely when it takes the bottom and can slap a few times if there's any swell, not good in plastic boat. some drying shelves have wooden sleepers on the bottom which are much softer on the boats nethers

plenty fenders/tyres on the side that is going hard to stops and hull damage as it leans on the wall

a big plsatic drum or 2 depending how big the boat is, placed on the side of the boat that is going to lean against the wall. fill them with water. It will give the boat a list against the wall, once its dried out it won't fall over.

once dry, tighten the mooring lines fore and aft and it'll be solid enough

[volante]

Hi Alan,
I have used the half tide shelf a few times and no problems at all.
Check the forecast and if there is going to be any swell in the river just leave it for another day otherwise your boat will be bouncing off the bottom . I would also advise you to go and check the shelf the night before as the marina security have a habit of dragging all the really large driftwood into there, you dont want your boat sitting down on that stuff. I always lift my fenders inboard and let the boat slide down on the gunwhale rubbers, not a problem. You could take a couple of tyres and put them midships and that might allow you to get both sides of the boat.
You need to be going on the shelf 6-7am high water, just remember the later you go on the later you get off.

Dave.

PS- Check the water and electrics are working on the top if you need them and take plenty of good rope, not the GPO stuff !!!!!!

[Ankle-Biter]

Many thanks Chaps, Its got to be done.

[leckytech]

Anyone want to give me a hand

Cheers Alan

I would be able to give you some help if you need it. Dunno much about boat maintenance, well the electrical side i do , but more than willing if you can wait until after 7th May when I get home just live up the road. I realise thats a bit in the future but the offers there if you need it.

Paul

[Ankle-Biter]

I would be able to give you some help if you need it. Dunno much about boat maintenance, well the electrical side i do , but more than willing if you can wait until after 7th May when I get home just live up the road. I realise thats a bit in the future but the offers there if you need it.

Paul

Thanks Paul, I will be in touch. The time scale might not be problem.