Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Boats on the Docks
A very big difference in the small harbours of Georgian Bay compared to many others across the southern U.S. or up the west coast of the continent is that the boats here have to be lifted out of the water for the winter so that they won't be damaged by ice. So you see lots of boats sitting on the docks instead of in the water.
The Ray Loe was the largest boat I saw sitting up on the dock for the winter. It's used as a cruise boat running out of the harbour during the summer, offering small local cruises.
Behind it the big gantry they use for lifting the boats out (and launching them again in the spring) was sitting. It's sitting on a boat slip built for the task, so boats can sail right in to the lowered support belts and be lifted up. The gantry then drives slowly to place the boat down while it is supported so it doesn't fall over.
These sailboats were sitting on the far dock where they were waiting out the winter with their cables snapping in the wind. You can see how they sit upright, but only do so with the supports underneath. Otherwise they would be standing on their keel and keel right over!
There were piles of floating docks sitting waiting for spring. Docks can get damaged by ice just as boats do.
But one owner is leaving his ship in the water. I'm guessing that the W.H.Wheeler is a fishing tug, though there aren't many of them left on Georgian Bay. You can see behind it that they've left the docks in this area in the water too.
And I managed to snap another picture of that small light tower across his bow.
Here's a closer look. This time I definitely did catch the red light as it flashed.
And of course there was still at least one life ring hanging out, just in case.
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The same is done here on the Canal; boats are removed. One is spending the winter in one of the locks with similar supports beneath, since the locks are empty of water
ReplyDeleteInteresting! I never thought about it, but it's true you can't leave ships in the water when it starts to freeze. We rarely have freezing temps here, and our rivers never freeze, so it's something I've never considered.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos - love the one of the light, knowing how hard it is to capture a flashing light. Here in the Pacific Northwest many boats are brought out of the water in the winter - not because of the chance of freezing, but I think because it is cheaper to store them on land than to pay the berthing fees at the local docks. I've seen some boats that have been in storage for several years, makes you wonder why they even keep the boats if they don't use them.
ReplyDeleteSomething we don't have to do down here, lots of work for any boatie, but a lovely series of photos and great explanation. Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteThat's fascinating - never really thought about it. And love the photos! A couple of them might look very effective in black and white too.
ReplyDeleteSuch a fascinating difference from the life I live in sheltered woods and open meadows. Even without the surrounding snow and ice that water looks cold. Thank you for so beautifully sharing a slice of your life.
ReplyDeleteIt is probably a good idea to pull the boats out of the water to take better care of them.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos ! It is lovely and sunny here today but cold snow falling for us tomorrow ! Thanks for sharing , Have a good day !
ReplyDeleteMost everyone here takes their docks and boats out of the water for the winter. Definitely the boats (except the big carferrry!)
ReplyDeleteGreat shot of the Rayloe! Lots of docks up out of the water around the smaller lakes in our area too. I don't remember seeing boats up on docks around here though, they are usually in a fenced area with their covers on the keep them protected.
ReplyDeleteIt makes sense that most would take those boats out of the water. Very interesting to learn how this is done! :-)
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