Wells Next the Sea

[richardc]

I am planning a trip to Wells next the Sea in the summer and the harbour master has advised that some of the trot mooring are drying, which is not ideal but I am wondering if an LM27 could dry out on sand or mud safely? Has anyone tried this, (intentionally or otherwise) what is the degree of list like or does the vessel stand on the keel which is obviously quite wide at the foot? I am interested to hear of owners experiences.
Richard Carvell

[Sula]

I have 'dried out' in the soft gloopy mud in Gravelines, France, but that doesn't really count as the mud is so soft you effectively float in it, staying upright.

I'll post later a photo I found online of someone dried out in an LM 27, which gives a general idea of the amount of heel involved.

Sorry, I can't work out how to post the photo, but if you go to the following link, scroll down, click on the middle photo, and click on the magnifying glass - www.njuskalo.hr/jedrilice/lm-27-8.35-m-oglas-3724977   

Here's some pics of an LM27 that ran aground on what looks like pebbles, and was expected to get off at the next tide -
penarthnews.wordpress.com/2015/08/15/penarth-lifeboat-checks-out-grounded-pensioners/ 

This suggests to me it's similar to my previous shoal draught long-keeler (a Samphire) which I'd accidentally dried out a couple of times. Once we started going over we got the kettle on, and lay against the cockpit sides once it went right over (to about 25 degrees if I remember correctly) reading or snoozing until the tide came back in again enough to put the kettle back on again. It's surprisingly hard to move around a boat heeling just 25 degrees, but fine if you stay put.

The really important thing is to make sure that there are no rocks, anchors, posts, etc. where you are drying out: these can punch a hole in the hull when the weight of the boat comes on it. (I've experienced that, too, in a friend's boat, but that's another story.) Ideally view the area on the previous low tide to check, but the harbour master at Wells (who has a good reputation) can almost certainly give you informed advice.  

Also close engine etc. intake seacocks to reduce the chances of them becoming clogged with mud (though unlikely).

p.s. It also occurs to me that the bottom at Wells is probably softer than the (presumably sand) in the first photo, so the keel will sink into it a bit and the boat sit a bit (possibly a lot) more upright.

[richardc]

Thanks so much for your detailed and considered reply. The first image is very interesting as the degree of heel is not as extreme as I imagined at all, although I expect this will depend on the nature of the seabed in question to an extent. Debris is obviously an unknown and probably the main hazard, a prior survey would be a good idea as you suggest. I feel much more confident about this now and who knows, it may happen one day unintentionally so best to be prepared.
Thanks again
Richard

[Sula]

Richard, I strongly recommend you ring up the Harbourmaster. He will be able to put your mind at rest, I'm sure, about the nature of the bottom, and whether there are any lumps to be wary of.