Tying up your kayak at a chickee?

[Michael Waldman]

Can anyone please explain what is the best way to secure your kayak at a chickee for the night? If anyone has any pictures that might help? Having only explored the beach campsites and only daytripped to Hell's bay, I am now ready to overnight at a chickee!

 

Thanks,

 

Mike

[Xavier Becquer]

hull slap can be loud at times if you leave the boat in the water. every situation will be different, but try to keep the bow to the wind for a quiet nights sleep. I think the best solution is just to lift the boat onto the platform for a worry free night.

[Connie Mier]

You're going to love it!

If possible (no one on the other platform), here is one way, tying up to both chickee platforms.  You could also tie one end somewhere along the walkway between the chickees if the other platform is not available.

[Michael Waldman]

How long of ropes do you use? And just leave slack for the tidal change?

I am looking forward to it!

 

Thanks

 

Mike

[Connie Mier]

Michael, those are 15 ft ropes and a little slack is good, amount depending on location

[toofaraway]

nice picture connie, where's the gator? ;)

[0uopvm9p50xla]

Hey Mike

This story will come as no surprise to the vets....My first night camping in the islands (and only so far) was in a 19ft Mako center console. We parked at Pavilion key in the evening. I threw out a couple of anchors and we set up camp on top of the key where the land leveled off a bit. In the middle of the night I heard a curious noise and peeked out of the tent. The water, which was a goodly distance away when we set up, was now lapping just a few feet from our tent. My mind went immediately to the boat. I grabbed a light and started shining. Fortunately I had left a decent amount of scope and she was floating high and dry but seemed very far away.

 

In the morning I awoke at daylight and peeked out to see the boat heeled over and sitting on dry ground! I just shook my head and grabbed my rod to try for some snook. I walked down to a cut and was met with what looked like a bathtub sized splash. I looked at my piddly little snook rod and went back up and got the grouper rod and grabbed a chunk of ladyfish. Within minutes I was hooked up to at least a #150 lb tarpon that made serious fun of me and my 60lb test. Hard to "bow" to the king with a 5ft grouper rod. Well, that's my story and I'm stickin to it!

[Connie Mier]

Hi TFA, it always amazes me when someone can play "identify that chickee" and win! Congratulations! The gator, affectionately known as rodger, is resting calmly below Vivian's canoe.

[toofaraway]

Rodger is going to eat someone someday I'm afraid.  Not that it will be his fault.  I'm sure he gets fed by visitors.

[0t73cottr5dsg]

Aw, man. That's a real nice picture!

[1n0x8zwu8zl3t]

Great post.  Im new to the site and plan to do the www this winter in my new P&H cetus.  Im used to sit on top yaks but look forward to the speed of this fast sit in side.  Im alittle nervous about trying to exit to the chickee being alittle tippy?  any advise.

[0uopvm9p50xla]

One of the gals, Vivian or Kim have some pics of tying your boat to the chickee to steady it. I knew who it was but now I forgot. Stuff just starts going downhill after the big 50 but I digress...... Anyway, It was very helpful. Both are very nice and if you ask them I'm sure you will get some help.

[Kim Gass]

Mastertangler maybe you are thinking of this?

http://gladesgodeep.ning.com/forum/topics/chickee-platform-easier-a...

 

Its for sure not from me.. and I appreciate Vivian's input.Shamefacedly I realize its the same approach we take to boarding float planes mid lake in Canada.