Chafe Update

Frankfort to Manistee, Manistee to Pentwater, Pentwater to Whitelake, Whitelake to Holland . . . Some were comfortable runs, others not. The weather is changing with more west winds of both the southern and northern variety. We know that at this time of year it makes sense to cross to the west side of the lake up north, and travel to Chicago on the lee, and therefore more comfortable shore. But we like Michigan and are reluctant to leave.

Michigan’s harbors are part of river and/or lake systems. This is unlike Wisconsin and Illinois ports that are attached to the coast; this, and the fact that the wind blows from the west, means that the western shore offers calmer seas and therefore placid harbors. In Michigan any combination of a west wind makes the lakes and rivers surge. The lake flows into them and meets an out flowing current that has nowhere to go, and hence it goes up and down and so do we.

We rock on all axes: x, y and z. It can get exciting and leads to much consternation about how to tie to the dock or slip. In Holland I had seven lines out and could have used more if I could have only reached the post on my port rear quarter. It was too far away and so I made due with what I could reach.

Rocking, rolling and yawing also creates chafe. Dock lines have disintegrated before my eyes, so once Carrie Rose is secured I begin the task of adding chafe protection. As with most things in boating every captain has their preferred method and device. I inherited approximately eight foot long stiff white tubes with overlapping slits that run the length, and if that is not enough detail for you, difficult to get at holes in each end for fishing through securing lines. These shoelace like lines are necessary because the movement that eats the dock lines will move the tubes to one side (and eat the dock lines) if they are not secured.

Needless to say once this is accomplished we’d rather not leave the harbor for a few days. It is nice to have a day to recover and that is a story for another day.

Sunset in Frankfort, MI

Ridding the boat of these is my first task each morning

Whitelake smoking at dawn

Holland's inner lighthouse