[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
RE: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Fort Pierce - Boat Ramp
Hi Jon,
Thanks for the legwork. Snoopy would need a tow probably even from ramp
#2, but on the bright side virtually any surface craft can tow a K-250
so long as there are no currents. Even an inflatable with a small
outboard. There are two things I'd caution about. First, if we rent
something like a pontoon boat we are likely to find a clause written
into the rental agreement that forbids towing. Second, could we find out
if there are any tidal currents in that channel? I once had a rather
hair raising experience trying to tow Snoopy under a bridge that looks
just like the one in the satellite image.
I know Jim is planning to attend. Do we have any other subs? I'm in a
pretty frantic race to complete my refit in time.
Thanks,
Alec
The contents of this e-mail are intended for the named addressee only. It contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the named addressee or an authorized designee, you may not copy or use it, or disclose it to anyone else. If you received it in error please notify us immediately and then destroy it.
From: owner-personal_submersibles@psubs.org
[mailto:owner-personal_submersibles@psubs.org] On Behalf Of Jon Wallace
Sent: Monday, May 17, 2010 1:53 AM
To: personal_submersibles@psubs.org
Subject: Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Fort Pierce - Boat Ramp
Jim and others,
I've placed boat ramp info and potential dive sites on the 2010
convention area under "Dive Operations".
http://www.psubs.org/convention/2010
http://www.psubs.org/convention/2010/diveloc
I've included links to charts and satellite photos of the area with the
ramps and dive site superimposed in black/red. I've also included links
to a couple of web pages that provide photos of the ramp areas. If you
look at NOAA charts for the area you will see what we are up against in
terms of diving in the local area, which is that the water depth
surrounding the inlet is primarily between 3-4 feet deep at low tide
with only a 2.5 foot average rise in water depth at high tide. It's
pretty hard to dive a submarine with a four foot draft in 5 feet of
water.
Fortunately, there are two areas within a reasonable distance of public
boat ramps where we can get into 21-25 feet of water (see the Dive Site
Charts and Satellite images I've posted at the web pages above). Ramp
#1 looks like the best place to load/unload subs, but is the furthest
away from the dive sites. NOAA charts show it having 8 feet of water at
low tide and I have confirmed this depth with a local contact. Dive
site #1 is about 500-600 yards from Ramp #1, with Dive site #2 another
500 yards or so further beyond. My assumption (sub owners please
confirm) is that Ramp #1 will require that we tow subs to the dive
spots.
Ramp #2 is close enough to Dive site #1 and #2 that we may not require a
tow at all. The bad news is that the NOAA chart shows the launch area
only having 3 feet of water at low tide. The good news is that after
talking to a local contact who said this launch area is dredged
regularly, we believe it may be deep enough for sub launching BUT we
need to confirm this asap.
For reference, the SandHurst hotel which most of us will be staying at,
is about 2 miles across the bridge (east, to the right) that is shown in
the chart and satellite photo. While there are some public ramps closer
to the hotel, the water depths there appear to be only 2-3 feet and
unsuitable for launch/recovery.
If sub towing is necessary we have a couple of options. The first is to
rent a couple of pontoon boats and do the towing ourselves. The second
is to look into a towing service. A local contact has suggested the
latter and is going to look at costs for us. The advantage is plenty of
"towing" power. Those of us who want to observe dive operations up
close will still need to rent boats so we can hover topside, if the tow
vessel cannot take passengers.
We have made contact with local divers who are willing to join us and
provide some safety services for us.
For starters, please review the links listed at the top of this message
for specific information about the ramps and dive sites.
Jon
************************************************************************
************************************************************************
************************************************************************
The personal submersibles mailing list complies with the US Federal
CAN-SPAM Act of 2003. Your email address appears in our database
because either you, or someone you know, requested you receive messages
from our organization.
If you want to be removed from this mailing list simply click on the
link below or send a blank email message to:
removeme-personal_submersibles@psubs.org
Removal of your email address from this mailing list occurs by an
automated process and should be complete within five minutes of our
server receiving your request.
PSUBS.ORG
PO Box 53
Weare, NH 03281
603-529-1100
************************************************************************
************************************************************************
************************************************************************
************************************************************************
************************************************************************
************************************************************************
The personal submersibles mailing list complies with the US Federal
CAN-SPAM Act of 2003. Your email address appears in our database
because either you, or someone you know, requested you receive messages
from our organization.
If you want to be removed from this mailing list simply click on the
link below or send a blank email message to:
removeme-personal_submersibles@psubs.org
Removal of your email address from this mailing list occurs by an
automated process and should be complete within five minutes of
our server receiving your request.
PSUBS.ORG
PO Box 53
Weare, NH 03281
603-529-1100
************************************************************************
************************************************************************
************************************************************************