Drying Grids
We have refined our procedures and customer briefings for the Hoodown and Dartmouth Drying Grids.
Dart Harbour has introduced an administration charge for all vessel drying out. Only those who have completed the compulsory safety briefing and are booked should plan to use the grid or the beach area (north of the grid). Anyone berthing and drying out in these areas without permission, risks being moved off the wall, will be in contravention of bye-laws and will most likely find that their insurance is void. Please follow the rules and if you are in any doubt please contact the Harbour Office on 01803 832337.
Those wishing to use the grid should plan to dry out during Dart Harbour working hours. Outside working hours an additional charge will apply to cover staff costs.
If you would like to book one of these facilities please contact the harbour office to make the necessary arrangements.
Please note these procedures and briefings include all vessels drying on the embankment.
The briefing and precautions work well for both grids as long as the master/owner has a good knowledge of the keel design and can position their vessel correctly on the horizontal splines on the bottom of the grid.
Please note the grids are unsuitable for fin keels and those vessels with short keels (from front to back). In these cases, we will direct owners to dry the vessel out on the beach north of the Dartmouth Grid.
The most important aspect of drying out is that owners, masters, and crew all remain safe throughout the process. Even proficient masters/owners have experienced difficulties, but so far Dart Harbour has been able to offer assistance that has prevented personal injury or damage to vessels. Being able to control the angle of the boat (list and pitch) is often critical when things do not go to plan so it is crucial that you can call on Harbour Staff to provide assistance if required.
