September 8, 2017
Dad!, we should secure Joule...there is a storm a'brewing!! You're right Bonnie, let's get to work!
I broke out the yard anchors - augers, really. As I had done for Hurricane Matthew, I deployed four of these anchors at the four corners of the structure, and then placed one at the bow of Joule.
I ran a dock line through Joule's stem fitting and secured it to one of the anchors.
With the bow line in place, I turned my attention to the remaining four anchors for the structure itself.
Using a short piece of rebar, I "screwed' the 24" anchors into the ground.
That has to be some holding strength!, and I am sure the lines will break before the eye of the anchor fails, or the anchor is pulled from the ground.
Using several dock and halyard lines I had on hand, I began to secure each corner of the structure...
I placed folded towels around the structure posts and supports in order to eliminate chafe on the lines...
I made my way around to each of the four anchors and tied off the structure as best I could. Aside from the anchors I placed into the ground, the structure has 36" bolts that are driven through the base frame roughly every four feet.
After I had the structure secured, I turned my attention to Joule once again. Making my way around the boat, I reset the jack-stands to secure more of Joule's hull - engaging more of the hull above the water line. I then drove four anchors into the ground: two forward, and two aft. I attached heavy-duty ratcheted strapping to these anchors and tightened them down - essentially driving the hull securely onto the jack stands.
With these precautions made, I feel that Joule has the best chance to make it through Irma unscathed. If things go south for Joule....we have bigger problems to deal with!
Spider web in place!
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