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Cane Garden Bay Dinghy Dock...
#7329
04/13/2009 05:03 PM
04/13/2009 05:03 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,588 British Virgin Islands, Caribb...
CaptainRick
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The thread on the breakwall reminded me of something I wanted to put to the forum... Any of us who have frequented the dinghy dock there recently must be aware of how quickly its condition is degrading. What is it going to take to get this dock back into reasonable condition so that it can once again be considered non-destructive to the dinghy's that we so depend on for our source of travel?
I've been going to Cane Garden Bay and tying to that dock for 4 years and never had a single problem even when there was swell... this year my dinghy has been damaged in both my most recent visits, and I'm sorry but if I have to fix my dinghy every time I go there because the dock is falling apart, it's going to end up off my list. I would really hate for that to happen.
It seems like the local community has no interest in repairing it... I guess they get enough business from the cruise ships so we don't make enough difference... I'm not entirely sure, I just know there is a problem, and it seems to me like it should be fairly easy to fix if someone actually addressed it.
Personally, I would even volunteer my own time and possibly some funds to the cause if we could put together a team to nail some new boards onto it and give it some proper cleats... how hard can this be?
The last time I had guests there, I had another boat load of friends that wanted to go ashore for the Happy Hour party, but said they wouldn't chance it because the dock had screws sticking out everywhere from where boards had broken off, and nobody wanted to have to pay the charter companies for dinghy loss or repair... that was only one boat, I can only imagine there are many others of the same opinion.
I'd be interested to know of others experiences and opinions, and I'm certainly willing to put my hand in first to help if there is any kind of interest at all in helping put this dock back in shape enough to keep Cane Garden Bay on our travel list. At least we're coming up on a good season to do it with calmer seas... if we could gather some local volunteers, maybe even the local bars who benefit from the charter boats would help with the cost of materials... Just an idea... Thoughts?
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Re: Cane Garden Bay Dinghy Dock...
[Re: CaptainRick]
#7330
04/13/2009 05:11 PM
04/13/2009 05:11 PM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,530 Ya never know...
HillsideView
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Rick, The swells in January took out those lower protective rails. My son and I pulled them out of the water and pulled them up the beach. They were destroyed by dinks tied to the dock when they shouldn't have been. The trough between swells was low enough to allow dinks under the rails, followed by swells breaking over the top, you get the picture. We were amazed that people were using the dock in those swells, even after being waved off. The 2 typical responses we got were 'It's not ours" or "it's insured". Pulled 2 dinks out from under Quito's. The last set of rails put on there were done by Conservation and Fisheries Dept,(it was a slooooow process). I think realistically, the dock should have at least another leg if not a "tee" put on for both added room but also for those who insist on tying up during swells. (Other option during swells is fuel dock.)
My foot fits right into my shoe and my shoe will fit right into your...
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Re: Cane Garden Bay Dinghy Dock...
[Re: HillsideView]
#7332
04/13/2009 05:21 PM
04/13/2009 05:21 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,588 British Virgin Islands, Caribb...
CaptainRick
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I agree, there are times when you just shouldn't tie up to the dock, problem is you will never stop someone inexperienced from doing it if they don't know any better.
Point is, now the damage is done, and now the dock wreaks havoc on dinghy's even in not so bad conditions. It definitely needs some lower boards replaced to prevent dinghy's from getting locked under it between swells, that will prevent a lot of damage potential on it's own... and putting lots of good cleats out near the end will at least give people something to tie up to that keeps the dinghy's further from where the swells peak into waves about mid-dock. Banging into a dock that has soft sides on it is no problem, but the way it is now is definitely destructive in all but the calmest conditions.
I just don't think it would be that difficult to go in at low tide and screw some new boards down the sides to prevent dinghy's from riding under it, and reinforcing some good cleats topsides so people don't tie to the side boards which in effect rips the boards off whenever the dinghy's pull too hard on them.
I'm no dock expert, but am I wrong in thinking that this could be rectified fairly easily?
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Re: Cane Garden Bay Dinghy Dock...
[Re: CaptainRick]
#7333
04/13/2009 05:24 PM
04/13/2009 05:24 PM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,530 Ya never know...
HillsideView
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We're talking the islands here!
Maybe a letter to the Editor at the BVI Beacon would stir some interest. Especially pointing out A: The cost of a dinghy and B: How much $$$ the passengers in the dink spend.
My foot fits right into my shoe and my shoe will fit right into your...
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Re: Cane Garden Bay Dinghy Dock...
[Re: Orange_Burst]
#7336
04/13/2009 05:28 PM
04/13/2009 05:28 PM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,530 Ya never know...
HillsideView
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Rick, If you are back in CGB, it would be worthwhile to have a chat with Quito and Val at Myetts. Neither get out on the dock very often, but they both certainly know who to contact and would probably thank you for letting them know.
My foot fits right into my shoe and my shoe will fit right into your...
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Re: Cane Garden Bay Dinghy Dock...
[Re: HillsideView]
#7337
04/13/2009 05:43 PM
04/13/2009 05:43 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,588 British Virgin Islands, Caribb...
CaptainRick
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HillsideView said: Rick, If you are back in CGB, it would be worthwhile to have a chat with Quito and Val at Myetts. Neither get out on the dock very often, but they both certainly know who to contact and would probably thank you for letting them know. I think that's a good idea, and I'm in touch with Val on a regular basis... I'm sure if she knew she would probably be able to help in some fashion. But like you said, waiting on any type of governmental red tape to pass judgement, let alone the repairs once approved, would be unbelievably and brutally painfully sloooooooooow! I bet this job could be done by a small crew of volunteers in 1 or 2 afternoons, certainly well enough to make a substantial improvement... And again, I wouldn't be suggesting if I weren't willing to be part of that crew! I love Cane Garden Bay, but how safe my dinghy is has a huge effect on my comfort zone in how long I stay there... just ask Malcolm, he knows I had to miss out on a great invitation last time he was there because one dinghy had already sunk! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />
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Re: Cane Garden Bay Dinghy Dock...
[Re: CaptainRick]
#7338
04/13/2009 05:46 PM
04/13/2009 05:46 PM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,530 Ya never know...
HillsideView
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I'd give you a hand myself, but can't get away until October at the earliest!! Quito even had some lumber off to the side of the deck in March and I'm sure it hasn't gone anywhere.
My foot fits right into my shoe and my shoe will fit right into your...
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Re: Cane Garden Bay Dinghy Dock...
[Re: Jeannius]
#7340
04/13/2009 07:59 PM
04/13/2009 07:59 PM
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,999 Macon, Georgia
GlennA
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Well I can't contribute any labor until May but I do have about a dozen 10" galvanized dock cleats to contribute. Been sitting in the shop for about 20 years but they don't spoil. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. - Mark Twain
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Re: Cane Garden Bay Dinghy Dock...
[Re: GlennA]
#7341
04/13/2009 08:06 PM
04/13/2009 08:06 PM
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Joined: Mar 2008
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HillsideView
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Aren't you using those to secure Rutu to the building? SOMETHING is certainly keeping her tied up!
My foot fits right into my shoe and my shoe will fit right into your...
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Re: Cane Garden Bay Dinghy Dock...
[Re: Jeannius]
#7345
04/13/2009 11:40 PM
04/13/2009 11:40 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
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CaptainRick
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Jeannius said: I'm willing to help with labour Rick.
I always use a stern anchor now to keep my dinghy from going under but I know that isn't an option for most. Anyway, using a stern anchor also has its problems as someone has run over my painter with their outboard and nearly severed it! And thanks for the offer Mike, stay in touch and I'm sure we'll figure something out. Thanks to the forum for suggestions so far, look forward to hearing anything others!
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Re: Cane Garden Bay Dinghy Dock...
[Re: Tortola_Lola]
#7347
04/14/2009 12:02 AM
04/14/2009 12:02 AM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,588 British Virgin Islands, Caribb...
CaptainRick
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Tortola_Lola said: We'll be on island first two weeks in June. If you need manpower, let me know. Hubby always looking for projects that make a difference.
Tortola Lola
P.S. Lucky need pellets or toys? If so, let me know by May 28. And thanks to you too Lola... so far Lucky is ok, I brought down a 12lb bag of pellets and a new swing and toy for her when I was in Canada last... now I'm still just working on finding a new cage! lol
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Re: Cane Garden Bay Dinghy Dock...
[Re: abouis]
#7348
04/14/2009 12:28 AM
04/14/2009 12:28 AM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,452 Branson, MO.
rlsmith54
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Not sure I understood what Abouis was saying. Bottom line is that CGB's dinghy dock is dangerous and needs repair. It really doesn't matter what the sea conditions are, the dock must remain safe. CGB is a wonderful place to visit, be it by land or sea, it is very desirable to many visitors. There should be no debate over the repairs. Good on ya Rick for wanting to do something about it. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />
Trawler Trash Randy
Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting, "...Holy Chit...What a Ride!"
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Re: Cane Garden Bay Dinghy Dock...
[Re: CaptainRick]
#7351
04/14/2009 08:45 AM
04/14/2009 08:45 AM
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Anonymous
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CaptainRick said: It seems like the local community has no interest in repairing it... I guess they get enough business from the cruise ships so we don't make enough difference... I thought all the businesses in CGB hated the cruise ships because the people don't buy anything? Why wouldn't (or shouldn't) the charter companies take on maintaining the dinghy dock?
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Re: Cane Garden Bay Dinghy Dock...
#7352
04/14/2009 09:53 AM
04/14/2009 09:53 AM
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Joined: Jan 2008
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CaptainRick
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That's a good question, I didn't really think the local area got much from the ships either... but the fact remains that as far as I know, we here are the only ones talking about it, and if anyone there does know of the condition of the dock, they haven't made any move to do anything about it. They always say if you want something done... do it yourself. So I guess, we'll see if somehow we can make a difference here. I'll continue to try and generate interest this weekend if possible, but there's always more strength in numbers.
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Re: Cane Garden Bay Dinghy Dock...
[Re: IslandJim]
#7358
04/14/2009 10:29 AM
04/14/2009 10:29 AM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,452 Branson, MO.
rlsmith54
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IslandJim said:ok then... I'm in. That was easy ! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />
Trawler Trash Randy
Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting, "...Holy Chit...What a Ride!"
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Re: Cane Garden Bay Dinghy Dock...
[Re: rlsmith54]
#7359
04/14/2009 12:45 PM
04/14/2009 12:45 PM
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Joined: Mar 2008
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HillsideView
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With the BVI Tourism Board trying to find "new markets", it is a shame they don't look into their existing clientele and do whatever is necessary to maintain important facilities AND they clients they serve. More spendable dollars per person cross that dinghy dock than the cruise pier. Maybe Mr Walwyn will drop by and take a look one day.
My foot fits right into my shoe and my shoe will fit right into your...
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Re: Cane Garden Bay Dinghy Dock...
[Re: SusanC]
#7361
04/14/2009 01:04 PM
04/14/2009 01:04 PM
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SusanC said: The bridge from the money in my wallet to the pockets of the CGB merchants is that dock. Excellent metaphor... I like it! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" /> Well, who knows, maybe somebody will start listening, and realize that if I have to keep one eye on the dinghy at the dock all night, I'm not likely going to recommend to my guests to stay too long if it risks losing our ride home! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />
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Re: Cane Garden Bay Dinghy Dock...
[Re: SusanC]
#7362
04/14/2009 01:19 PM
04/14/2009 01:19 PM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 204 Newfoundland, Canada
NewfieSailor
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SusanC said: The bridge from the money in my wallet to the pockets of the CGB merchants is that dock. Exactly. Crew of 4-8 off a charter boat ashore for dinner and drinks via that dock = a good chunk of change for a business there. It is the access point for that business.
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Re: Cane Garden Bay Dinghy Dock...
[Re: NewfieSailor]
#7363
04/14/2009 02:51 PM
04/14/2009 02:51 PM
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CaptainRick
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Yes, and my last guests were really partiers... don't even want to know what they spent in CGB that night! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> But having said that, that was the also the night I filmed Kapeye's last performance as seen here... Happy Hour Video And also the last time I was there and when my dinghy got punctured again, and why I started this thread! Not only that, there was a lot of TTOL'ers there and I'm sure some of them walked their wallets down that dock too! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />
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Re: Cane Garden Bay Dinghy Dock...
[Re: CaptainRick]
#7364
04/14/2009 03:37 PM
04/14/2009 03:37 PM
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Anonymous
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I know someone fell and injured humself on Sunday night as a reslult of missing planks. There is a new Music fest comittee this year as the govt is now running the fest. There are representatives of all the cgb businesses and government involved and this is the best hope for getting it fixed..I would be very surprisd if something wasnt done before the fest
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Re: Cane Garden Bay Dinghy Dock...
[Re: CaptainRick]
#7366
04/14/2009 03:59 PM
04/14/2009 03:59 PM
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Just a thought...
Sounds like one of the main sources of the problem is negligent and/or incompetent charterers tying up their dinghies when they shouldn't. If local businesses, government, and/or volunteers fix the dock now, how long before the next round of knuckleheads cause it to be damaged again? Seems to me that the charter companies should be involved and ought to be given an incentive (positive or negative) to do a better job at screening and/or training charterers.
The charter companies have the most to gain from the BVI being a safe, comfortable, and fun place to charter a boat. They shouldn't get a free ride.
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Re: Cane Garden Bay Dinghy Dock...
#7367
04/14/2009 04:11 PM
04/14/2009 04:11 PM
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 293 Redondo Beach, CA
cpMike
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Hmm...wasn't the dock damaged by storm waves? Water is a much stronger force of nature than an inflated bit of vinyl. Maybe dinghies pried the boards loose, but if the dock was maintained properly, the dock would have just shredded the dinks instead.
Last edited by cpMike; 04/14/2009 04:13 PM.
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