Mooring N20

Posted By: Tim Mertinooke
Date: 11/13/06 5:57p.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: Rudder (pic) (Mark N, Nimble Arctic, Jax FL)

My mooring is on the Merrimack River which has very strong currents (9 foot tides.) The mooring itself is located on the north side about two miles from the ocean. It is well protected in a good blow. The other side of the river however is not. My boat was one of three in the water a couple years ago in May when a nor'easter came through lasting four days. The winds topped 60 mph at a weather station one mile from my mooring. My little Ty was pitching and rolling exactly the way Carl Alberg designed her too and she faired very well with no damage with the exception of my binoculars that fell off the shelf down below. Of the three boats that were moored at the time, one broke free and sunk after hitting the aptly named half tide rocks. It was a Pearson 36 and it was totalled. This is not a common occurance here in Mass., but I would be comforted to know that an N20 would be just as safe taking care of itself as my little Ty. If the rudder is lashed, I would imagine that there would be no problem. From what I have hears, the gudgeons and pintles are a little light, and my guess is that I would replace them with a more substantial setup. There are some manufacturers that I have investigated that make heavy duty bronze ones that I imagine could be retrofitted on an N20. I am excited about the possibility of getting one in the near future, but I must admit it may be hard to let my Ty go. I truly believe it is the most seaworthy boat I've seen in the 18 foot range. The problem like I mentioned in an earlier post is that the cabin is spartan and won't do for a small family. Do these boats moor well if there is a 1-3 foot chop or is an N20 not up for the challenge? Advice from those with experience in this area would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Tim Click these to see what my future boat may go through: Note the Submerged boat in the background. http://www.saillesson.com/images/Typhoon1.jpg http://www.saillesson.com/images/Typhoon2.jpg http://www.saillesson.com/images/Typhoon3.jpg http://www.saillesson.com/images/Typhoon4.jpg