On the Hard in Juneau

Under Wraps for the WinterI think I have mentioned this before that winters in SE Alaska are hard on boats. Most remain moored at a slip in a harbor such as Harris, Aurora or Auke Bay in the Juneau area or at marinas in communities such as Hoonah, Kake, Wrangell, Petersburg, or Ketchikan. You double your dock ties, drain your water systems and leave your boat connected to shore power with interior heaters.  That is about all you can do except worry. Come spring you lift your boat out, pressure wash the bottom and change the zincs and de-winterize.

In 2014, Juneau Docks and Harbors completed a $10 million commercial boat loading facility that included a haul out ramp and dry land storage for about 13 vessels. There is a Sea Lift capable of handling up to 35 tons. The dry slips are available on a first come basis and shore power is available. I was lucky enough to rent a slot and went the extra mile to have the Nordic Quest shrink wrapped to avoid problems from ice and snow build up.

About Fred Cooper

Alaska resident at the time of statehood; retired professional civil engineer and for 35 years owner of an engineering company; firmer owner and skipper of the Nordic Quest; author, avid fisherman and world traveler. Lives with his wife and their water-loving standard schnauzer in Portland, Oregon.
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