How can I reach my boat when the tide is out and its on the mud?

Question

Is there an alternative to waiting for the tide to come in to reach my yacht, like special shoes to walk in the mud? Do such things exist? I'm fed up waiting for high tide.

Answer 1

I do sympathise but all I can say is please do not take any silly risks for you will pay for it.

There are all sorts of devices as described but please seek advice from the local folks - coast guard etc. and when it is given take it and err on the side of caution.

I can tell quite a number of stories involving the very circumstances you describe which you would not wish to hear.

Answer 2

the safest way is to push a small pram dingie in front of you across the mud it will slide easily and act as support for your weight, also when the tide comes in you can row ashore.the shoes mentioned are known as mud pats but there id an art to using them safely . commercial fisherman 40 years !"

Answer 3

use your helicopter

Answer 4

two planks with rope, stand on one, place the other in front, and repeat :)

Answer 5

Helicopter?

Answer 6

Well some places the mud is like quicksand, you sink the tide comes in and you drown.  

Having said that, you can make some strap on boards like snowshoes and that spreads your weight out so you don't sink into the mud.  Put some holes in them so the air can get back in under the board each time you take a step so it doesn't create a vacuum and you are stuck that way too... you can also add a rope to the front tip of both to assist in pulling them loose from the mud after each step.

Otherwise, get use to waiting for the tides...

Answer 7

get a NEW MARINA

Answer 8

Well, dont wear your 'nice' boots...

Wear waders lol!

Answer 9

How about a floating walkway? It can be walked on even when it is resting on the mud.

OR

How about a high-line?

OR

Have the anchorage dredged out so that the yacht can still float up to where you want it.

OR

Have concrete slabs put in to form a walkway. Much easier to walk on and safer than mud.

It would be helpful to know how far out the yacht is anchored and how high the tide is.

Regards,

Dan