A Note About Drydocking

I realize this may be a bit confusing to those who don't maintain water-faring vessels, so here's a quick rundown of what a drydock is and why we use it. I'm still new at this, so please correct me if I flub.

A drydock is essentially a floating auto body shop that boats use for work that can't be done while they're in the water. Yankee is using it for a thorough cleaning, a couple coats of strong paint and some minor patching. Here's what I understand to be the way drydocking works.



Step 1: The process begins when large wooden blocks on the floor of the drydock are arranged in such a way that they will support the weight of the vessel once it has been lifted out of the water.



Step 2: The drydock's water compartments are opened, allowing water to fill them. Once the drydock has been successfully sunk, your vessel is pulled into place between the drydock's walls.




Step 3: With the vessel tied securely in place, water is pumped from the drydock's compartments and the dock, along with your vessel, is lifted above water level.


There you go. Just credit my properly at the end of your term paper. How the boat stays balanced will forever be a mystery so don't even ask about that one. While she's up, salty sea dogs will be taking good care of the hull while Richard and I finish patching and painting the wooden sides that suffer with every bout of inclement weather. We shall protect you, Yankee.