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ere’s a friendly reminder for visiting boaters. The Town of Oriental has cleats along the wharf near the Town Dock. Please use them.

The problem: boats tying up to the railing — instead of to the cleats right in front of them — pulled down the wooden structure. A support of some 2×4’s held it in place while Public Works Director Robert Fears made repairs Wednesday morning.

Some boaters have been tying up to the wooden railings behind the cleats. And twice since last July, says Public Works Director Robert Fears, the strain from the boats has pulled the railing loose. The most recent railing failing happened this month.

Drilling through the concrete to make deeper holes.

Wednesday morning Robert made the second repair in less than a year. This time he said he installed longer, and heavier grade stainless steel bolts.

Finishing touches.

Another thing that may help is the sign that will read, “Please Do Not Tie Up To The Railing.” The town has ordered the sign but it’s not arrived yet.

Cleat, one of many just waiting to be used.

If that doesn’t work and someone uses the railing as a hitching post and it breaks free again, Robert says concrete supports may be in order.

Come on down and tie up … to one of the cleats conveniently located close to the water’s edge.

Watching Wednesday’s repair from the bed of his pickup truck was Robert’s 16 year old Boxer, Rocky who says, “Use the cleats!”

Posted Thursday April 30, 2009 by Melinda Penkava