Keelboat Slips – Low Water – What to Expect
By David Nigus
If you had a Keelboat Slip for the past couple of years, you know what to expect as CAW lowers the water level again this year. But there may be a few new keelboat owners that were not involved last year.
Background
This is the 3rd year Central Arkansas Water (CAW) is lowering the lake to treat Hydrilla, an invasive aquatic plant. The first year CAW set a water level objective of 80 feet gage height. In preparation for the drawdown, we implemented massive modifications that included raising underwater brackets, reinforcing and building new ramps, relocating electrical service and other actions.
But the 80-foot objective was not achieved, reaching the lowest level of approximately 82 feet. Our preparations proved we could survive an 82-foot drawdown and an appeal was made to CAW. Given their objectives can be achieved at 82 feet, going forward CAW will attempt to maintain the water level at 82 feet, however this is dependent on rainfall. Interesting the last drawdown was the lowest so far with 81.7 feet but was the result of a main valve malfunction which now has been repaired.
For 2025, the main valve was opened last week starting on October 15th and will be closed on March 1st.
What you need to do
As a reminder, GMSC Members are responsible for all maintenance and repairs to their keelboat slips and not GMSC. This includes any modifications needed for lake drawdowns. GMSC is only responsible for the walkways up to the point they reach the slip sections.
Not everyone realizes that there are underwater brackets that go under the fingers to keep them safe and stable. Typically, they are constructed of treated 4x4s and extend approximately 8 feet below the top of the fingers. Some of the older slips have common brackets that are shared by 3 or more slips.
As the water goes down these brackets can hit the lake bottom and when this happens the fingers are forced upward. This puts a lot of force on the slip structures. Some of the slips, especially the metal frame structures, can survive this as long as it is not too extreme. However, the main problem is once the fingers are elevated above water level the flotation can be dislodged and lost. Then when the lake comes back up the fingers sink. This has happened on numerous occasions.
Recommendations:
- Determine your underwater bracket height and monitor the lake levels. Some slip holders may need to disconnect the brackets and raise them up temporality until lake levels come back up. Most of us have determined our boat drafts and have shortened our brackets permanently so we do not have to do this every year.
- If you decide not to raise your bracket, check your flotation blocks to make sure they are secured. Ratchet straps are great for temporary use.
- Never tie anything to spud poles. This includes boats, electrical conduit or anything else. Historically this practice has caused considerable damage.
- And be careful going up and down ramps – they will be steep!
If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to David at 501-283-4347.