|
Safe
and secure... yet totally convenient to deep water and a great day's
cruise. At any time. That's exactly how our harbour was designed.
The marina at Windmill Harbour, Insulated from tidal changes and
variable sea conditions, is one of only three private locked
harbours on the East Coast. It offers an unparalleled combination of
convenience and security.
Features
include...
-
Direct
access to Intracoastal Waterway
and Calibogue Sound
-
Constant 8'
depth
-
Current &
tide free docking
-
15.5 acre
yacht basin
-
Fixed
concrete docks
-
Private
fuel dock & pumpout station
-
24 hour
security
-
260 slips -
30' to 70'
-
Complete
harbourmaster services
-
Marina
store
-
Largest
harbour on Hilton Head Island
|
|
One of the
best preserved secrets of Windmill Harbour is the lock system which
connects the marina to the Intracoastal Waterway and Calibogue
Sound. The lock is 80' long and 20' feet wide, and can accommodate
any craft falling within that size range, or even longer, but no
wider! Holding 130,000 gallons of water during low tide, the lock is
operated by a hydraulic pump, and controlled by hydraulic rams on
the doors. Two tunnels located on the north side of the lock are
closed off by jackscrew-operated valves and contain check valves on
the inside to monitor the water flow. At high tide, the pull of
gravity automatically replenishes the water supply in the marina by
drawing it through the tunnels.
This
prototype lock system is one of only three located on the eastern
seaboard and its benefits to boat owners are many. It allows for
less wear and tear on vessels at dockage caused by rising and
falling tides, as well as preventing tidal currents which can hinder
the docking process. The restricted flow of fresh tidal water
restricts exposure to marine life such as pesky barnacles, which in
turn reduces the amount of bottom maintenance normally required on a
boat stored in the water. The harbour itself, protected form wind
and currents, becomes a safe haven. |