All About King Tides and Dry Bilge Systems!

King tides are the highest naturally occurring tides of the year, typically happening in the Fall when the moon is closest to Earth. They often cause coastal flooding, especially in low-lying areas.  Below are some of the causes of king tides:

• Astronomical alignment: King tides occur when the Earth, moon, and sun align during a full or new moon, and the moon is at its closest point to Earth.

• Seasonal timing: In states like Florida, king tides usually happen between September and December, though they can vary slightly each year.

In South Florida, king tides for 2025 are expected during several peak periods through December, aligning with full and new moons.

Here are the key dates to watch for elevated tidal flooding:

•          October 3–25: Extended period covering both full and new moons

•          November 1–10: Full moon cycle

•          November 18–20: New moon cycle

•          December 2–7: Final full moon peak of the season

These dates represent the highest astronomical tides, and actual flooding can be influenced by wind, pressure systems, and ocean currents. The South Florida Water Management District publishes weekly Tidal Outlooks every Monday during the season to help residents and boaters stay informed.

King tides pose a significant flooding risk. These tides flood streets, yards, and parking lots, even on sunny days. Water often bubbles up through storm drains and overtops seawalls and docks. King tides can damage walkways, jetties, and beach access points, as seen recently in Volusia and Flagler counties.  They can wash away sea turtle nests, erode beaches, and push saltwater into freshwater systems.

King tides can pose several issues for boaters and coastal residents, such as:

·         Reduced Bridge Clearance - Fixed bridges may have significantly less clearance during king tides. If you tow or operate a boat with a tall profile, this can limit access routes or force detours.

·         Flooded boat ramps and docks - Launch ramps and docks can be submerged or inaccessible, making launching or retrieving your boat tricky—or even dangerous. Slippery conditions and hidden hazards (like floating debris) increase the risk of trailer damage or personal injury.

·         Saltwater Intrusion - king Tides push saltwater into storm drains, canals, and freshwater systems, which can corrode trailer components, electrical systems, and even affect bilge pumps. This is a key time to double-check your anodes, seals, and trailer rinse routines.

·         Navigation Hazards - unusual water levels can expose or hide sandbars, rocks, and submerged structures. Charts may not reflect temporary changes, so local knowledge and real-time depth monitoring are crucial.

·         Parking and Access Issues - coastal parking lots often flood during king tides, which can strand your tow vehicle or make loading/unloading gear a hassle. If you’re planning a weekend outing, it’s smart to scout your launch site ahead of time or have a backup location.

Here are some additional tips you can follow for king tide safety:

• Check tide charts and bridge clearance before heading out—fixed bridges may have reduced clearance.

• Avoid parking in low-lying areas near the coast during peak tide windows.

• Inspect storm drains and seawalls for signs of overflow or erosion.

• Plan dock maintenance or upgrades outside of these peak tide weeks to avoid complications.

• Avoid driving through flooded areas—saltwater can damage vehicles.

• Prepare your property with flood barriers or elevation strategies if you're in a vulnerable zone.

If you notice excess water in your boat’s bilge during king tides, then BILGE-B-DRY Dry Bilge System is your answer!  A Dry Bilge System can significantly reduce or even stop corrosion in your boat’s bilge area by eliminating standing water, the primary catalyst for marine corrosion! Corrosion thrives in moist, oxygen-rich environments, especially when saltwater is involved. Your boat’s bilge is one of the most vulnerable zones. Bilge-B-Dry Dry Bilge System is designed to remove every last drop of bilge water—even from hard-to-reach compartments.  Learn more about BILGE-B-DRY Dry Bilge System from Neptunian Sky at www.neptuniansky.com and enjoy excellent, responsive customer service from a veteran-owned and family operated small business!

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