On the grid

The Grid at Poulsbo

I'm sure that you've heard the expression "on the grid".  In the nautical world, "on the grid" does not refer to the Internet or to the power grid.  Instead, it refers to having one's boat on a construction like the one pictured above.  It is designed to provide a stable platform that will take the weight of a boat and provide a means to keep it upright as the tide drops, leaving it "high and dry" so that below-the-waterline work can be done.  Of course for this to work, there needs to be sufficient tidal range (the US Gulf Coast need not apply).

The realities of the tide dictate that there will not be unlimited time for the work, for what goes out will soon come back in.  And the lowest areas of the boat's hull will be exposed for the shortest time...  thus the origin of the expression, "between the devil and the deep blue sea".

We've never had the courage to use a grid...  too vivid an imagination I guess . 

On the grid