Bankes mooring buoys in Studland

[davel]

I'm sure I read a thread on the forum recently regarding rafting up to the Bankes pub mooring buoys in Studland Bay. I've tried all sorts of searches but I can't turn it up.

Can anyone advise if rafting is OK on these buoys?

<hr width=100% size=1>Dave L.

 

[jorinda]

I've seen a few boats rafted up there but prefer not to put too much trust on other peoples moorings and usually anchor up near black rock. It always amazes me how far out people moor up at Studland, they seem to sail in, hit the depth they like to moor in and drop the hook without realisng that the bottom is pretty flat right in.

<hr width=100% size=1>The Chandler at Bucklers Hard

 

[blackbeard]

I must admit that if I were moored on one of these buoys I would take a pretty dim view of anyone attempting to raft up - given that the buoys are of indeterminate capacity and the bay is often quite choppy - unless the weather were really quiet.
Plenty of room to anchor - if going close in get the position of THAT ROCK clear in mind, also go in slowly and keep a good watch for swimmers one of whom might be me.

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[duncan]

The buoys have the Bankes phone number on them and a quick call to the boss will get the response - they are for customers use, will take 6 boats (he quoted a tonnage but I can't remember) and if you are a customer and they are all taken then you are expected to raft.
He added that if there is anyone aboard that objects to you rafting (1) they shouldn't be; they should be in his pub/garden (2) give him a call on the phone and pass it over to them - he will deal!
I couldn't agree more with the comment re rafting in poor (choppy) conditions but similar sized boats well fendered will be OK in any conditions that you would leave your boat to go to the pub in. Personally I prefer to anchor but I understand from many posts on here that this is not considered an option for many cruisers............

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