Bowsprits- in or out?

[Seagreen]

An idle thought:

For those of you out there with running (retractable) bowsprits. Do you run them in before berthing at a marina, or do get them included in your length? As running gear, these fall outside any definition in the colregs, so do you get charged for them in marinas? Any horror stories of haggling, etc?

BTW, I'm on a swinger...

 

[mollyoxford]

In. You get charged. Though the guy at Yarmouth didn't charge me for it last time (probably cos the pontoon was pretty empty anyway).

The berthing contract for our permanent berth specifically defines LOA as including bowsprit/boomkins etc.. (but they only distinguish between under and over 40' for annual fees). As I understand from other people, this is quite normal.

I think it's fair enough to get charged if it is out as you are taking up that much room on the dock. For buoys, well charging by length is kind of dubious there anyway - but that's often the way anyway.

 

[absit_omen]

I would wager that 95% of marina staff would not know Running Gear from a Runny Nose. If it sticks out, you will be charged. My bumpkin cost me £800.00 pa in a Premier Marina. Only one year mind you, voted with my feet.

 

[grumpydog]

We are going through the same dilemma. Our boat will be launched later this year and moved from the yard to the marina. Someone suggested that we move the boat to the marina without the bowsprit! Then make sure always to leave the bowsprit shipped when in the marina. I, however, would never dare to suggest such a thing. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[LittleShip]

Its just the same as some of the gin palaces that have retractable swim platforms, they pull them in when in the marina and pay less.......... dont see a problem, its back on your boat and the length of the boat is what you pay for.

Tom

 

[Seagreen]

I take the attitude that if the sprit is fixed or you can't be @rsed to retract it, then its part of your LOA, but if its run in, it isn't. As its 12 feet longer than my LOD (ooer missus..) love it though I do, I'm very glad it runs in. Any spotty gonk from a marina office who disagrees gets handed my tape measure...

But seriously, it makes berthing in the inner fingers easier. I will run it out if they force me to pay for it, but it'll block the pontoon access totally. I've not had to do that yet, but I'm sure the day will come..

/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[cliffordpope]

On my swinging mooring it goes by hull length as long as the bowsprit is kept pulled in. The overhanging boom doesn't seem to count.

 

[Kukri]

In, saves money and causes less consternation amongst the marina denizens. Livewise in on swinging mooring where we actually live

 

[rosamaldon]

Crabber 24 MK1. I being an honest little mariner, I went to the moorings manager and told him that he'd better alter our direct debit as I was fed up dragging the bowsprit in and out. The very nice man told me that the company no longer took bowsprits into account and not to worry. Needless to say this is not on the Solent.