MDL Again- Do you need more than 12 inches?

dralex

New member
Joined
9 Jun 2004
Messages
1,527
Location
South Devon
Visit site
I've was spending a lovely weekend playing with engines and servicing toilets, as well as scrubbing everything in preparation for our trip to the West Coast of France this week, when I noticed a shadow out of the corner of my eye. In their wisdom, the marina had put a rather large power boat in next to me. After lovingly polishing and waxing my topsides a couple of weeks ago, I know every inch of them and noticed the foot long S shaped gouge in my gelcoat. I then noticed that both the boats in the space were sitting on their fenders on the pontoon and the total gap between the boats was about 1 foot- our fenders were overlapping.

The owner turned out to be very pleasant and we chatted. He went out, then returned later on and scraped into my boat as he parked- he was fairly well lined up and obviously knows how to park, but still hit. His boat is high enough that his topsides over ride my stanchions- fenders don't work.

This was on a calm day with no difficult berthing conditions. It's going to be a nightmare for me to get in and out if there is any cross wind at all. Fair enough with a power boat with twin props, but the aisle we are in is pretty narrow at the best of times with a small engine and folding prop. I'm normally pretty competent at berthing.

What do you feel is the minimum gap you can legitmately expect between boats for our high marina fees? If we get any bad weather, the power boat is going to push my stanchions over.
 

Thistle

Well-known member
Joined
2 Oct 2004
Messages
3,965
Location
Here
Visit site
I think I'd want to tell the marina of the problem and invite them to re-allocate berths to give you both more appropriate neighbours. If they don't do anything, I'd put it in writing and suggest that I'dl hold them responsible for any resulting damage to your boat; keep a copy to show my insurers.
 
D

Deleted User YDKXO

Guest
Dralex, the mobo owner next door may be pleasant enough but if he's scraping your gelcoat every time he moors, he's either an incompetent helmsman or an incompetent skipper in that he has not properly instructed his crew where to place fenders. If his topsides over ride your stanchions, then he needs to get some large ball fenders which, if they're placed right, should keep you well apart
Definitely worth having a word with the marina office though
 

KevB

Active member
Joined
4 Jul 2001
Messages
11,268
Location
Kent/Chichester
Visit site
I actually find it easier to moore in a confined space rather than banging about between another boat and the pontoon. Once the stern is in the mooring there is know where for it to go but backwards. Makes life much easier.
What you seem to have is a incompatability problem between the two boats, as suggested I'd go and have a word with the marina office.
 
D

Deleted User YDKXO

Guest
They should do because as I understand it your topsides are much lower than the mobo's and the mobo hull should be narrower at that point. If you really can't get a decent sized fender between you then one of you needs to move
 

ShipsWoofy

New member
Joined
10 Sep 2004
Messages
10,431
Visit site
Have you considered what would happen in the event of a fire on board either of the vessels.

Caravan sites have strict regulations regarding spacing between the vans, is there no such regulation for marina's. At the end of the day, as both parties sleep on board and will often stay aboard in the marina during bad weather there is also the question of personal space. I would not like the crew of a bigger (read taller) boat looking down on me all day, I would start to feel like a lab rat.

But then, I am a claustrophobic and get panic attacks in crowds, so it may not bother most people.....
 
G

Guest

Guest
A definite case of discussion with Marina Office ............ if as you say they are so close and also that you are being hit when he berths etc. - you should a) discuss with him the damage he has done - is doing, b) make sure Marina is fully aware and c) advise all that you may take this up with Insurance Co. who will not be too happy about it .....
 
Top