Mooring

[12130]

Hi
I am not sure how to use this facility but here goes.

I will shortly need to moor my 18ft powerboat to a wall.
Mooring rings are fitted to the wall plus bollards on top.
The river dries out so the boat will sit on the mud (no problem).
The tidal range is about 4M springs.
Is it simply a case of waiting for the boat to dry out then fix mooring lines fore and aft to allow the boat to rise and fall - or is there more to it than that?

 

[boatmike]

The short answer is that bow and stern lines should go as far forward and aft as possible of the boat to allow rise and fall without the lines going too slack at high tide. Dont put short lines to the nearest bollard.

 

[Shanty]

Hi, and welcome to the forum. Don't forget to complete your profile, or we will all start guessing what dark secrets you are trying to hide /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

In answer to your question:

If you can, go along at low water and check the berth for any nasties on the bottom - rocks, stakes, shopping trollies etc.

When you bring your boat to the berth, aim to rig bow & stern lines, and springs. The aim of these is to keep the boat lying parallel to the wall. Ideally, you want her to sit parallel to, and just clear of the wall. To that end, don't have your mooring lines too tight, or as the tide drops, your fenders will be pushed out & the boat will scrape down the wall.

If you can, watch her down onto the bottom the first time she dries out - and adjust the lies when she is aground - take out the slack, but no more.

 

[12130]

Thank you both. You have been helpful. I will try to enter my details - as I don't want to seem mysterious.

Kim

 

[andy_wilson]

Don\'t forget to complete your profile

Yeah, so what is your occupation and boat make / model.

What are you trying to hide?

 

[ShipsWoofy]

Are you leaving her there for winter, is there much current?

One problem with a drying wall is that at the top of the tide the boat can drift out into the channel in some cases (if on a river).

Permanent wall berths often use a heavy chain to sink the lines and thus keep the boat tucked nicely onto the wall. The best way I have seen this set up was half chain half rope spring lines.

Chain on the wall end, the weight and length enough to sink the ropes.

Another way is to have a single chain connected between the two wall bollards, the chain long enough to nearly reach the mud as it loops between them. You then tie your boat to the bottom parts of the chain, the chain essentially becomes your mooring (sort of). The boat will lift the chain as it rises and falls. You still have bow and stern lines to the wall, but these are so slack as to not really be used. This method usually requires a much heavier chain and from what I have seen is used on boats which are not going out much.

Also, turn your rudder into the wall, so that the boat is trying to steer in and out on an arc, much like kerbing your front car wheels on hill.

pps. Much safer generally on a sheltered mooring through winter!