Boating Tips
 

On this page you will find some hints and tips to make your Boating safer and more understanding.

Mooring in an exposed marina

First tip is regarding mooring your boat in an exposed marina, or in berths where tides and wind can affect the position of your craft while alongside the jetty/pontoon etc.

The first things to check on your boat are the deck cleats and fairleads etc. Are they securely bolted through the material they are fixed to? with a strong backing plate to spread the pressure put on the hardware. Some boats have wooden Samson posts, make sure they are solid and free from rot and are either well bolted into the framework underneath or secured with bolts and glassed in place.

Another place to check on steel craft is the edges around the panama's where the rope will pass through to the mooring cleat on the dockside, or whatever you may be making fast to, not forgetting some craft made of other materials can also have these panama's, (these are holes on the topsides where ropes will pass through the wood/steel/fibreglass etc that the vessel is made of so the boat can be made fast).

Next is make sure that the cleats/fairleads etc are MAN enough for the job, I have seen such silly little cleats on large boats that look pretty but are in fact useless for the job they are expected to do. Also make sure there is a cleat towards the centre of the boat where a spring rope can be affixed, do not leave this to a stanchion base or shroud which happens to be nearby. I know ropes should be called warps but we will call them ropes for the persons who do not know what a warp is.

If you look at the diagram below it will give you some indication on how to tie your boat up, I am not telling you to do it for legal reasons, but hope it will give you some idea of how it should be tied up to lessen the event of your boat getting damaged in high winds etc.

Next is the rope/warp. Make sure the rope is sturdy and strong enough to handle your boat, why spend peanuts on a piece of rope from a do it all store where they possibly do not know what size etc to give you and maybe not have the right type of rope in stock. Its best to go to a chandlers who will most probably advise the type of rope you need and the right size. Do not use polypropylene rope as the ultra violet rays affect it making it brittle and weak. Also it is advisable to fit either a Rubber snubber to front and rear ropes or a Spring which will take the snatch out of the rope when being buffeted by the winds etc. Also make sure you have adequate fenders alongside the boat keeping your craft away from the jetty etc and not get it damaged by impact.

Keep the ropes tidy and not wrap the rope round and round the cleat making it impossible to alter it if needed to on the quick. Do not tie it too tight either, let the spring ropes from rear and front take the strain and just let the others keep the boat inline with the jetty. As I said before, this is just a hint and will not be held responsible for any damage caused through adhering to this article.

Gallions Point Marina
Gate 14
Basin South
Woolwich Manor Way
London E16 2QY