On the maybe humorous, maybe not - - Scientists tell us the 4 "forces" of the universe - gravity, electromagnetism, nuclear strong force and the weak force. But they missed the fifth and most powerful force and the is the attraction of nylon line for stainless steel/bronze props and prop shafts.
- - I have seen my own floating nylon lines that are dragging in the
water quickly disappear underwater just prior to the
engine chugging and stalling.
- - Depending upon the underwater
gear actually on the
mooring buoy - some have chain right up to the buoy and others have nylon line from the buoy to the chain which is resting on the seafloor. Tide will make a difference in how much of the underwater
gear from the buoy will be swinging around to be snagged by your
propeller & shaft. It is not always hanging straight down. AND - don't forget if you have a spade hung
rudder these lines also can get caught between the top of the
rudder and the
hull.
- - Getting a good "line-up" and then using whatever is necessary to start the
boat back into the quay and keeping it straight to where you want to end up and then making sure the
propeller is not rotating as you pass the buoy is the "trick."
- - Newer
marinas are using "drop lines" and eliminating the buoys. This system uses a small "lead line" from the quay to the
mooring anchor pendant all of which is resting on the bottom. You bring the
boat stern to the quay and the dockman will
lift the lead line for you to grab and then you
work yourself down the lead line to your bow and raise the mooring pendant to attach it to your bow.