best way

[TBoneFan]

Lack of experience here, which is more favorable mooring or docking? Pro's and Con's?

Thanks for your help

[knottybuoyz]

I'd say mooring. Less chance of damaging yours or somebody elses boat. If you're not comfortable docking yet then best to avoid it until you are. I refuse to raft inbetween boats when locking. Not that I give a rats butt about my boat I don't want to be put in a position where I could potentially cause damage to someone elses.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha TBone,
Each has its advantages and disadvantages. For convenience docking is number one but the drawbacks are as Rick mentioned. The cost of docking has become really restrictive for a lot of folks. Check your local marina.
With mooring you have to use a tender (dinghy) to get back and forth, no shore power cable, no phone hookup or cable TV. Shuttling your friends back and forth sometimes is a big hassle. If you are the least bit reclusive then it is ideal. The further from shore the better.
I once had a slip at a dock and a very small boat. I could step aboard, unplug my extension cord, raise the mainsail, untie the docklines and push off for a sail in about 15 minutes. I got a lot of after work sails in before I went to a bigger boat where it took 45 minutes and a running engine to get off the dock.
Hope this helps.
JohnL

[Sunspot Baby]

I like the convenience of being at a dock, but I hate coming in.

George

[Morgan Paul]

If you have the money go for the dock, it will be easier to get the girls and beer on the boat. Mooring will be cheaper.