Docking Alongside

[wheelerwbrian]

I’m looking at a Fort Lauderdale property that has a dock for alongside tie ups. In the past I’ve docked this way with springs and plenty of fenders, but this has been for transient docking. My “permanent” slip has had four point tying to pilings. If I’m doing long term alongside tie-up, any thoughts on making it secure? I’m concerned that over the long term, fenders might abrade the topsides. Powerboaters use those whips, but they don’t look substantial enough for a heavier sailboat (40 ft monohull).

[donradcliffe]

Use fender socks to protect against abrasion.

[JebLostInSpace]

I have seen pretty large sailboats using those same whips. I nearly bought a 45' that had been stored that way for years.

[rslifkin]

They do make those whips in pretty large, heavy-duty sizes. You'd have to look around and see if someone sells a set suitable for the weight of your boat.

[Tortuga's Lie]

You can use fender boards as well which will help keep the fenders from getting chewed up. If your tie up is in a protected area without much wave action, they make stand-offs which may work for you, they kind of look like fishing poles.
I guess maybe they're called "whips"
https://www.defender.com/product.jsp...76168&id=30092

[Shrew]

How much to install 2-3 pilings?

[Island Time O25]

I don't get it why boat owners fuss so much about scoffed topsides. To me they are like age wrinkles on your long time partner's face. You still love them, right?

Plus as a bonus, having scoffed topsides announces to other boaters to keep away from your boat. Just as the wrinkles on your partner do.

[seandepagnier]

Originally Posted by Island Time O25

I don't get it why boat owners fuss so much about scoffed topsides. To me they are like age wrinkles on your long time partner's face. You still love them, right?

Plus as a bonus, having scoffed topsides announces to other boaters to keep away from your boat. Just as the wrinkles on your partner do.

I was told by an officials in new zealand they would not have detained me if I had painted my boat.

[Island Time O25]

Originally Posted by seandepagnier

I was told by an officials in new zealand they would not have detained me if I had painted my boat.

That's a clear demonstration of colorism! Henry Ford would not approve.

[SV Siren]

Originally Posted by Island Time O25

That's a clear demonstration of colorism! Henry Ford would not approve.

Only if it were to be a color other than black....

[rotrax]

We have an alongside permanent berth in Littlehampton, Sussex, UK. It is in the lower estuary of the fastest flowing river in England.


Affixed to the boat I have four heavy tube fenders with fendersocks, two 500cm ball fenders and three 300cm ball fenders fixed to the dock.


In two seasons, fender rub has not marked the topsides.


We have just had three named storms this winter, our boat is blown hard against the dock in SW and W winds. These are the predominant winds in the UK.


Correctly set up with large fenders, good warps and springs you are unlikely to have trouble.

[Jamme]

Originally Posted by rotrax

. . . I have four heavy tube fenders with fendersocks, two 500cm ball fenders and three 300cm ball fenders fixed to the dock. . .

I believe you mean 50cm and 30cm… otherwise you’d have the largest fenders I’d have seen in quite a while! [emoji1]

[rotrax]

Originally Posted by Jamme

I believe you mean 50cm and 30cm… otherwise you’d have the largest fenders I’d have seen in quite a while! [emoji1]

Quite right! Well spotted.


Would have been OK in mm!

[jackdale]

Do you have room from a breast anchor? That is a anchor either off the mid ship cleat or attached to the bow and stern cleats to hold the boat off of the dock. Mark the anchor location with a buoy.


I have only ever seen one in use twice; once in Newport, RI and once in the Abacos.

[JustMurph]

My dock has a built in full length fender. It makes life pretty damn easy not having to mess with fenders and looks after the boat well. They're pretty common around here.

https://www.pontoonfenders.com.au/