How to Moor a Boat
Mooring a boat can be easy if you know the proper way of doing it. It’s a lot better to have someone help you do this. Here are some tips on how to moor a boat.
Moor on Canals
If the canal is not busy, you can moor with the bow line directed forward and the stern line outward. An angle of about 45 degrees is good enough provided that the lines are pulled tightly.
Moor on Rivers
To moor on rivers requires you to have the lines loosened up a little bit. The bow lines should be directed forward while the stern line outward. Put another line inwards attached to one end of your boat.You can have the line tied to the bow line or the stern line.
You may also want to use an anchor when mooring on rivers for added security.
Mooring pins are commonly used as a last resort as they can be removed by the wash of other boats. Have a line attached to the rings set up in the bank and tie the ends onto your boat. When passing a line on trees in the bank, make sure that you don’t damage the tree and that it wouldn’t cause accidents on other people.
If there is enough current, enter the mooring area by going against the current. Go off the boat from the stern. If going off the stern is not likely, you can have a crew member get off your boat at the bow once it’s stable enough. Have that member make the fast. After doing this, the stern will be directed inwards by the current.
Tips:
Choose a mooring site appropriately. Make sure that other boaters can get in and out of the area easily.
Avoid bridges as much as possible. If you can’t, make sure that other people can easily maneuver their boats when they meet oncoming boats.
If you need to moor beside another boat, it’s always a good idea to ask permission to the people from the other boat. You might also want to ask who’ll be leaving first so you can position your boat appropriately.