Wayne wrote:

I apologize if this question either has an obvious answer or is
addressed elsewhere, but -- what boat characteristics, including size
and type, self-bailing cockpit, open dinghy vs. small cruiser, keel
vs. centerboard, and so on, permit safely leaving a small boat
permanently in the water, either at a mooring or at a dock, given a
temperate climate and no freezing?

Size & type isn't really an issue, but there are two things that are
desirable... one is a way to keep the boat from sinking with accumulated
rainwater (whether it be bilge pump or self-bailing) and enough stability
that it will stay upright. Solid mooring cleats is also very nice,
although most small boats design t trailer can be moored by the trailering
eye at the bow.




"Small boat" here means one of 15-21ft or so, and may signify as well
an easily trailerable boat, including dinghies. Also included are
those with heavy keels, such as the H12 1/2s, which might be difficult
to trailer. Excluded are Sunfish, Lasers, and boats similar to those
in that they can be easily hand-carried or car-topped to water.
Excluded also are times of hurricanes, but not less catastrophic
weather, although if the expected local weather is a critical factor
that would of course be helpful to know.

An H-12 1/2 would a great boat. That's what it's designed for. If you
consider an H-12 1/2 at one end of the scale, and say a 49er at the other,
you'd have a good scale for comparing the suitability of any small boat to
keep on a mooring.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King