"Capt. JG" wrote in message
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"Maxprop" wrote in message
hlink.net...

"Capt. JG" wrote in message
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Currently, I don't use snubbers (e.g., http://tinyurl.com/2bm2g3), but I
see a lot of boats using them. I'm using the standard three line braid
dock line and spring lines, so I don't really see the need, especially
since they apparently degrade rather fast. And, $35 each??

What do you think? Do you use them?

They are an absolute necessity where we are. Fortunately I'm now on the
leeward side of the floating dock from the prevailing winds and seaway.
When a storm kicks up out of the southwest, the long fetch down our lake
can produce some mighty big waves which cause boats on the leeward side
of the dock to roll violently and snap their leeward dock lines violently
as well. Without snubbers, even oversized lines would part in short
order, or cleats would be damaged or pull out of the boats. The snubbers
on my leeward lines has kept them solid and sound for years, and the
snubbers I've been using are at least a decade old. It only takes an
annual wipedown with Formula 303 to preserve them nicely. They are very
cheap insurance against disaster where we are.

Max

I'm in a single berth... barely enough for the 10 foot beam of the boat.

Snubbers require some distance between the boat and the dock for
stretch/extension of the dockline. If you're in a tight situation, snubbers
will be of no value. In fact they might allow your boat to strike the dock
in wind or seaway.

Max