BoatBanter.com - View Single Post - four pile mooring for single-handed sailing

Wayne.B

On 25 Mar 2007 17:14:47 -0700, wrote:

G'day

I am looking for tested rope system allowing single-handed operations
from 4 pile mooring (including bad weather conditions). We have 26
feet yacht (keeler).

PILE 1 PILE 2

O O

/\
/ \
/ \
[ ]
[ ]
[ ] boat
[ ]
[ ]
\____/

O O

PILE 3 PILE 4

Alright, let's give this a try. You don't say whether or not this is
going to be a more or less permanent arrangement, but I assume so. If
this is to be your regular tieup, I strongly recommend installing
permanent lines between pilings 1 and 3, and between 2 and 4. These
lines should be about 2 feet above normal high water, fairly tight,
and strong enough that you can lay the boat against them in a
crosswind. If these are your pilings, I would also recommend
installing rubber pile guard strips on the inside of each one to
protect the boat while you are tying up.

Depending on wind direction, go more or less upwind and enter between
1 and 2, or 3 and 4.

Start by having two lines prepared in advance with a large loop at the
end of each, one at the bow and one at the stern. Bring the boat to a
stop between the pilings so you can attach your stern loop to the
closest available piling. Now motor forward against your stern line
bringing the bow close enough to loop a piling at the other end. Lay
the boat against the side lines if necessary. Use a boathook to
assist with looping the piles. Once you have the bow and stern
secured, use a boat hook and the pre-installed side lines to pull the
boat to the other side, loop the additional pilings, install fore and
aft spring lines, etc.