"Capt. JG" wrote in message
...
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