MOORING BALLS: How to handle them … gently


How to Tie Up to a Mooring BallCommuter Cruiser | Commuter Cruiser


Mooring is not as hard as you think but can be a challenge if the moorings are put together correctly - that is seldom the case but it cam happen.


You will need a few things: gloves, boat hook, and a snubber line or other long line you won’t mind using.


We approached the mooring on the starboard side; so that is how I am explaining it.

 

  • First, you need to wear gloves because the mooring lines are slimy, gross, and usually have barnacles on them

  • You also need to set up the snubber line, or long line, you will use for mooring ahead of time. If you are coming up on starboard, have your line ready by tying one end of the line to the front port cleat. Make certain the line is outside the railing and under the anchor.


    Hook the loose end of the line over the starboard cleat.


  • Now it’s show time. The captain will approach the mooring ball very gently. The captain isn’t able to see what you see so you need to use clear communication or nice hand gestures.


  • Not all mooring balls are made the same. This particular mooring ball had a metal loop inserted in the top with the mooring line I needed submerged. 


  • I used the boat hook to snag the mooring line and pulled it to the boat; the mooring's line had a hard metal loop at the end. 


  • I grabbed our line and threaded the loose end of our line through the mooring's line hard metal loop.


  • Again, Make sure your line is outside your railing and under the anchor. Secure the loose end of your line to the starboard side front cleat. Adjust as needed. Victory is yours!


  • Hope it works this easy next time.

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