Mooring Maneuvers
Boating season has started and there are a multitude of boats operating on the local waters. Oftentimes, in this area, people will take short afternoon trips to easily accessible areas such as the local islands or shallow water beach areas. In the latter areas, boaters usually drop the hook, but at many Island locations they pick up one of the empty moorings. Once secured, moorings are great, however there are many opportunities to have mishaps. Sometimes, q small women or child will try to stop the momentum of 40’ cruiser through a boat hook connected to the buoy. Other times, men will lean way over, or under, the safety railings in an attempt to grab the mooring “mast”. And some folks, secure the mooring line to the stern cleat in spite of a sharp chop which continuously splashes vents and splash wells. So, enjoy the moorings when you can – just remember to be smart about it.
