Which side of the slip?

[toddster]

I just got a letter from the marina saying that they're kicking all the sailboats off of "D" dock and moving them to "C" dock. So, I'll lose my cushy single-wide slip with access on both sides and bumpers all around. The new slips on C dock have two boats per slip. First come first served on locations. Hmm... I wish I knew whether my new slip mate is a better or worse driver than I am.

So what is the best strategic choice? As close to the open end as possible, natch. I'm thinking probably a port-side slip would mean the prevailing wind would tend to push me into the dock, rather than into the other boat. Also my prop-walk would pull me away from the other boat on departure. Or are there other considerations?

Guess I'd better hoof it down there tomorrow or the next day to check the selections.

Yeah, definitely buying some more fenders. Definitely.

 

[Loren Beach]

I have never had a full "four way tie" situation. Was always in half of a double slip. You are right about assessing wind direction for landings and how prop walk will affect your exit.


Loren

ps: what marina are you in?

 

[toddster]

I guess another consideration over there is water depth. I'd better take a pole and make some soundings. There is a high spot behind my old slip that prevents making any kind of graceful exit during low water.

p.s. it's Scappoose Bay Marina

 

[rwthomas1]

My preference is for Port side to the dock. The prop walk pulls the boat to the dock when stopping so that works for me. I've tried Starboard side tie up but unless there was a prevailing wind holding the boat on the dock Port works better. YRMV depending on prop walk, etc. RT

 

[exoduse35]

I also prefer the "into the wind side of the dock". It makes for less running it over on landings! and the down wind slip of the pair cause it is more likely that the repair is on the other guys insurance. Confused? the prevailing wind comes from the north west and my slip is on the east side and the south of a double slip. Lucky for me I have it all to myself!

 

[Loren Beach]

I guess another consideration over there is water depth. I'd better take a pole and make some soundings. There is a high spot behind my old slip that prevents making any kind of graceful exit during low water.

p.s. it's Scappoose Bay Marina

I have been there (short visit, by car). Parts of that place can darned near dry out in the fall at low water.....
Yikes.

Loren

 

[toddster]

Yeah, last fall, I could only get in and out at high tide. I'm not going to stay there forever. I half-way debated just ending my contract over this. But the path of least resistance and all...

Anyway, I got the second port-side tie from the end.