LITTLE SHIP CLUB eNews JUNE 2016

Timely tips on moorings

Member Jenny Morley submitted this timely reminder on the importance of secure moorings – and fittings. There has been an abundance of strong southeasters this season as well as some super northerlies and the odd wicked westerly. These strong winds not only impact on our enjoyment of Moreton Bay, but sadly have caused some owners a lot of grief when their vessels have either broken their moorings and ended up beached, or have been subjected to damage from a wayward vessel. We have seen many Facebook posts this season of boats being rescued and washed up on beaches. As a business we have had a number of customers come and see us to have repairs done to their vessel, and we thought it would be good to remind everyone of the importance of maintaining both their swing moorings as well as their bow fittings. There are many types of anchored swing moorings, but in Moreton Bay we generally have block and chain and seagrass friendly moorings. Over time and depending on the wave action, current and wind conditions, moorings and fittings can wear, deteriorate and stretch. Ideally you will have your mooring inspected by a professional on an annual basis and chains and parts replaced regularly. A couple of providers that we know work in Moreton Bay are Geoff Walsh from Malibu Moorings 0418 194 313 and Jody Waters from Waters Marine 5537 7721 – there are surely others. Another trap to be careful of is hooking up to an existing mooring that is not strong enough to take your boat.

The mooring may have been safe for a 10 metre boat, but if you come along with a 13 metre boat it may not take the extra weight. It’s also important, when you use the Club’s swing moorings, to be aware that Members must use the swing mooring that has been allocated to them, as each has an approved length limit -– 276 (15m), 277 (12m) and 279 (12m). But it is not always the lack of mooring maintenance that can result in vessels floating astray. We have repaired a number of boats where the bow fitting has ripped or torn out of the boat – and the mooring remained intact. Some bow fittings have sharp edges and can quickly wear away a rope, or are too small to take a chain, a deck may be soft and rotten under the top layer of paint, and some boats are not equipped to be kept on a swing mooring. If you are unsure as to whether the fittings on your boat are adequate, seek professional advice from a mooring contractor, or a professional boat builder or repairer, and next time you visit your boat don’t forget to carefully check the deck. But it’s not only boats on moorings that need to be checked: a number of boats were damaged in Manly Harbour Marina in the strong winds associated with Cyclone Yasi in January 2013 because lines were old and worn or poorly secured. You need to make sure lines are in good condition secured at the bow and stern with springs fore and aft made up to suit the boat.

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June 2016 eNews

Little Ship Club (Queensland Squadron)