On Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:45:49 -0000, "Capt. Rob"
wrote:

So here's why slips CAN BE SAFER than moorings.

1) Some moorings in high current zones take a lot of abuse and simply
take to much pounding to be of value against a well protected marina
with slips.

2) High traffic, high volume mooring fields see plenty of collisions
due to operator error and boats breaking free and playing pinball with
others.

3) If a protected marina (such as ours) never experiences weather that
can damage it, the boats are better off than those exposed on
moorings. Last years storms were a perfect example as ALL of the boats
damaged were from moorings.

4) Boats in slips will see more regular maintenance due to the
accessibility. Gear is kept cleaner. Safer boat.

5) In 25 knots winds a mooring field can be a handful and transferring
to a dinghy or launch difficult and dangerous. Older folks will be at
risk along with children. Our protected slips see about half that much
wind on most days, so it's far easier and safer.

6) Slips are usually protected by one or more breakwaters, leaving the
boats calm and not straining most of the time. Moored boats see far
more wave action and lines, standing rigging and steering systems take
a pounding.

7) You can ALWAYS get to your boat even in the worst weather when you
have well designed and located slips like ours.

8) ALL lightening strikes in our area (and there are plenty) are on
the boats that are moored.

So there you have it. This does not apply to all areas. There are
plenty of spots where slips are downright risky and a mooring is a lot
smarter, but on City Island, Port Washington and other popular
sailboat spots, slips are like gold. I won't even get into how much
more use we get out of the boat because of a slip, or how much better
it is when Thomas' grandparents come along. And if Suzanne and I want
privacy the club maintains moorings as well, which can be used by
members. The best of both worlds.
One by one, when they could afford it, my friends have moved to slips
and the mooring damage cycle has ended.

This is cogent statement laying out considerations of
mooring/anchoring versus slipping.
Is there a website where this type of good info is found, perhaps
pointing out mooring and slip conditions in different ports?
I'm thinking Captain Neal possibly could add this to his website,
maybe in a new "Tie-Ups" section. It would be quite helpful to
sailing novices like me.

--Vic