Marina docking mounts

[s2sailorlis]

Hi

I just learned that I now can place my CD22 into our town marina - after a 10 year wait list.

The only issue is that they aren't really docks. Well their are very long docks whereby you dock stern-in and you place "d-ring" attachments onto your stern (or in some cases on the hull side near the deck), and their are long (41") metal arms attached to the dock that swing down into the d-ring. There is no finger pier between you and the adjacent boats - fenders are needed.

Anyone else utilize a system like this? The marina is an attractive option as it is a hurricane hole of sorts, easy access to fresh water, and in a great location for socialization, et al. On the other hand, placing the d-rings onto our stately looking boats isn't the most attractive...

[tjr818]

That would depend on the D rings. What are the specs for the attachments? Does the marina provide them or can you buy your own? Spartan has some nice looking Padeyes, but I don't know if they make D rings.

[s2sailorlis]

Owners supply the d-rings. Some folks go down the Home Depot route.

It's interesting you mentioned padeyes, the marina manager just sent me a picture of another sailboat using padeyes on the side of the hull just under the rubrail and foreward of the transom, so the Spartans might be an option. I'd mount them on top of a teak block and a backing plate of course.

That would depend on the D rings. What are the specs for the attachments? Does the marina provide them or can you buy your own? Spartan has some nice looking Padeyes, but I don't know if they make D rings.

[Jeff and Sarah]

The thing that would keep me up at night would not be my d-rings, but my neighbor's. Can you take a look at the boats you'll be next to before committing to accepting the spot?

[s2sailorlis]

The marina inspects everything carefully and are responsive if a neighbor might have sub-par hardware.

I looked at the Spartan chainplates but they largest they sell are 1/2" diamater and I need something a bit larger as the pin diameter of the arm is 1/2" in diamater.

The thing that would keep me up at night would not be my d-rings, but my neighbor's. Can you take a look at the boats you'll be next to before committing to accepting the spot?

[tjr818]

Did you look at their Padeyes?

[s2sailorlis]

I did, the eye opening is just over 1/2" - but the marina manager recommends a little more clearance plus they are very expensive - $65/piece.

But I may have found a better solution now - Buck Alonguin makes cast bronze bow eyes - 1" diamater eye, 6" long shaft that can be had for $20-22 each. A friend in the marina uses something similar - but in stainless. Only concern is how much they might wear over time as the hook arm that sits in is made of galvanized steel.

http://catalog.buckalgonquin.com/image? ... &plpver=10

Did you look at their Padeyes?

[Jim Walsh]

These Suncor stainless steel bow/stern eyes are available in several different sizes. The galvanized steel would have minimal, if any, effect on them.

[Carl Thunberg]

I have to admit, I'm on a private mooring in Maine, so I have never seen anything like what you describe. A rigid arm that swings into a D-ring has no way to absorb a load other than by punching your boat. Do these metal arms have an internal spring, or other way of absorbing boat wakes, wind, etc?

[s2sailorlis]

Jim, thanks. I may go this route. The marina manager emailed several sailors that are on my dock to provide counsel. Someone on my dock has a SeaSprite 23 - so fairly close to the CD22. He ended up mounting the d-ring eyes on the hull side - not the transom. My transom is about 4' 8" wide, and the frog-hook arms are approx 6' 7" apart.

People do bend the arms somewhat to accomodate varying widths though...so need to think this thru.

These Suncor stainless steel bow/stern eyes are available in several different sizes. The galvanized steel would have minimal, if any, effect on them.

[s2sailorlis]

Hi Carl

This marina is extremely well protected. It is almost a hurricane hole of sorts and is protected from any significant exposed wind for the most part. See below:



The boats are packed in a bit and you need bumpers on either side to keep things in order. As such, the arms are more to deal with tidal concerns vs. any load that would be experienced in a busy commercial mooring field (which is where I have been located to date).

I have to admit, I'm on a private mooring in Maine, so I have never seen anything like what you describe. A rigid arm that swings into a D-ring has no way to absorb a load other than by punching your boat. Do these metal arms have an internal spring, or other way of absorbing boat wakes, wind, etc?