Dock Storage using mooring whips

[bluesman]

I am thinking of storing my 17' Day Sailer on a dock during the season. There is some boat wake traffic but not too bad. The side of the dock typically has a steady light breeze on the lake towards the dock so I am thinking of using dock whips that would keep the boat spaced away from the dock. I am thinking of attaching the 2 fiberglass whips on the bow eye and the far transom eye since I have no cleats.

Anyone have experience with storing a sailboat on a dock like this?

 

[jcrumpley]

It just really depends on the conditions. If you have the random idiot that comes by with a wakeboard boat throwing a huge wake like we do now and then, then you might want something heavier than the fiberglass whips. Remember if one whip breaks, your boat is then hitting the dock. If it were my boat, I'd be looking at the whip systems made of square tubing and springs. Also, is your day sailer self bailing or is it going to fill with water when rain comes?

 

[Terry in Naples]

I have whips on my dock holding off my Catalina 34. No waves though but lots of wind. Still with a day sailor whips should be fine to hold off the boat. Tide levels are also to be looked at.