We have a 1986 Hunter 34. The top of the stanchions stick out about 2 1/2 inches wider than the hull. When there is a strong west wind (also compounded by our prop walk), we get blown into the pelican pole when leaving and coming into our slip. In the past, we just kind of rubbed and got past it. but now with Lake Michigan water levels about 2 feet higher, our stanchion at the beam gets caught on the cleat on the pelican pole. It bent it about 5 inches. We purchased a new one but are wondering what we can do to avoid this in the future. We don't want to also bend the new one. The cleat sticks out about 2 1/2 inches. We need something at least 5 inches between the boat hull and the pole to keep from getting caught.