Mooring Buoy in high winds

[Ken Honeycutt]

Today I had by '85 31 out on Lake Michigan in some 20+ winds - no problem there but when I got back to my mooring buoy (single handed sailor) I was able to retrieve my mooring harness with no problem and cleat it aft, but trying to pull the boat so that I could cleat to the bow was a REAL problem in those winds. Trying to think of some way to rig this so I can winch the harness to the bow. Anyone tried this? My previous boat was a 19' Oday so of course it didn't have near the windage this Hunter has - (plus I wouldn't be out in 20+ winds and 5 foot seas) pretty rude awakening.

 

[Ken Palmer]

An idea

*! I have never tried this, but let's think about it: Tie a dock line from the bow cleat to the aft cleat. Move the mooring line to the line just installed using a bowline or shackle. Start the engine and slow back up, watching that the boat and prop are clear of the mooring line. The mooring line should work itself up to the bow cleat on the dock line you installed. Go forward and move the mooring line to the bow cleat.Will that work?

 

[Ken Honeycutt]

Worth a try

Definitely worth a try, next time I'm out I'll give it a dry run. Don't see why it wouldn't work.Thanks for the response!