Mooring whips for trailerable sailboats

Jun 8, 2004
10,519
-na -NA Anywhere USA
As a former sailboat dealer, there were times sailboats would still bang against the piers, docks and other boats in strong winds no matter what I did. I looked at mooring whips as an alternative. The mooing whips can be used to hold the boats off or away from docks, piers and other.boats. In addition you can control forward and reverse movement. There are different sizes made which depends on length and displacement but the cost is high. I suggest if all else fails, then consider mooring whips for trailerable sailboats.

However, if a major storm for example a hurricane should be brewing up, get the boat out of the water regardless of mooring whips.

This is a suggestion
 
Oct 19, 2017
8,028
O'Day Mariner 19 Littleton, NH
I especially agree with your last suggestion, Dave. There is one great advantage to owning a trailersailer, the trailer. If severe weather is coming, get the boat onto a trailer and pull it out the danger zone.

Mooring whips make a lot of sense for smaller boats, but there are issues with sailboat rigs interfering with movement. They can be overcome, however they need to be thought through and accommodated. They can also be great for areas with significant tidal range, when rigged well.

-Will
 
Jun 8, 2004
10,519
-na -NA Anywhere USA
@Will Gilmore
When adding mooring whips, set up is crucial to make them work correctly. This should have been included; otherwise, I stand firm on mooring whips. It is up to the installer to make sure they perform correctly!