Just pick up the ball....
.... no need to contact anyone first. The water taxi guys will know that you are there, and stop by for their $35 (on weekends). When you want to contact the taxi, do so on channel 10, tell them your ball number, and they will be diligent about picking you up. Be careful when you first enter PIB.... the first row of balls are for larger boats, are indicated by a red top, and cost more. You can still moor there, but they will charge you more anyway. When picking up the ball, probably the easiest way is to hook the ring on top with your boathook, and lift it right up to the rail of your boat. The ball will stay in the water, but the chain and ring will lift right up. There is no need to lay on the foredeck and reach down and try to attach your mooring line..... watch out for chafe, and, you would be well served to use two mooring lines..... each returning to a seperate cleat on your boat. I was at the bay a week or so ago when they clocked winds at 81 MPH..... the balls hold real well. The earlier you get there the better, on the weekends. Have fun.......... Jeff
