Where to moor your boat in a port? To make the right choice, when the port authorities let you, there are many criteria, both for the comfort of the crew and for the safety of the boat and maneuvers.
The choice of the breakdown for his boat
For a short stay or to live aboard, the choice of the breakdown where to moor your boat will be done by taking into account the needs on land. Whenever possible, we will favor the proximity of services, sanitary facilities or the harbor master's office.
If you have a choice between several pontoons, it may be wise to study their length and location in the harbor. These characteristics will influence the comfort of the boat at the dock and its safety. Some pontoons receive more chop or are less well sheltered, in wind corridors or passage areas. Choosing a shorter purlin can sometimes give you more protection.
The ideal place to maneuver
Getting to your location in the right direction
Each boat has its own specificities, and no two boats maneuver the same way. To make the right choice, find out about the prevailing winds: in a harbor, it is often easier to dock facing the wind.
Consider your maneuvering abilities: the possible effects of your propeller pitch will direct your decision towards a place where you will have to maneuver in the right direction.
Docking or mating without being hindered
In the harbor, boats are normally distributed on the different pannes according to their size. Check the length of neighboring boats against your own to determine whether or not you will be impeded in your maneuvering.
Sometimes a platform or a windvane gear has been added to the stern of a vessel and can change the length of the vessel. A dinghy on davits or a surfboard at the stern can quickly block visibility and make maneuvering more difficult!
Compatibility with neighbouring elements
Depending on the material your boat is made of, the environment can be important to take into account: to avoid electrolysis problems with an aluminum boat for example, it is better to stay away from a steel boat or a dolphin. If you don't have the choice, opt for hanging anodes, to be monitored regularly to protect your hull.
It can be interesting to find out about boats near the location: Do the owners live aboard? How often do they visit? How often do they go out to sea?
Port space for living on board
When you live in port on your boat, privacy is a must! Often, there is less noise and passage at the end of the breakdown.
As water and electricity connections are more frequent, we will be more interested in how to run cables and pipes from the energy terminals to our ship, without disturbing the neighbors.
Finally, if you have the choice of putting your boat bow or stern to the dock, choose the solution that will offer the best exposure to your solar panels, as well as efficient ventilation of the cockpit and interior spaces.
