Re: Just leased a slip. And tips or advise?
Figure out if you are on the windward or lee side of the storm patterns. If you figure out what kind of storms you are exposed to, you will know when to take extra percautions. Use plenty of big bumpers or even auto tires, if you need them.
Remember, lines usually do not snap, unless they chafe, so use chafing gear where lines run over docks, railings, gunwales etc. Use redundant lines when expecting a storm. I am exposed to the NE. When we get a storm, I will add a center cleat spring line, and an extra bow line. I also frequently add a line to the front eyelet, and tie it off as far away as possible on the dock. This is an extra spring line and a bow line combination. These are in addition to my bow, stern and 2 spring lines. I run a 5/8" nylon rear spring line and Bow line, and 1/2" lines everywhere else. The 5/8 lines are more resistant to chafe and stronger.
BTW, my SS cleat was bent a bit in one storm.
I used to tie my small boat up with heavy lines with gavlanized steel snap hooks on the stainless bow and stern eyes. After a storm, the galvanized steel was nearly worn thru...I saw the wear, and as I unhooked the bow, the snap hook broke in the middle.
