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7.5 ANCHORING, MOORING AND TOWING
Always moor your boat carefully, even in sheltered places,
because conditions can change rapidly. The mooring
lines should be equipped with appropriate absorbers to
dampen shocks. For the location of fastening points, see
Figure.
Do not use other boat components for fastening, towing
or anchor-ing. Use sufficiently large fenders to protect
the boat from chafing. The eye on the stem is only
designed for docking on a slipway or for fastening the
boat to a trailer. It is not to be subjected to lateral forces
present when, for example, the boat is secured to a dock.
The owner/user of the boat is responsible for ensuring
that the mooring, towing and anchoring lines, as well as
the anchors and anchor chains are appropriate for the
intended use of the boat, and that the tensile strength of
the lines and chains does not exceed 80% of that of the
corresponding fastening points.
However, wear and tear of the lines and knots weakening
the lines must be taken into account. If you tow the boat,
note that the strength ratings for the front cleats differ
from those of the aft and centre cleats.
If you are going to beach the boat at an excursion harbour
or similar natural harbour, make sure that the depth of
the water is sufficient and DROP YOUR ANCHOR AT A
SUFFICIENT DISTANCE FROM THE SHORE. A fair holding
power is achieved if you pay out anchor rode so that its
length is 4 to 5 times the depth of the water at the point
where you dropped the anchor. The grip is increased the
more anchor rode you deploy. The anchor holding power
is also significantly increased if the first 3 to 5 metres of
the anchor rode is weighted line or chain.
When you moor your boat, bear in mind the wind-di-
rection changes, rise and fall of water level, wakes, etc.
Additional instructions can be provided by your insur-
ance company, for example. If you tow another boat or if
your boat is being towed, always drive slowly and use a
floating tow line that is sufficiently strong.
WARNING !
Do not try to stop the boat with your hands and do not
put your hand or foot between the boat and the quay,
shore or another boat. Practise going ashore in good
conditions and use engine power in moderation but
purposefully.
