24/09/2026
⚓ TOP TIPS WHEN BERTHING AFLOAT OVER THE WINTER ⚓
With winter approaching, it’s worth taking a few extra minutes to make sure your boat is securely moored and ready for the weather ahead. Here are our top tips for keeping your boat safe and your mooring lines working effectively:
🔹 #1 ONE LINE, ONE JOB
Try to avoid the "running W" mooring line (one long line starting at the bow cleat on the finger, to the boat, back to the middle cleat, to the midships cleat on the boat, then to the aft cleat, then finally back to the boat).
The "running W" makes it very difficult to adjust lines in a gale.
Use separate lines for bow and stern, two long spring lines and, if it makes you rest easier, double up where you feel necessary.
Our Haven Team checks boats several times during periods of inclement weather, so having your lines set up this way also makes it much easier for us to make adjustments when needed.
🔹 #2 FENDERING
If you've got them, use them!
We often see boats without enough fenders, but lots in baskets or lockers because the owner thinks they are the wrong size.
This may be the case, but it is still more beneficial to use them, especially if you’re leaving your boat for a longer period over the winter.
🔹 #3 SHACKLES
Avoid using metal shackles straight onto the pontoon cleats.
This will only end up with the shackle or the cleat getting broken.
Either way, the end result will be the same, your boat not properly attached to the pontoon finger.
🔹 #4 AVOID SHORT LINES
It's best to avoid short, tight lines from midships to the centre finger cleat.
The line will exert big sn**ch loads.
If you have a midships line, ensure it is long enough to stretch to absorb any load.
🔹 #5 LINE QUALITY
Before you leave your boat for the winter, check the quality of your mooring lines.
Damaged lines will break under heavy loads, which will put additional stress on all your good lines.
If your line is damaged, the part of the rope in question can be cut out and you could be left with a usable length of rope.
🔹 #6 (A BONUS TIP!) BOOK EARLY 📅
There’s nothing worse than getting your engineers, painters or tradesmen ready, only for your local boatyard to be completely full or without availability in their lifting schedule.
Be sure to book your boat hoist/storage AND your marine services as early as possible, as the best service providers will be fully booked for the winter well in advance!
Check our website for more information:
https://www.yachthavens.com/troon-yacht-haven/news/winter-berthing-top-tips-for-boat-owners
⚓ 🌊 ⚓
