Mooring

How do you set up the getaway for mooring. I am not leaving it long term just need to get it away from the dock and beach when not in use. My ramp to haul it out for extended periods is a hassle.

I often moor my Getaway when I'm at my beach house so that I don't have to beach it. I have a permanent mooring with a regular 15" mooring buoy.

When tying off for a short time during the day, I simply use a 5/16" rope tied to the middle of the forward spreader. Overnight, I use a 10' length of plastic coated steel cable (like those long bicycle lock cables) with an eye at each end. I run one eye in the buoy's eye, and the cable through it. I run the other end around the middle of the forward spreader and tie it with a combination lock. Make sure to use a rag (old cloth diapers work great) around the spreader so that the cable and lock don't scratch it.

Mooring a cat is a risk. Just be clear... Hobie Cat does not recomend mooring.

Cats do not ride at anchor well and are jarred by even small wave action. The waves cause accelerated wear and movement of the rigging parts. Rigs can fall if the shroud wires, forestay or bridles come loose or are damaged. The boat needs to be carefully prepared and inspected often. Tape clevis pins and rings. Check bolt tensions. Keep the mast rig tight and restrict the mast rotation. Tie off the rudders tightly in the up position.

As the wind angle changes a cat can sail forward rather than slip sideways. This can cause the boat to pull up and over an anchor possibly pulling the anchor free or causing the boat to pitch pole.

I recommend pulling boats onto a float or dock that will absorb the wave action and allow it to swing at anchor. This also keeps the hulls out of the water preventing damage or discoloration to the hull materials. This is a bigger issue on fiberglass cats. They can absorb water and cause blistering of the glass and gelcoat.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Excellent points! I noticed the mast movements while at anchor and had been trying to devise a way to limit them, even though I always get the boat out when the water get too chopy. Matt, do you have any recommendations for restricting mast rotation? Would using the jib sheet to tighten a rotation arm (as on the H18) work?

I've also been considering getting a float (mainly to keep the hulls clean), and this gives me even more reason to do so.