While mooring whips have been around for ages, they have been rather underrated, and we think it’s time to give them their due credit. These magical poles offer a ton of benefits, such as reducing the need for multiple dock bumpers, fenders, lines, and cleats. Plus, they are incredibly easy to attach and remove, require low maintenance, and can be stored away when not in use.
Mooring whips help keep your boat away from the dock, protecting it from scratches, dings, and dents caused by the wind or boat wakes. They are suitable for all kinds of boats, including runabouts, center consoles, sailboats, pontoons, and even jet skis, weighing up to 48,000 lbs and measuring up to 56′. Plus, they don’t obstruct views like a boat lift, which lifts the boat up into the air.
To use a mooring whip, you need a stable boat dock with enough space, strength, and stability to hold the poles in a spread-out position. A private boat dock rental may need to be reinforced underneath the mooring whip bases for extra stability. You’ll also need to choose the correct mooring whip based on your boat’s weight, wind conditions, currents, and typical boat wakes near the dock.
A complete mooring whip system consists of four dock lines, two whips (or poles) with roller tips at the end, and a base for each pole. The whips attach to the dock at an angle that tapers downward to attach to the boat, just like a regular dock line. Nylon lines tether the boat to the poles, while spring tension lines hold the boat a few feet away from the dock and keep it in place. When not in use, the mooring whips can be positioned straight up.
While mooring whips alone may not be strong enough for hurricane-strength weather, you can supplement them with traditional dock lines and cleats or a boat lift or remove your boat from the water. Mooring Products has been producing mooring whips since 1956 and has made design improvements and conducted research on tides, storms, and hurricanes to create a safe and reliable product.
Mooring whip manufacturers include Taylor Made, Monarch Marine Products, Dock Edge, and Mooring Products. Adding mooring whips to your private boat slip rental is an excellent way to increase use while adding stability and peace of mind. So, what are you waiting for? Get your hands on some mooring whips and give your boat the TLC it deserves!
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