Anyone in a slip with no finger?

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MichaelNJ

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I need to find a new marina this summer and I have limited options. The marina I found just has a floating dock that you back into with pilings at the end but no finger pier along side. In fact, all of the marinas in that immediate area are like that. Anyone have that configuration? I have a swim platform so it's possible to board that way but I think it's much safer to board along side. It's also easier and safer to put lines on the side and bow cleats while standing on the finger.

Anyone have this and can share thoughts?
 
Most of the marinas off the Delaware bay are like that, like mine. Some make their own and take it with them when they pull out in the fall. I guess by the time you finish with the floatation blocks and hardware, it's probably $150-$200. I don't have a problem without one. I board first and disconnect the bow lines allowing the boat to move back to the pier for the rest of my crew.
 
If you have a platform you should be ok. Put a few fenders to protect platform and make sure your spring lines are tied properly.

Star Island in Montauk is like that and we do fine even without a platform.
 
Very common around here to back in to places with floating docks and no fingers. Several are even fixed bulkheads with no fingers. Not a big deal. You get used to it.
A foater with a finger would certainly be nice, with a finger on each side would be heaven, but not absolutely necessary.
You just have to get used to tying the lines to work around it.
 
Will Marina allow you to install a finger pier? Don't know why they wouldn't. Waaaaay back when, neighbor & I installed one between our vessels & we split $$. May want to ask neighbor slip owner if he'll go in on it with you. Half cost if u split expenses !

BOB J
 
I don't see why boarding on the side is easier or safer. Set both springs and bow lines on the pilings and stern lines on the floating dock and that s it.

Your last sentence about putting lines while standing on the fingers doesn't make any sense. Boats ahould always be secured before getting on the dock

Back in, grab and set the springs then the bows, back further and grab / set the sterns. No finger needed
 
Side boarding is easier and safer for smaller people, especially children. Stepping/crawling down to a swim platform can be a problem for them.

George
 
I guess it depdns on the boat and the dock by typically a floating dock is at th same height as the swim platform so it s usually a short level step on and off. Eaier than climb up on the sides, gunwale, etc... from a fixed dock, tyoically hiher, then yes finger piers are helpful
 
I have three small children and elderly parents and my grandmother will be 100 this spring.
 
I have used those type tie ups but rather have fixed side docks with stairs if necessary for easier loading. But you use what you can get.

In your case it might be better to pull up to the fuel or other dock to load passengers.

IMO frail elderly people probably should not go on a boat. Too much can happen. How do they use the head? What happens when you get waked? A good waterfront restauranr will be safer and less scary to people with balance and weak bone problems.
 
Over the year We ve had many elderly folks on board as well as young kids and stairs and steps are a problem. Even heavy duty stairs that adjust to the tide and have handrails. Any step up and across is a problem. On the otherhand a level step from a floating dock to a swim platform is painless esepcially as you can have the platform within inches of the dock Dont overthink this
 
I have one finger on a side, no piling in the middle...when I transient places with two pilings, I am happy as it is easier to dock (IMHO) as the poles guide you in via the rub-rail.

It takes time to get used to setting your lines but it's no big deal. FWIW - I use older lines since the pilings often have splinters.
 
Maybe a small boarding ramp would be helpful.

Billy K.
 
Main benefit to fingers: get to clean places you don’t normally get a chance to clean.
They’re also nice for people who have problems stepping from a floater or bulkhead to a swim platform with nothing to hold on to.
My wife (she’s turning 61 next month) isn’t always comfortable stepping from the dock on to the platform when we’re backed in someplace. I generally get on the platform first and then let her hold my hand for balance while she steps on.
God bless grandma. Getting on and off a boat at 100 is impressive. I agree with you about the finger being best for her so she can hold on to something for balance or just plant her butt on the boat and swing her legs over.
My home dock is a fixed bulkhead with some high poles, I tie up with port side to the bulkhead. One of the poles is located right at the spot where the transom and platform meet. I put a small handle on that pole for my wife to hold on to when she steps on and off of the boat. Most of our guests who are not used to getting on and off of boats seem to like the security of holding on to the handle too. My 85 years old uncle who is a lifelong boater also looks for something for balance when getting on and off these days.
Me (turning 64), my kids, and many guests who are boaters just step on and off without thinking about it, but lots of people who are a lot younger than your grandma are uneasy and want something to hold on to.
 
Also depends on the boat design. A cockpit boat might be easier than an aft cabin.
 
We spent 8+ years at a club w/ no fingers. Seems they could fit more boats in the marina w/o finger . . . so it was a revenue decision. As such, the slips were narrow, and larger boats (read, "prone to wind") would often/always need to fend of leeward boats when docking/departing. We had to hang fenders each time we came in (while with a finger pier, we mount fenders on the pier, and don't have to retrieve/deploy fenders each trip.)

Yes, it will force you to hone your backing skills; no it's no bargain for the average boater!
 
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