How many use Dock Whips?

[Kane]

So I just added an 8x12 section of Floe Dock to my Brothers existing dock. I added Dock Mate Whips and I think they will work out great but time will tell. How many use them and have there been any issues or wear/rash on the boat because of them?

Thanks

 

[msavold]

I'm on a lift so, nope - but my neighbor uses them for his boat and swears by them. As long as they're sized properly! I was looking at them seriously too before we decided on the lift instead.
I would think that your success rate would vary with tides (if any) and prevailing winds. They're certainly going to be kinder on the boat than fenders though...

 

[bumpy]

Yes, I have used them for 10+ years without problems, but I did not use my spring line this year and got bad whip rash. I see on your pic that you use a spring line to the center cleat; don't get lazy like I did!

 

[justason]

Yes, I have used them for 10+ years without problems, but I did not use my spring line this year and got bad whip rash. I see on your pic that you use a spring line to the center cleat; don't get lazy like I did!

I've been on the fence for these for a while now. Cost being the biggest deterrent. I Don't know what the above is in reference too. spring line and whip rash ?

I've been looking for a base of sorts and was going to try and make my own out of tent poles.

 

[Blazin14]

Do they work with tidal waters well?

 

[Blazin14]

great thx...should have kept reading....

 

[Kane]

Yes, I have used them for 10+ years without problems, but I did not use my spring line this year and got bad whip rash. I see on your pic that you use a spring line to the center cleat; don't get lazy like I did!

That's too bad on the rash. I run the spring line for a couple reasons, one being we are fairly shallow and the other is the giant Bimini on the boat!! I'm tempted to also attach the spring to the front as well, but probably overkill...

 

[bumpy]

I spent some time yesterday working on the rash ( contact damage to the gel coat) with a 3M Cleaner/Polish; more than half is gone! Maybe I won't have to repair the gel coat. The spring line we're talking about is a line from the back or front dock cleat to the middle cleat on the boat. It limits fore and aft motion and rocking.

 

[Julian]

Here's a good article on whips (oh that could go so many different ways)! LOL:

http://www.boatus.com/seaworthy/magazine/2014/october/whipping-the-problem.asp