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I generally use a basic bunge with hooks on each end and pull the hallards to the shrouds and tighten the lines. If I am in a marina with a lot of slapping lines I sleep better.

I have the main halyard and the topping lift to keep quiet. I just swing them around the spreaders and tie them off to the mast cleats. I have a photo from a beautiful Santa Barbara Harbor night here:

Don,t look down hatches Always walk over the bow of rafted up boats. When rafting up use your own lines to moor to shore. Help others when they arrive or depart. Your music is not their music keep it low. I was the harbourmaster of a marina in Scotland for 3 years. And finally pay your dues before you leave. We had CCTV and a long memory

Walking the dog and cleaning up after. At the marina where I am at now there is one small piece of grass next to the dock. When boats arrive they take their small dog and do not clean up after it. YUK. I do not talk to these "cruisers".

r.fairman wrote:Don,t look down hatches Always walk over the bow of rafted up boats. When rafting up use your own lines to moor to shore. Help others when they arrive or depart. Your music is not their music keep it low. I was the harbourmaster of a marina in Scotland for 3 years. And finally pay your dues before you leave. We had CCTV and a long memory

what marina? and i did pay my bill

r.fairman wrote:Don,t look down hatches

Spoilsport Next you're not going to want me to look down bikini tops

Rick

rvdav wrote:I've spent a few nights last year in Michigan marinas and also in a sheltered cove in Lake Michigan. I began wondering about a few things concerning operating etiqette that being new to this arena ....
4) Any other concerns I'm overlooking.

Thanks for filling me in to do what's right.

Dave Ford
2007 M

Dave if you haven't gotten a vessel safety check from the USPS or Coast Guard aux, I would strongly recommend it, if for no other reason than the West Marine discount coupon. Actually for many other reasons.
Regarding adding things to the water - you might take a look at this PDF from BoatUS especially pages 2-3.
Others have pretty much covered the what not to do, but definately get out of your boat and wander the piers and meet your neighbors, especially those that set up the barbacue or buffet table in the middle of the pier.
When some @##hole starts about it not being a real sailboat, ask him/her about how long it takes for him to sail to Isle Royale. Then say causally - me too, but I usually trailer over to the Apostle Islands and hang out there for a few days before sailing over to play with the moose. To bad you can't trailer yours and have to fight your way through all that traffic and current. - and if they haven't gone, then ask why not, whats a boat good for if it just sits at the pier. You won't get any more free beer from them, but will likely have several couples over checking out your boat later.