Exterior Improvements
MOVING FENDERS AND LINES
The prior owners had hung the fenders from the flybridge and stored them in fender racks. We moved the fenders to the side rails because Tribute is mostly run from the pilothouse and we wanted to avoid going up and down the ladder to deploy fenders especially when docking plans change at the last minute and tending lines becomes more important than placing fenders. A folding cleat that drops down was added at the widest point of the beam and stainless chafe protectors were attached to the edges of the teak cap rails. The fender line is tied to a brass snap hook for ease of removal and attachment.
The prior owners had hung the fenders from the flybridge and stored them in fender racks. We moved the fenders to the side rails because Tribute is mostly run from the pilothouse and we wanted to avoid going up and down the ladder to deploy fenders especially when docking plans change at the last minute and tending lines becomes more important than placing fenders. A folding cleat that drops down was added at the widest point of the beam and stainless chafe protectors were attached to the edges of the teak cap rails. The fender line is tied to a brass snap hook for ease of removal and attachment.
For the two fendors toward the bow, these are attached to the side rails. The points of attachment to the railings were marked with colored tape for the visiting deckhands. Yes, the teachable moment is learning how to tie two-half hitches.
MOORING BUOY/ANCHOR SNUBBER SYSTEM
Tribute’s lowest walkway is over three above the water and the bow is about 8 feet above the water. We needed a method to easily secure Tribute to a mooring. A system with parts that are used for several purposes was developed. The Sherman Grab ‘N Go Mooring Hook system is the fastest and safest way to capture a mooring buoy’s ring. A dock line is tied to the Mooring Hook and the it slides onto the boat hook. Tribute is placed along side of the mooring buoy and the Mooring Hook is easily attached to the mooring buoy and pulled to the boat. A large snap hook is attached to the anchor snubber line system and is then snapped to the mooring buoy. Tribute backs away and snubber line is paid out and then routed through the two line hawsers at the bow. The snap ring eliminates the need to route lines through buoy’s ring where friction can cut through the line.
Tribute’s lowest walkway is over three above the water and the bow is about 8 feet above the water. We needed a method to easily secure Tribute to a mooring. A system with parts that are used for several purposes was developed. The Sherman Grab ‘N Go Mooring Hook system is the fastest and safest way to capture a mooring buoy’s ring. A dock line is tied to the Mooring Hook and the it slides onto the boat hook. Tribute is placed along side of the mooring buoy and the Mooring Hook is easily attached to the mooring buoy and pulled to the boat. A large snap hook is attached to the anchor snubber line system and is then snapped to the mooring buoy. Tribute backs away and snubber line is paid out and then routed through the two line hawsers at the bow. The snap ring eliminates the need to route lines through buoy’s ring where friction can cut through the line.
