Marine Boat Mooring Whips: Are They Worth The Investment?

Mooring whips are an essential product for marine vehicle owners, helping to protect boats from bumping into solid objects and holding them steady in strong currents or winds. They are also useful for protecting boats from scratches and dents. One such product is the General Marine Mooring Whip, which is designed for small to large boats and comes in 14' solid 1 (2-7') fiberglass poles. The product has received positive reviews for its ease of installation, functionality, and value for money, with some customers citing it as a great purchase. However, some customers have reported issues with the quality, noting that the poles break easily and the base corrodes quickly.

General Marine mooring whips are easy to install

The installation process is straightforward and can be completed in under an hour. The bases are mounted using four 3/8" bolts, with a neoprene cleat attached to the base for convenient setting from the dock. The poles are made of solid fiberglass and can be easily removed for storage. The looped line provided is connected to the dockside boat cleat, and then to the boat cleats on the bow and stern. The whips are then adjusted until the boat reaches the desired distance from the dock.

General Marine mooring whips also feature a unique design that allows them to swivel and lock into a vertical position automatically. This prevents interference with antennas, rigging, and other structures on the dock or boat. This design makes it easier to dock the boat, as the whips tilt up and out of the way.

The mooring whips are suitable for a range of boat sizes, from small to large, and can accommodate boats up to 40 feet in length and weighing up to 20,000 pounds. They are an affordable and effective solution for protecting your boat from dock damage and keeping it a safe distance from the dock.

They are an inexpensive alternative to boat davits and lifts

Boat whips, also known as mooring lines, are an inexpensive alternative to boat davits and lifts. They are an excellent option for protecting your boat without breaking the bank.

Boat whips consist of a line (marine rope) that is hooked onto a flexible pole, which is then mounted on the dock. They are easy to attach to your boat and detach when you're ready to set sail. They provide protection from high winds and other boat wakes by keeping the boat from straining against dock lines and bumping against the dock.

Boat lifts and davits, on the other hand, can be quite costly. Davit Master, for example, offers a range of boat lifts with various features, but they do not provide pricing information upfront. West Marine's boat davits, lifts, and wheels are designed to move and hold items weighing up to 350 pounds, but again, specific pricing information is not readily available.

In contrast, boat whips are a more affordable option. For example, the General Marine Mooring Whips, designed for boats over 35 feet, are available on Amazon and include four one-inch fiberglass poles, each 14 feet in length. This system provides double the holding power with two bases that sit side-by-side.

Another cost-effective option is the Taylor Made Products AMRT-99079 8 Ft boat whip, also available on Amazon. This system includes solid fiberglass spring-action poles and a roller tip. It is perfect for boats up to 20 feet in length and under 2500 pounds.

They are strong and unobtrusive

General Marine Mooring Whips are a strong and sturdy option for boat owners. The poles are made from solid, marine-grade structural aluminum, which is powder-coated to prevent corrosion and ensure a long life of use. The powder coating also gives the poles a sleek, attractive finish. The mooring whips are available in lengths of 14 feet and can be adjusted to suit your needs, with the ability to swivel and lock into a vertical position. This vertical locking feature is unique to General Marine Mooring Whips and prevents interference with antennas, rigging, and other boat parts.

The mooring whips are easy to install, with clear instructions provided. They are mounted with four 3/8" bolts and include a plastic or neoprene cleat for convenient setting from the dock. The two-piece pole coupling is a simple yet innovative design, assembled with a wrench and a single set screw provided by the manufacturer. The manufacturer, General Marine, is so confident in their product that they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee and a five-year warranty for defects.

The mooring whips are suitable for small to large boats, with a weight capacity of up to 20,000 pounds and a length capacity of up to 40 feet. They are an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable, effective, and unobtrusive way to protect their boat from dock damage, wakes from passing boats, tide changes, and wind. The vertical locking feature also ensures that the whips do not interfere with the aesthetics or functionality of your boat, providing a clear view and unobstructed movement.

General Marine Mooring Whips are a strong, durable, and reliable option for boat owners seeking a straightforward and cost-effective solution to protect their boats. With their easy installation, adjustability, and vertical locking feature, they are an excellent choice for a wide range of boats and provide peace of mind for boat owners.

They are suitable for small to large boats

Mooring whips are suitable for small to large boats, with some products catering to boats of up to 40 or even 65 feet in length. They are designed to protect boats from dock damage, keeping them at a safe distance from the dock and preventing them from colliding with it or other boats. This is especially useful in locations with strong currents or winds, or in lakes, protected marinas, canals, and low wake zones.

General Marine Products' mooring whips, for example, are suitable for small to large boats of up to 40 feet in length and 20,000 pounds in weight. They are made from sturdy marine-grade aluminum with a powder coating, ensuring durability and a long lifespan. The poles are made from solid fiberglass, providing good elasticity and spring tension. The base has a built-in cleat for easy rope tying, and the roller tip allows the rope to move freely while keeping the boat securely in place.

Another product, the Taylor Made Products Premium Boat Mooring Whip, is suitable for large boats and comes in lengths of 14 and 16 feet for boats up to 46 feet in length. It has solid fiberglass poles and an aluminum-magnesium base, making it suitable for both freshwater and saltwater use, even in moderate to heavy wake areas.

When choosing mooring whips for your boat, it is important to consider the size and weight of your boat to ensure the whips can effectively hold and protect it. Additionally, the length of the mooring whips should be appropriate to prevent the boat from colliding with the dock or other boats.

They can be used in rougher waters

Mooring whips are a great option for those looking to protect their boats from scratches, dents, and dings while docked. They are an inexpensive alternative to other options and offer a stable "safety zone" for boats in certain conditions.

While mooring whips are generally better suited for calmer waters, they can also be used in rougher waters. Mooring whips are designed to pull boats a safe distance away from the dock, preventing waves, wind, tide, and wakes from causing damage. This makes them suitable for use in moderate to heavy wake areas and tidal areas.

For example, the Taylor Made Products Premium Boat Mooring Whip is suitable for use in both fresh and saltwater and can handle moderate to heavy wake areas. Similarly, the Dock Edge Ultimate Mooring Whip can absorb forces from wakes, tides, and wind, making it suitable for rougher waters.

General Marine Products also offers mooring whips that can be used in rougher waters. Their mooring whips are made from sturdy marine-grade aluminum and are powder-coated for added protection. They are designed to protect boats up to 40 feet in length from the wakes of other boats, tide changes, and wind. The poles are made of solid fiberglass, providing strength and flexibility.

It is important to note that mooring whips may not be suitable for very rough waters or hurricane-strength winds. In such conditions, it is recommended to use additional protection methods such as fenders, anchors, or relocating the boat to a safer location.

Frequently asked questions