Question

How should I moor my boat?  In particular, I would like to avoid being
disturbed by the wash of passing craft?

Answer

On a canal, unless there's a lot of traffic, then normal moorings with bow
and stern lines led outward (i.e. the bow line led forwards, the stern line
led backwards) from the boat at an angle of about 45 degrees will usually be
adequate if they are pulled tight.  A couple of fenders
between the boat and the bank help if the boat's pulled in tightly on to
them.

On rivers this isn't a good idea as there one needs a certain amount of
slack in the mooring lines to deal with possible variations in level. So in
this case (or on the busier canals), add to the bow and stern lines as
described above a spring (or a backspring) i.e. a line led inwards from one
end of the boat, either from the bow angled backwards or from the stern
angled onwards. Also on rivers it is often a good idea to put down an
anchor - should vandals let your lines go during the night, you will not
then end up on (or over!) a weir.

If you're moored in  shallows, there may not be much you can do to avoid
"bottoming" when large craft go by.  Even if they're travelling fairly
slowly, they can still have quite a "draw".
Only use mooring pins as a last resort. This is because they can be loosened
by the wash from passing boats, they can be dangerous for towpath users, and
can be pulled out by vandals.  Look for rings or bollards set in the bank,
pass a short chain round the waling of Armco sheeting, or use the special
G-hooks which can be bought at chandlers. Pass the ends of the lines back
onto the boat and make fast there. On rivers look for suitable trees but
ensure your lines do not chafe and damage the tree and ensure that the lines
are not a hazard for passers-by.

On a river, if there is significant current and adequate width, approach the
mooring site in an upstream direction. If possible land crew members from
the stern only - it's much safer. If this is not possible then, once the
boat is at a complete standstill, get a crew member to step off at the bow
with the bow rope and make fast, the current will swing the stern in. On a
canal it is often practical for the crew to step off at the stern with the
mid rope.

Ensure that your chosen mooring location does not inconvenience other
boaters. Do not occupy moorings used for working locks, opening bridges etc.

The outside of bends, particularly on rivers, may be attractive because the
water is deep, but on a sharp bend mooring there will limit the view ahead
for passing boats, and they may also be forced into shallow water. As a
general rule moor on the towpath side.  Mooring lines must not cross the
towpath.

When mooring on a river (and occasionally on canals in bad weather, the
water level varies least above a lock.  After rain rivers can rise, and
later fall, by quite large amounts particularly below a lock and in a very
short time.

Don't moor too close to bridges. Moor a good couple of boats lengths clear
ideally to leave room for boats to manoeuvre if they meet an oncoming boat.

If moorings are at a premium but there is adequate width then it may be
possible to moor alongside another boat. Never do this without asking
permission and resolving questions of fenders, who will leave first etc.

When crossing over someone else's boat do not look inside. With modern boats
it is normal to cross at the stern in order to minimise intrusion. The
situation may be different with traditional ex-working boats - the object is
to cross in such a way that there is no intrusion on the privacy of the
occupants of the boat being crossed. It's courteous to call out "coming
across?" with a note of query in your voice too.

When mooring to a bollard which is already in use, pass your line up through
the existing loop, round the bollard and then back down through the loop and
back on board. This enable either boat to leave without disturbing the lines
of the other.

On rivers a mooring below a lock (but not at the place reserved for lock
working) will be more sheltered since the banks are higher. On all waterways
TV reception is usually better above the lock. If mooring above a lock on a
river, assess the danger of being swept over the weir if the boat is cast
adrift and consider dropping an anchor as an extra precaution.