Episode 18 - How to pickup a Mooring Ball 

Thanks Eric. That's great to share. I realize I missed a few things when I made the video, so it's great to see additional comments.

Im not sure I understand all your questions, but you first need to find a mooring field. For example, if you look in the Bay just outside Sarasota, Florida (especially on a google earth or satellite view) you will see a mooring field. It's also visible on the charts with the small "can" I showed near the beginning of the video. It's the same everywhere EXCEPT when there is no tail. If there is no tail (typically poor maintenance), then you need to approach it from your stern where you can loop your line(s) through and bring them to the bow.

I have those same questions! Who do you call to make these arrangements? Is there a phone number on the map? How do you pay ?

@@lindyrogers2555 you need to call the marina that is managing the mooring field. Typically when you see a field on the charts it’s near a marina. I’d start there. On Navionics, you can click on the icon to find out information about the field in question. Generally, you are paying online or at the marina. For Sarasota, it was managed by the marina and we paid them using Dockwa. Often Dockwa will tell you whether a mooring field is available through a particular marina (although I have not seen this often). Mooring balls are not that common on the loop but they are available in certain locations.

The same principles will be required, but you must take either the wind or the current (or both) into consideration upon approach. You want to approach the ball going into the current so that you can maintain control of the vessel.

Sorry to hear about your Uncle. Hopefully you find someone who will appreciate the houseboat!