I really don’t understand the preoccupation with moorings. I just don’t think they are nearly as reliable or safe as anchoring properly. Here is a very expensive Cabo Rico on the reef. It was on a nearby mooring and chafed through its lines yesterday.
A proper anchor (for the ground), all chain, and at least 6:1 scope, is the way to go, no rope guys! The problem with moorings is maintenance. Unless you dig up your mooring and inspect it every few months I’d stay off of them. And I wouldn’t take any marina’s word that they are “reliable”
I know “ship happens”, but the most damage I ever took to my boats was at the dock or on a mooring. I spend every day of my life on the hook and have a pretty good perspective on the situation.
When I was in Fort Myers the dock master tried to tell me I had to (by law) take a mooring ball as I was not allowed to anchor. We have already discussed that issue, but what I thought was really insulting is that when he (Leif) handed me a contract which clearly stated that they (City Yacht Basin) were not liable for any damage to my boat if the mooring failed or drug. The moorings in Fort Myers are just alongside a bridge that would easily take both of my masts if the mooring failed. Needless to say I didn’t take a mooring ball or move my boat within the “allocated” time frame as I was ( by federal law) allowed to anchor in where I was. They did nothing as it was pure harassment and they expect you to comply without question. They really seem to have a “take everything, give nothing in return” attitude. If your being harassed by the police or fish and game I strongly suggest voicing your concerns, get organized, and speak to Boat US. They seem to back up the legal needs of the US boating community. Get together with your friends and do something about it!
I’m really happy to not be harassed where I am. I know its tough on friends of mine back in the states. This is a real concern and the last thing American sailors need is to be stripped of their right to live in peace and travel.
I took a long walk in the country yesterday. Panama is really so beautiful. Most of my friends have bought property here over the years as you can still find 5 or so beautiful acres for about 20-30 grand. I’m not so into owning property but if I did I would want to own a little piece of land in this area and build a small, totally off the grid, home.
People here still ride horses to and from work, many don’t have electricity, and nobody hassles you about building things. There is also no property tax for 20 years and if you were paying tax it is so cheap it isn’t an issue.
I’m enjoying my long walks in the country and trying to get in better shape. I’m going to start walking for a few hours 
three times a week, and swim the other days. What great exercise walking in such a beautiful place. Treadmills seem as strange to me as mooring balls, I guess I just don’t get it?
After May I will have a real camera as that is how I’m being reimbursed for a charter. I’m going to focus on producing my next film and taking photographs again. It is hard for me to get excited about taking photographs with my iphone, or video with a rarely working flip after being a professional photographer & film maker. I’m looking forward to having a proper set of tools, some good glass, and camera.
Anyway, I’m at the bottom of my morning coffee and off to make some breakfast.
I borrowed a friends vacuum yesterday and today is a cleaning day. My shop-vac died a few months ago and things have become a bit dusty only using a broom and dust pan :(
My allergies and asthma have been bugging me and I need to wipe down Splendid’s interior with a mixture of bleach and water to combat the every growing boat mold. Today is a nice day to open everything up, blast some good music, swim and clean :)
Cheers
Peace, Love, and Coconuts
– Alex