[zedboy]

Nylon for shock-absorption. With a snubber: WEST MARINE EPDM Mooring Snubbers | West Marine

If you're really worried, or you know something nasty's coming, double up your lines - to different cleats on the boat end (ever had a cleat pull out due to repeated shocks?).

You can double check and beef up the backing on your cleats, also.

 

[zedboy]

Oh, and at that size, you should do well with a trolling motor.

 

[zedboy]

More than 1/2" would probably annoying to work with and to fit around a snubber.

BTW it is possible to paddle a keelboat - with energetic crew, extremely flat water, and some patience. I did it at 3000+lbs displacement. And if there's wind, and you're on a mooring anyhow, you sail

I am trying to imagine how nice Lake Simcoe would be without the gas outboards and sea-doos. I think it's a pretty good tradeoff. Enjoy.