[BroadHopper]

I hope Skip can help me on this one.

Many years ago, I had to tie up to a private dock due to a terrible thunder storm that created huge waves. The land owner called the police and the police called to marine patrol. I can't recall who it was on the marine patrol, but he said to me and the land owner that a boat owner has the right to tie to a private dock in emergency or in inclement weather without permission. So I was in my right mind to seek shelter from the storm.

I think island girl is partly right. But it depends on the situation.