You might be forced into using boaty ball at cooper. However, if you get there early morning, then you probably can avoid boatyball altogether.

In my view, boatyball created the shortage of fcfs mooring balls and now profits from it.

Warren S/V Scuba Doo
Lagoon 50 (winner of best crewed yacht under 55 feet at the St. Thomas crewed yacht boat show).

https://www.cyabrochure.com/ebn/2307/pdyrX/6642/4///