Originally posted by TangoBlue:

I build my permanent bases on the shore and build a dock. I also put a trench/moat around it. On the inside I put up stake wall or stone wall. The only difficulty/annoyance is keeping mobs on a raid from going around the wall through the sea. I try to build up the land into a cliff they can't climb or bounce over (darn blobs!).

Thats why i dont build shoreline towns/bases anymore.
They(mods) just swims around, its better to build a bit away from the shore, and make a road to the docks.