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The most difficult part of sailing is...

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3477 Posts

Response Posted - 02/21/2008 : 17:02:08

Dave,

I see now what you are getting at with the Spring line. I will give it some thought. Generally, I really have no issues getting into my slip...have it almost down to a science. Also, many times, my slip location seems less prone to the wind that is out in the river and many times, the wind is actually a bit in my favor as it moves me closer to my slip.

I have a cleat on the 32 foot slip at each end. I may try grabbing onto the spring line that is attached at the end of my slip and then loop it around the winch, etc mid-ship...as I back into the slip. Just that then I have to fool around with a boat hook and it's infrequent that the wind is that bad to be concerned about closing in on the slip. When the wind is a problem, then I could see the merit of using the spring-line as you have suggested. I may try it...but then I have to fool around with a boat hook while I am usually maneuvering with the motor handle. Hey ! Before you guys told me to not run the gas out of the motor, I use to be so confident of getting into the slip w/no hitches, that I would disconnect the fuel hose before I got into the slip...just to save time running the fuel out !

Edited by - OLarryR on 02/21/2008 17:09:14

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 02/21/2008 : 17:50:13

Larry,
If you do it the way I described, you'll be able just loop the spring line over the dock cleat and forget about it. Obviously, you need to be sure you've tied the bowline or made the loop at the right length to stop the boat short of loud noises. I'd think it would be easier doing this stern-to as you do. I have to go to the forward part of the cockpit to loop the piling. You can do it without ever leaving the tiller.

BTW, I learned this technique from our friends right here on this forum.

Edited by - John Russell on 02/21/2008 17:50:56

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3477 Posts

Response Posted - 02/21/2008 : 21:06:50

John,

Your way seems safer and for your application with the pilings, makes perfect sense. I am not completely sold on the idea of even using a springline since I rarely have issues docking and so why mess around with....perfection ! But the other thing is about using the spring line which you have onboard and looping it around the cleat on the end of the slip is not a real biggy but...my spring line is all set on the dock for when i come in...when i tie up, I then just cleat it to my mid-ship cleat on the starboard side. If I had the spring line onboard...I would wind up having to redo the loop attachment on the finger slip as well as reposition the line on the starboard side cleat.

Right now, I have two things less to do - My fenders are attached to the slip so I do not have to mess with them and once I dock, I have dock lines and the spring line that need to be made fast on one cleat each... then I'm done.

Edited by - on