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 Catalina 25 Specific Forum
 Line Snubbers Pros or Cons		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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jmeadows
1st Mate

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52 Posts
Initially Posted - 08/11/2004 :  21:46:12  Show Profile
I always keep my boat on a slip and have been thinking about investing in snubbers. Before I lay out the West Marine over priced boat dollar, I thought some good feedback would be helpful.
$36.99 each
Jim Meadows
"Aloha Friday" (for sale) Sold
1989 Tall Rig - WK
Lake Pleasant, AZ
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oldsalt
Admiral

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USA
578 Posts
Response Posted - 08/11/2004 :  22:51:12  Show Profile
I've used line snubbers for many years and I'm happy to have them. Taking some of the repetitive strain caused by the motion of the boat in its slip off of both the boat and dock cleats is as Martha Stewart might say "a good thing", especially under storm conditions. The motion of the boat at the slip is much better for sleeping aboard as well since there aren't any sharp jerks as the dock lines go taut.


There are two types of snubbers, the ones I prefer are those which are cylindrical. The line is first threaded though one end, a few wraps are taken around the snubber, and the bitter end of the line is then threaded through the remaining end.

While I'm at it, I'd like to put in a good word for three strand docklines due to their elasticity, rather than double braid which many believe looks fancier.
Edited by - oldsalt on 08/11/2004 22:52:40
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Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts
Response Posted - 08/11/2004 :  22:56:20  Show Profile  Visit Leon Sisson's Homepage
Jim,

I too, was skeptical about the value of dock line snubbers. I assume you're referring to the ones with cylindrical bodies and a sort of conical clamcleat on each end. I tried one at first. I quickly went back for three more. They work great! Correctly installed, they make a tremendous difference in the peak shock loads on your cleats, lines, pilings, fenders, etc. I've had the same set for maybe 8 years, and they're holding up just fine.

The only dissadvanges I can see are the initial price, and the loss of versatility in the lines they're installed on. The later is of no concern to me, as I have two sets of docklines -- one set (with snubbers) stays attached to my home dock, and the other set is only used when I tie up away from home. (Or when a hurricane approaches.)

-- Leon Sisson
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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts
Response Posted - 08/11/2004 :  23:17:30  Show Profile  Visit Frank Hopper's Homepage
For three boats now I have used 1/2" X 25' Goldenbraid crossing from the boat to the opposite end of the finger. Loops to the bow cleats and tails to the primary wenches then to the stern cleats. It is long enough that way to act as a snubber and keeps my boat very secure. In this picture my boat is loosened so it will pull up to the finger on port. When I haul in on the stern lines I can set them as tight as I like and they still spring.

[url="http://homepage.mac.com/fhopper/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2004-08-08%2019.55.11%20-0700/Image-1AF355A0E9AF11D8.jpg"]Dock spring lines[/url]
Edited by - Frank Hopper on 08/12/2004 10:29:55
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frog0911
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1349 Posts
Response Posted - 08/11/2004 :  23:19:38  Show Profile
Would agree that snubbers are cheap insurance if you have continuious boat traffic running by your dock or have wave action do to high winds. I have both at one time or another. I've had them on my boats for 14 years and only had to replace one snubber, but lots of 1/2 inch stranded dock lines for age. Like Leon, mine stay with the dock and I use a set of 3/8 double braided when away from home.
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cathluk
Admiral

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USA
513 Posts
Response Posted - 08/12/2004 :  13:23:55  Show Profile
We use snubbers on 3 of our 6 permanent dock lines which absorbs the shock from the most prevelent conditions in our marina.

Pros: They really help take the shock off the cleats particularly when our boat rides to one side of the slip most of the time.

Cons: The heavy snubber makes it REALLY hard to hang up & retrieve the line on piling. That's why I don't have the snubber on the other piling. The lines with the snubbers stay with the dock/pilings & we use different lines when we travel.

A good investment I would say. Don't go on the cheap - buy the good ones like Mark described.
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.