Springlines question

[guy48065]

Why is it recommended to run your dock lines from the corners back towards the middle? I can't tie tight to the dock and need to take a big step when the wind blows the boat away from the dock. I think the issue is I have to make my lines a little long so they can reach up and over the tops of my dock posts. I can't cut the posts and I don't want to add cleats because I stack the sections for the winter. I've added a 3rd line from the back corner rearward to an eye under the dock -- but that doesn't help a lot.

What can I do different?

[RcgTexas]

You need springlines and at least one breast line to make a good mooring . a breast is usually from the center or the side away from the dock to the dock. That's not necessarily pontoon stuff but big boat stuff . If I am leaving a vessel moored for any length of time. I use at least 2 of each or more depending on the boat size. Hope that helps.

[Bamby]

Why is it recommended to run your dock lines from the corners back towards the middle? I can't tie tight to the dock and need to take a big step when the wind blows the boat away from the dock. I think the issue is I have to make my lines a little long so they can reach up and over the tops of my dock posts. I can't cut the posts and I don't want to add cleats because I stack the sections for the winter. I've added a 3rd line from the back corner rearward to an eye under the dock -- but that doesn't help a lot.

What can I do different?

On our water, a river I've never observed anyone tie off other than the way shown in the picture below.

Pontoon Tied Off.png (1.16 MiB) Viewed 2052 times

You now have to also realize that the line isn't actually as snug as it actually appears in the photo. When this photo was taken a breeze was actually pushing the boat upriver as far as the line would allow. A person doesn't actually want their boat tight-lined to anything for some very good reasons. But first off.... For your home dock lines get a good set of lines and set them up for your boat a forget them for the season. Yep set them and tie them off proper to the dock posts utilizing the loop on your cleats and leave them. It will make life so easy after a busy full day on the water.

But one of the big reasons a boat needs some rope to breath is wind, wakes, storms, and blows. It's amazing just how much up and down movement can be created in any of these events. I've sat in my boat on the dock at one time or another and observed all of them. When the boat starts heaving side to side and our floating dock decides to oppose the boats movement it well makes for an interesting observation to say the least. But one thing you would become aware of we are talking about some significant forces at work with enough energy to destroy any weak link in the works and cause damage. But anyway set your lines appropriately and enjoy your time on the water.

[guy48065]

Part of my question is why do the lines run from the corners to anchors near the middle? Is that superior to the more obvious way of extending the lines farther forward/rearward from the corners?

[guy48065]

I've considered boat bungees but I'm told they don't like extended use in the sun.

[JohnO]

Part of my question is why do the lines run from the corners to anchors near the middle? Is that superior to the more obvious way of extending the lines farther forward/rearward from the corners?

I'm in a slip with fingers to each side of the boat so my situation is a bit different but from what I remember....

The spring lines are there to help get the boat against the dock or away from the dock under power and wind. Once tying off you should have lines running fore and aft also.

Around here I never see anyone using just spring lines to secure their boat (as the lines allow the boat to drift way too far from the dock.)

[OldePharte]

http://www.boatus.com/magazine/2013/Feb ... -lines.asp

[RcgTexas]

That article has some good info. The only thing I would add is that springs will stop your boat surging fore and aft and breast lines (properly) laid will keep your boat close to the dock for boarding and boat safety. Now if you are at the dock fifteen minutes for a beer and fuel or whatever, a couple of lines like shown above is just fine. It's just long term or overnight that requires additional lines.