Docking queries

[dLj]

We cruise year around and will stay out for months at a time. Fenders and dock lines remain with the boat at all times keeping inventory to a minimum, plus just too many sticky fingers. Sailing solo most of the time, rarely will a dock hand be around to assist, which I prefer. Prepping the boat before arrival, bow stern and midship lines all laying at the mid ship point. After stopping, I step off the boat and secure the short midship line first followed by the bow line then the stern. If wind and/or current have an effect on docking I will come in a bit hot to ensure the boat touches the dock before I step off.

My slip is pilings. Nobody is swimming out to the pilings to pull the lines off. At least, hasn't happened to date... If I was on floating docks, or another form of permante doc where someone could just walk up and take the lines, I'd do the same as you. But it's a major pain to reset lines on pilings so leaving them on is much easier.

dj

 

[DArcy]

If you sail single handed I would add that it is very handy to have a line about twice the length of your boat that you can rig for a docking bridle.