Leaving a dock with a springline

[Jack]

Hello,Sometimes, when leaving a dock from a "side-to" position, it is necessary to swing the stern out, and then reverse away from the dock. Some people use an aft springline, from the bow to a cleat/piling on the dock. Then they hang a fender at the bow for protection of the bow. A little forward thrust on the engine with the wheel turned towards the dock will then swing the stern away from the dock. So far, so good.My problem is this: How/where do you hang a fender at the bow if you have an anchor roller that sticks way out? What do you do in order to protect the anchor roller from crushing into the dock?Thanks for any advise.Jack

 

[Alan]

Fenders

...hanging from your bow toe rail should do the job. I can't see how your anchor roller, no matter how long, should touch the dock. Most docks are no more than a couple of feet off the the water. Your anchor roller must be much higher! However, I might suggest doing just the same with stern. Spring the stern and let the bow out. You will have better rudder control and won't have to reverse direction.

 

[Patrick]

Forward

I have used this technique several times getting away from a dock when the wind is up and blowing me against the dock. I do not know your situation but did not consider getting away from the dock in reverse. Going forward seems simpler to me.

 

[Bruce Mulford]

I have done it both ways...

...it depends on the dock structure, how far the pilings stick out, the wind, etc. I like doing it in reverse a little better because you have no overhanging pulpit, you can watch the hull/fender/piling/dock juncture, and assuming you have a dockhand on the dock assisting with line handling (highly recommended and tipped in advance), they are right next to you to coordinate actions and hand you the line as you pull away.