Tying it up.

[Frank Arndorfer]

Settling into a new slip with a new boat and I'm looking for advice, comments, etc. in getting her settled in.43' boat and slipped within floating docks. Port side tie-up and I'm able to attach all four points with both bow/stern and forward/aft spring lines on both sides. Power connection off the bow. Location is Lake Michigan so tide is not an issue. Very well protected.Do I position boat relative to the dock for easy off/on etc. with bow/stern lines first, then adjust springs for forward/aft movement, or do springs first, then adjust location relative to dock, etc.????Plan is to use lines that will stay at the slip.

 

[Dale I]

PLAGIARIZE....

(yes, I looked up the spelling). Look around and learn... it took me 4 & more attempts and some more tweaking before I got it right... every dock has its quirks, typical wind shifts......and neighborhood habits that'll affect what works for you..

 

[Frank Ladd]

mark your lines

I'm no expert at docking but whenever I rent a transient slip for a few days at the coast some bozo powerboater tries to take my lines while I'm out sailing. The ends of my dock lines are marked with tape and my name is written on the center with a sharpee. It is always a hoot when they come running up while I untie their boat and hassle me. I show them the markings, remind them that the lines cost a lot of money and ask them if they want me to call the police. Usually they calm right down and we find a way to help them use their anchor line until they can buy some decent lines.Must folks don't learn boating edicate as a child, but it is funny to me that many can decide that lines on an empty slip are there for anyone to move to another slip.

 

[Matt Blender]

Tying up

I prefer to keep my docklines with the boat, rather than on the dock. First, simply for security's sake. Second, and more importantly, each time I dock is a little different than the last time because of current or wind or both. As I come in to the slip, someone (usually my wife who has gotten very good at this sort of thing) steps off and with a spring line, takes a turn around a cleat. That pretty much gets the boat under complete control. I generally back into my slip, by the way. It's easier to connect the shore power and if there's a problem, escaping in forward is easier. So, the springline that is attach first is the forward line. I can continue to back down on it and the stern will swing into the dock. Good luck

 

[Richard Weaver]

Dock Lines

Frank,I would position the boat for easy on/off and set up the bow/stern lines for that and then set up your spring lines last, once you know the position of bow & stern for easy on/off.We are at McKinley Marina and I will need to make all new lines for the floating dock.If you will be making McKinley Marina home for your new boat "Welcome Home", we have been there about 12 years and are docked in the south end at N Dock.Any questions, contact me at any time.Richard WeaverCatalina 27TR"Only Child II"E-Mail: rweaver@firstweber.com