Joe Coons
Several times over the five years of writing these columns I've mentioned the use of lines to assist you in docking procedures, especially getting away from the dock. After seeing several cases recently of scratched hulls while leaving moorings, I thought it's a subject that bears repeating. (Some years ago, a great article included the comment, "For years, I thought that the phrase, 'Jesus Christ, look out for the dock' was a nautical term meaning, 'Mooring operations are about to begin.'" These two procedures, and their variations, lessen that kind of talk!) Each of these assumes that you have a mate on board, with a good line, at least 20 feet long, with an eye spliced in one end. Your mate should be able to "take a turn" around a cleat, including several figure-eights, so the line will not slip when under tension.
Case #1: Trying to leave dock, but wind is blowing you back on the dock: This is the situation that seems to cause the most trouble, but the solution is simple. (1) Put a fender between your boat and the dock as far aft as possible. (2) Take your long line, and going from the stern cleat on your boat, put it around (but not tied to) a cleat on the dock that is at least six or seven feet forward of your stern, and (3) back to the boat's stern cleat, where you will temporarily secure it with several turns. You now have a secure spring line that keeps your boat from going aft, but this rig can be quickly released by your mate from the boat simply by releasing the end of the line and pulling it through the dock's cleat. (4) Now, put the boat in reverse: the stern will pull back against the line, the boat will press against the stern fender, and the bow will slowly come out. (5) When it is out far enough to leave the dock (be patient), tell your mate to quickly release the line, and with the gear in forward, pull away!
Case #2: Trying to land on dock, but wind is blowing you off the dock: (1) Put out fenders on the dock side, including the bow and stern of your boat. (2) Secure your line end midships, and measure back to the stern. Bring the end back to midships, making the loop the correct length to reach the stern. (3) As you come near the dock, (using a boat hook if necessary) drop the end of the line over a dock cleat near where your stern will be when secured. (4) Continue moving forward: as the line tensions, it will let you apply forward power so that with careful use of your rudder, you can bring the boat up parallel to, and tight to, the dock.
Sketch these examples on a piece of paper so you understand them. Then next time you're out, try the procedures with your mate. You'll feel like, and look like, a pro!
Happy and safe boating!
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Last updated 8/20/97 by SCR