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Dock Lines: The Basics!

David Van Emburg, Slip Dock Administrator


The Good, the Bad and the Ugly:

Walking around the docks on a calm sunny afternoon can be medicine for the soul.  Peaceful boats at rest in the harbor, the gentle lap of water against the hulls, the quiet chafing of tired dock lines, the unfortunate knock of a loose boat against the dock…… wait a minute… things just got a little less peaceful.


An unfortunate element of our hobby is that we do not get to use our boats on a daily basis.  Even the more avid sailors amongst us are pressed to use their boat on a weekly basis.  This means our investments spend the majority of their time left to fend (pun intended) for themselves.  Application of the basics is essential to protect our investments and maintain peace of mind.


Remember, the boat owner is ultimately responsible for any damage that is caused by his or her boat (to the dock, other boats, etc.).  Simple preparation and routine inspection of dock lines should avoid surprises and unhappy neighbors.

 

 

Good, Better, Best Dock Line Set-up:

At WCSC, the “Good” is the recommended minimum level. 


·         Good:       Galvanized or stainless steel shackle (safety wired; connects eye bolt on dock and dock line)

                            ½” 3 strand nylon line (spliced around a galvanized thimble)

                            Chafing gear at the high wear points


·         Better:      Galvanized or stainless steel shackle (safety wired; connects eye bolt on dock and chain)

                            6”-12” of galvanized steel chain

                            Galvanized or stainless steel shackle (safety wired; connects chain and dock line)

                            ½” 3 strand nylon line (spliced around a galvanized thimble)

                            Chafing gear at the high wear points


·         Best:         Galvanized or stainless steel shackle (safety wired; connects eye bolt on dock and chain)

                            6”-12” of galvanized steel chain

                            Galvanized or stainless steel shackle (safety wired; connects chain and dock line)

                            ½” 3 strand nylon line (spliced around a galvanized thimble)

                            Rubber snuffer attached to dock line

                            Chafing gear at the high wear points

                            Eye splice on 3 of the dock lines (bow line against dock, spring line, stern line against dock)


**See definitions of components at the end of article


 

Tie the Boat to the Dock:

Dock lines are important for a few reasons: first, to keep your boat attached to the dock and second, to keep your boat from hitting the dock.  There are 5 key lines that are required for the docks at WCSC:


·         2 Bow Lines:         Port and starboard; control the lateral (left/right) position of the bow

·         2 Stern Lines:       Port and starboard; control the lateral (left/right) position of the stern and keep

                                            the boat off of the dock.  Remember that the starboard stern line

                                            (in this set-up) should be kept tight in order to keep the boat off of the dock.

·         1 Spring Line:       Keep the bow of the boat from hitting the dock

                        

 

 

Port Bow Line

Starboard Bow Line

Spring Line

Port Stern Line

Starboard Stern Line

Dock

Boat

Fenders

 

 

  


Maintenance of Dock Lines:

Even the best dock line set-up can wear over time.  Visually inspect the lines a few times a year to ensure no surprises.  Ensure:

    ·   The shackles remain tight and have safety wire  

    ·   There is not excessive chafing on the dock line

    ·   The chafing gear is properly positioned and the line is not chafing inside the chafing gear

 

Peace of Mind:

A good dock line approach and a little preparation go a long way to simplifying life.  It allows us to focus on the light breeze, the warm afternoon sun, the gentle lap of water against the hull, boats safely tucked away in the harbor…. see you on the water.

 

  

**Definitions: Basic Components for Dock Lines:

The following are the basic components typically used in dock lines:

  1. Line:   ½” 3 strand nylon line (typically good for boats in the 20’-30’ range).  Nylon line is preferred because it is strong and elastic (remember boats like to move at the dock)
  2. Thimble:   Galvanized thimble (protects line from chafing on the shackle).  Prevents chafing of the line that is attached to the shackle, dock or chain
  3. Shackle:   Galvanized or stainless steel shackle to attach the dock-line to the dock or chain
  4. Safety Wire:  Tied through pin in shackle to prevent shackle from coming loose
  5. Chain:   (Optional): 6”-12” of galvanized chain to prevent dock from chafing line
  6. Rubber Snuffer:  (Optional): Rubber that dock-line wraps around to reduce load on the line (allows more stretch in line)
  7. Chafing Gear:  Typically leather, nylon or rubber wrap around the line to prevent chafing at high wear points.  High wear points include: line running over rub rails, through line guides, etc.
  8. Eye Splice:  (Optional) Eye splice on boat end of ½” dock line to allow easy attachment to boat cleat