Question

I've heard many discussions concerning tying up a boat in a slip, with two variations. One, keep the lines long and tight. Two, keep the lines long and a bit loose. Which is correct? I keep my boat in the Chesapeake, and have to consider the tides and winds. Is it better to allow the boat to move in the slip as long as it doesn't bounce against the dock and pilings, or is it better to keep the lines taught and the boat in position?

Randy Says

Many boats sink because boaters fail to consider the tidal change and snug them up too much. The tide goes out and the boat hangs by the ropes. The tide comes in and washes over the transom or gunwale.

If you moor between pilings and suspend from the dock, you'll want long bowlines, crossed stern lines and perhaps one or two spring lines from the mid-ship cleat to the stern or bow mooring points to stop fore and aft movement. A long line gives more vertical travel and also can be kept more snug to avoid sideways motion that can bash your boat against the dock.

If you're mooring against a dock, run the stern line from the dock to the transom cleats away from the dock. Run a spring line fore or aft, depending on current and run a bowline forward. Drop fenders off the cleats or use mooring whips to prevent chafing.

 

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