How many lines needed for 18' boat on slip in bay

[viper1216]

Hey everyone,

I am going to be keeping my boat in the bay for the first time this year and rented a slip. I have been trailering up to this point, so this is all new to me. I have been doing some research on what is needed and not sure what I need for lines. From what I have read there is a bow line, stern line and 2 spring lines. However all the things I have been seeing are write ups for much larger boats than mine. Do I still need all these lines? I was originally thinking I was going to put a few fenders and tie it tight to the dock, but upon reading it looks like the boat is actually left loose off the dock a bit.

Any insight here is very much appreciated!!!

Thanks!

 

[bruceb58]

How much wave action do you have at your slip?

 

[viper1216]

It's in a protected cove, so aside from really rough weather, I do not anticipate much. But again, I'm really not sure since first time around but based on where the marina is, I am fairly sure it would be limited. And if we had really rough weather coming like a tropical storm or worse, I would yank the boat out .

 

[harleyman1975]

We slipped a 30' cruiser with a bow stern and a single spring. I slip my 20 ft with 2 bow lines and a single stern. do whatever it takes to allow the boat to move without getting damaged. but if only mooring on one side then a minimum of a bow stern and a single spring.

 

[viper1216]

So there will be a another boat next to me. Basically 2 boats to a slip...I am on the right side and then other boat is on the left of me, kind of like a 2 car garage. So basically, trial and error to see what works.

 

[bruceb58]

I would look around and see what some of the others do. Ask the marina what they recommend.

 

[fhhuber]

No wind or waves... 2

Doing it right:

Bow line, Stern line, 2 to 4 spring lines (each side)

 

[viper1216]

Thanks...I will definitely check with the Marina...great idea. I would like to do it right....but will only be able to tie up one side of the boat...unless I tie the other side to the boat next to me. For using two spring lines, I only have one cleat in the middle of the boat, would I tie both springs to that?

 

[viper1216]

Another quick question while I am thinking of it....would I need fenders on both sides of my boat, or only the side facing the dock? Like I said, there is another boat next to me, but I would like to think that the two are not coming in contact with each other. If I need them, I need them, but fenders are expensive so if I don't need them would rather not throw the money away.

 

[dingbat]

Really depends on the slip configuration.

In tidal waters, the boat needs to move vertically in the slip. Depending on the effects of prevailing wind and tides conditions, this could mean a couple feet of vertical play. I've seen a number of boats sunk or severely damaged at the dock because the owner didn't leave enough, or too much slack and the boat gets trapped under the dock on the incoming tide.

Most local slips don't have finger piers. We have a dock at the rear and pilings are used upfront to separate the slips and tie off. Use cross ties of a strategic length on the stern. Tie bow lines with enough slack to allow the boat to move vertically yet restrict side to side movement. Properly done, no bumpers are required

 

[bruceb58]

Another quick question while I am thinking of it....would I need fenders on both sides of my boat, or only the side facing the dock? Like I said, there is another boat next to me, but I would like to think that the two are not coming in contact with each other. If I need them, I need them, but fenders are expensive so if I don't need them would rather not throw the money away.

I would put fenders on both sides in case the neighbors boat gets loose or yours for that matter.

 

[tpenfield]

I hope you are not concerned about having extra lines, but I would plan on using 4 lines, but have a couple extra. Boat size will not matter - more of an issue of geometry and what you have to tie up to. Also, you will want fenders on both sides of the boat, in case you slip mate is a dufus.

 

[fhhuber]

OK... was thinking it sounded like a slip where you had walkway both sides of your boat.

For one where there's a boat beside yours and walkway just one side treat it pretty much like this:

http://www.compassmarine.co.uk/PBCPPlayer.asp?PW=1&ID=895375

Ignores the other boat (or any other potential place to tie off) on the other side of your boat.

 

[viper1216]

Ok, awesome. Thank you all for the info. Question on line length.....I was looking at the link fhhuber put and it says the lines should be roughly 1.5 to 2 times the length of the boat. I have 15' lines...and actually literally just bought 2 more at that length about 20 minutes ago, I'm not sure I am following why I need a line that is 36 feet long...with line that length the boat would be 3 slips down. Obviously need a little slack for tide play and such...but I thought that 15' would be plenty long. Is that not correct?

 

[Ned L]

The length of the lines you need will depend on where the cleats, rings, whatever are on the dock or pier for you to tie to. The lengths you listed do seem excessive.

Also,... there is a logic and purpose in line type and size selection. Generally on a smaller boat you would want to use all Nylon lines (more stretch than Dacron). This will give a 'softer ride' for the boat. Spring lines would be smaller in diameter, to provide 'spring',... 3/8" would be more than large enough.

Also, is this fresh or tidal water? ... Given it sounds like this is a floating dock / pier it doesn't much matter.

 

[viper1216]

Thanks Ned. Yep, I got 3/8" nylon. This is Tidal water...its in Narragansett Bay.

 

[dingbat]

Ok, awesome. Thank you all for the info. Question on line length.....I was looking at the link fhhuber put and it says the lines should be roughly 1.5 to 2 times the length of the boat. I have 15' lines...and actually literally just bought 2 more at that length about 20 minutes ago, I'm not sure I am following why I need a line that is 36 feet long..

I keep two (2) 15', two (2) 20' and a 40' line on the boat.

The combination of the five (5) has never failed me

 

[fhhuber]

The basic idea behind that graphic recommending those line lengths is to have enough for just about any mooring location. Its easier to coil excess than to deal with a line that is too short.

 

[Ned L]

Narragansett Bay,... wherever you are there I would suggest some decent fenders (as suggested).
(I'm in N.E.CT)

Oh,... and if you don't already know how I would strongly suggest you learn the proper ways to secure a line to a cleat, ring, and post.
The most convenient way to set lines up in a slip is to secure the bitter end to the pier side (for the season), and leave the eye splices for dropping on the cleats on the boat. This way when you leave you simply drop off the docklines and go, and when you return you just drop the eyes back on the cleats and everything is already adjusted just right.
If you learn how to splice your own eyes (really quite simple - and about 5 - 10 minutes of entertainment per eye) then you can buy a single length of line for everything (much cheaper) and you can make each line the right length for each position. Doing this does pretty much require two sets of lines, one that stays at the slip and one that stays on the boat.

 

[viper1216]

Awesome, thanks Ned and all. That was plan to just tie the line to the dock cleat and just hook up the eye end when I pull up rather than wrapping every time. Just bought a couple of fenders and fender lines for the other side of the boat. I will have 3 on the dock side and 2 on the water side.