Question about dock lines and rain

[genesis78]

I live/boat on a smallish lake, the water level is easily affected by large amounts of rain fall. I tie up to a non floating pier. We had very heavy rain all day today. I came home and checked on my pontoon and the water level rose about 2 feet. Usually my deck is about the height of the pier but tonight the tops of my pontoons are well over the height of the pier and the bow line was piano wire taut. I gave it some slack but is there a solution to this other than tying up very loosely? I am reluctant to do that as the pier I am on is in the allowable wake area of the lake and there are rocks on the shoreline in front of my boat.

 

[Ned L]

Of course there are things you can do. Us salt water guys have to deal with 4 - 6 foot tide changes twice a day every day.
You really did't offer enough information for anyone to be able to offer real advice though. How is your slip laid out, & what is there to tie to for starters.

 

[gddavid]

Cross your dock lines so they lead to the opposite side (dock lines run from port side of boat to the dock/piling to the right of the boat and vice versa) This will make the lines longer and allow for a larger range of water levels before your lines are too tight or loose. Most boats only cross the stern lines but on a pontoon because your bow is just as wide as your stern, you will cross those as well. Spring lines are used to prevent fore and aft motion, see diagram. Are you in a slip or up against the pier?

 

[Chris1956]

If you have pilings suitable for tying onto, there are rings which can ride up and down on the pilings as the water level changes

 

[H20Rat]

Mooring whips work well for what you are trying to accomplish.