Mastering The Art Of Docking: Spring Line Boat Techniques

Docking a boat with a spring line is a useful skill to have when you need to get out of tight situations. Spring lines are dock lines placed strategically from the boat to the dock to help manoeuvre and turn the boat in place. They are particularly handy when the wind is pushing your boat onto the dock, or when there are other boats around, limiting your room to manoeuvre. Spring lines can be used to dock both stern-first and bow-first, with the spring line rigged at the opposite end to the part of the boat that you want to move away from the dock.

Springing off the dock stern-first

Springing off the dock is a useful skill to get out of tight situations when docking. It can be done stern-first or bow-first, but the technique is similar. The spring line is rigged at the opposite end to the part of the boat that you want to move away from the dock.

Step 1: Rig a spring line from the aft cleat on the boat. Loop it around a cleat or bollard roughly in line with the midships position of the boat, and then run it back onboard. Ensure the line has no knots or twists to prevent tangling.

Step 2: Center the rudder and gently engage reverse gear to bring the tension on the spring line.

Step 3: As the tension builds, increase the speed slightly and turn the wheel toward the dock. The stern should now start to move away.

Step 4: When the tension on the spring line eases, the crew member holding the line should release the tail and quickly pull it back onboard.

Step 5: Once the stern is clear, engage forward gear, center the rudder, and motor away.

It is important to practice this technique on a calm day to get a feel for how your boat responds. While it is possible to do this alone, it is recommended to have one or two crew members to assist. Brief them before starting so they know their roles and what to expect.

Springing off the dock bow-first

Firstly, understand the dynamics of water thrust and rudder direction. The propeller pushes water backward over the rudder, which then directs the flow of water, changing its direction. This creates a turning force that you can use to your advantage when springing off the dock.

Now, let's get into the specific steps for springing off the dock bow-first:

• Rig a spring line from the aft cleat on your boat. Loop it around a cleat or bollard on the dock, roughly in line with the midships position of your boat. Then, run it back onboard.
• Ensure all other dock lines are stowed, and have a crew member take a turn around the boat's cleat, holding the bitter end of the line.
• Centre your rudder and gently engage reverse gear to bring tension to the spring line.
• As the tension increases, slightly increase your speed and turn the wheel toward the dock. This will cause the bow to start moving away from the dock.
• As the tension on the spring line eases, the crew member should release the tail of the line and quickly pull it back onboard.
• Once the bow is clear of any obstacles, engage forward gear, centre the rudder, and motor away.

Remember, every boat responds differently, so it's a good idea to practice this technique on a calm day, away from other boats. While it is possible to do this alone, having one or two crew members to assist can make the process much smoother. Brief your crew on the manoeuvre, and ensure you have plenty of fenders set up on the side against the dock.

By mastering the art of springing off the dock bow-first, you'll be able to confidently navigate your boat in various docking situations, even in tight spaces and uncooperative wind conditions.

Forward and aft spring lines

The direction these lines run from the boat determines their designation as “forward” or “aft” spring. Forward springs are rigged from the stern and run one-third or more of the vessel’s length toward the bow. Aft springs are rigged at the bow and run toward the stern. Pull on the forward spring to bring the stern closer to the dock. Pull the aft spring to bring in the bow.

When using spring lines, you are adding a new force in a new direction, at a distance from the water force on the rudder, allowing you to effectively turn the boat. The magnitude of the turning moment is equal to the force multiplied by the perpendicular distance between the forces.

When using forward and aft spring lines, it is important to consider the wind strength and direction, wave and wake action, and the tidal stage. Spring lines should be nearly tight at low tide. It is also important to ensure that your cleats are appropriately sized and properly secured. You need at least four cleats: one on each side of the bow and stern.

Using spring lines in high wind

Spring lines are essential when docking a boat in high winds. They are a vital tool to limit a boat's ability to move forward or backward when tied up at a dock. Spring lines are a type of mooring aid that, when used correctly, can stop a vessel from moving forward or backward, making docking safer and more manageable.

When docking in high winds, it is important to understand the dynamics of water thrust and how it interacts with the rudder. The propeller pushes water backward over the rudder, which then directs the flow of the water. This creates a turning "moment" or force that makes the boat want to turn. By using spring lines, you can control the boat's movement, rather than the wind or current.

When docking with spring lines in high winds, it is crucial to consider the placement and direction of forces. Spring lines should be strategically placed from the boat to the dock to help maneuver and turn the boat. The spring line is made up of two lines: one extending from the bow to the dock and the other from the stern to the dock. These lines are crossed, with the bow line extending towards the stern of the boat and attached to the dock, and the stern line extending towards the bow and attached to the dock. This setup prevents the boat from moving forward or backward due to wind or current.

Additionally, spring lines tend to be long, allowing for up and down movement. It is important to allow enough line slack for tide changes to ensure the boat is a safe distance from the dock at low tide and not too close at high tide. Docking in high winds can be challenging, but with proper preparation and understanding of spring lines, it can be done safely and effectively.

Springing on to a tee head

Springing onto a tee head involves coming in at a high angle with a dock line ready on the forward dock side cleat. A crew member should cleat the dock line backwards towards the dock. Turn the wheel away from the dock and apply forward thrust. The stern will move towards the dock, so be careful when performing this manoeuvre downwind. It is better to point the boat into the wind.

• Approach the dock at a high angle, with a dock line ready on the forward dock side cleat.
• Have a crew member cleat the dock line backwards towards the dock.
• Turn the wheel away from the dock.
• Apply forward thrust. The stern will move towards the dock.
• Take care when performing this manoeuvre downwind. It is better to point the boat into the wind.

Springing onto a tee head is a useful skill when the wind or current is not in your favour. It allows you to control the boat at the dock, rather than the wind or current. It is a technique that requires practice and understanding of the placement and direction of forces.

Remember to always consider your surroundings when docking, including wind strength and direction, wave and wake action, and the tidal stage.

Frequently asked questions