Tying Boats To Docks: Accounting For Tides

Tying a boat to a dock with tides requires a good understanding of the natural elements, especially the rise and fall of tides. This knowledge is crucial for the safety and security of your boat. The gravitational force between the Earth and the moon creates tides in bodies of water, with each tide cycle, from high to low, taking around six hours. This means that failure to account for tide changes could cause damage to your boat and dock.

Use long lines to prevent tension

When tying a boat to a dock with tides, it is important to use long lines to prevent tension and potential damage to your boat. Here are some detailed instructions to help you with this process:

Firstly, it is important to understand the tide and current changes around your dock. The tide changes from incoming to outgoing every six hours, and the closer you are to an inlet or bridge, the more extreme the water movement will be. You should also be aware that during a full moon and a new moon, the tides will have higher high tides and lower low tides. This knowledge will help you plan your docking accordingly.

When preparing to dock, ensure you have the appropriate fenders (bumpers) and boat lines for the bow, stern, and spring cleats. The length of the boat lines is crucial, depending on the location of the dock cleats and pilings relative to the boat cleats and boat position. If your boat cleats are higher than the dock's height, you risk the lines becoming loose during low tide, which can cause the boat to strike the dock or get stuck under it. On the other hand, if the lines are too tight, they can snap during high tide, causing the boat to float away.

To prevent these issues, use long lines when tying up your boat. Secure the boat to pilings and cleats that are further away. Avoid using the nearest dock cleat or piling, as short lines can snap if they become too taut. By using longer lines, you allow for the boat's up-and-down movement with the changing tides. Additionally, if you cannot tie long lines, consider crossing the lines for better security. This involves tying the bow cleat to the rear dock cleat and the stern cleat to the forward dock cleat.

When docking, follow these general steps:

• Maneuver your boat to be parallel to and about 1-2 feet away from the dock.
• Tie the front of the boat (bowline) to a cleat on the bow and then to a nearby dock cleat or piling.
• Secure the back of the boat (stern line).
• Attach a spring line from near the back of the boat to a position further up on the dock. Spring lines prevent the boat from moving back and forth.
• For longer stays, use two bowlines and two stern lines. Attach the stern lines before the bowlines.
• Secure the dock lines using appropriate knots like the cleat hitch or clove hitch.

Remember, understanding the local tide and current patterns, using appropriately sized lines, and tying long lines to accommodate tide changes are key to successfully tying your boat to a dock with tides.

Tie to pilings and cleats further away

It is best to secure your boat to pilings and cleats that are further away. While using the nearest dock cleat or piling for each line may seem ideal, this often isn’t a good choice. Short lines like this are not secure and can snap if they become too taut.

If you are only able to use cleats that are close to the boat, you should cross the lines for better security. Crossing the lines, or connecting them at an angle, allows the boat to move up and down as the tide changes throughout the day.

When tying your boat to the dock, there is a specific order of steps to follow to ensure the tension load is evenly distributed across the lines. First, toss your spring line to someone on the dock so they can hold the boat in place. Then, tie the bow line to one of the dock cleats ahead of the bow. Next, tie the spring line to the dock at an angle away from the bow and toward the stern, securing it to a cleat closest to the stern. This prevents the boat from moving forward and backward. Finally, tie the stern line to a dock cleat behind the stern, preferably as equidistant from the midship as the cleat to which the bow line is tied.

Cross the lines for better security

Crossing the lines, or connecting them at an angle, is a method used to secure a boat to a dock when there are only cleats that are close to the boat. This technique allows the boat to move up and down as the tide changes throughout the day.

Step 1: Prepare Your Boat for Tying

Before docking your boat, ensure that your boat cleats are secured to your boat. Have your dock lines already tied to your boat’s cleats, and make sure the ropes are organised and not tangled. Finally, drop your bumpers down prior to docking so they are ready to absorb the impact.

Step 2: Approach the Dock

When approaching the dock, consider the direction and strength of the tidal currents. Always check the weather and tidal forecasts before setting out and prepare your mooring lines on board.

Step 3: Secure the Bow and Stern Lines

Start by making a cleat hitch on your primary cleat. Use a bowline knot to create a loop that won’t tighten under strain.

Step 4: Adjust for Tidal Rise and Fall

Ensure that the lines are long enough to accommodate water level changes but tight enough to prevent the boat from hitting the dock. The lines should be angled, not straight, to allow the boat to move with the waves.

Step 5: Secure Spring Lines

Attach spring lines both forward and aft on your boat to prevent the boat from moving forward and backward along the dock. Spring lines are crucial in managing the forces of changing tides.

Step 6: Regular Checks and Adjustments

After your boat is tied, regularly check and adjust the mooring lines, especially during significant tidal changes, to ensure the boat remains secure.

Step 7: Avoid Common Mistakes

Do not set the lines too tight without allowing for the tide to rise, as this can cause the lines to snap. Additionally, ensure your boat is not tied solely to cleats that may not withstand the full force of tidal movements.

Use spring lines to prevent forward and backward movement

Spring lines are essential when tying a boat to a dock with tides. They prevent the boat from moving forward and backward, which is crucial when managing the forces of changing tides.

Spring lines should be attached from the back to the front of the boat, or vice versa, when tying up to a dock. This is especially important if you're tying your boat in a crowded marina or dock, as it will prevent it from drifting into other boats.

When securing spring lines, it's important to leave enough slack to accommodate the tide. If the lines are too tight, they can snap, causing your boat to float away. On the other hand, if there's too much slack, the boat may strike the dock or get stuck under it.

The number of spring lines you use will depend on the type of dock you're mooring at and how long you plan to stay. For a quick stop, one spring line is usually sufficient. However, for a longer stop, it's best to use two spring lines, one attached from the forward dock cleat and one from the rear.

In addition to spring lines, long bowlines and stern lines should also be used to prevent the boat from swinging in and out with the tide. It's also recommended to secure the boat to pilings and cleats that are further away, as this allows for longer lines, which can accommodate the up-and-down movement of the tides.

Check for the right docking equipment

Before you set off on your boating adventure, it is imperative to ensure you have the right docking equipment. The right equipment will ensure your boat is securely tied to the dock and protect it from damage.

Firstly, you need to check that your boat has cleats on all sides. These T-shaped metal hardware pieces are usually placed on the sides of the boat, near the edge. You will also need to check that the dock has cleats or pilings. If not, you can tie your boat to the pilings using dock lines and knots.

Next, you will need to get your hands on some durable and flexible ropes or mooring lines that can adjust to water level changes without breaking. Nylon ropes are a popular choice due to their elasticity and strength.

To protect your boat from scratches and damage, you will also need fenders or bumpers. These are usually made of foam or inflatable rubber and can be purchased at your local boating store.

Finally, a screwdriver will also come in handy to fasten any loose cleats to your boat.

With the right docking equipment, you can securely tie your boat to a dock and enjoy your boating adventures with peace of mind.

Tying the Boat to the Dock

Once you have all the necessary docking equipment, you can start the process of tying your boat to the dock. Here is a simple step-by-step guide:

• Prepare your boat for tying: Ensure your boat cleats are secured and all ropes are untangled. Deploy your bumpers and assess the condition of the dock, including the security of its cleats or pilings.
• Set up the dock lines: Determine the angle at which you will tie the ropes to the dock from the boat. The three main dock lines are the bow line, spring line, and stern line. If docking in a slip, you will use at least four dock lines.
• Tie the dock lines: Toss the spring line to someone on the dock first, followed by the bow line, spring line, and stern line, in that order. Remember to tie each line at a non-right angle to allow the boat to move with the waves.

By following these steps and using the right docking equipment, you can securely tie your boat to a dock, even with fluctuating tides.

Frequently asked questions