On Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:29:47 -0400, "Jim" wrote:


"John H." wrote in message
.. .
do you add extra lines to the bow ring and another to the stern ring, or
do
you use the bow and stern dock lines on the boat?

One person launches like this:
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"I use the knot to attach a stainless steel carabiner to the line. When I
launch or retrieve the boat, I attach one carabiner and line to the bow
ring and another carabiner and line to a stern ring. I tie the end of the
stern line to the dock and then push the boat off the trailer into the
water while holding the bow ring line, which I walk over to the dock. That
way, it makes it easy for me to tie the boat to the dock while I move and
park the truck and trailer.

For retrieval, I tie the boat to the dock, back the trailer down into the
water, and pull the boat onto the trailer by hand with the bow line.

I use carabiners because they snap on better and a bit more elegantly than
snaps."
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This is an elegant sounding method, but it leaves me wondering what
happens
to the line attached to the bow ring. Removing that while kneeling on the
bow could get pretty *hairy*.

As I'm always open to good ideas, I thought I'd present this and see if
anyone has a better way.


What you do depends on your situation. I am not a big fan of using tiedown
fittings as cleats. At your own slip you might use eye splices on one end of
your dock lines to go over your cleats and the bitter end to tie to the
dock. Leave the lines on the dock and its a snap to get set up again when
you return. You will need a second set of lines if you plan to dock
somewhere else during your outing. Carry a minimum of 3 lines with eye
splices on one end. On a 20 foot boat, I would keep 20 foot lines.
If you are a trailer boater, 3 lines the length of your boat with eyes on
one end is probably sufficient. When in doubt keep the lines rigged and
ready. Not good if you need to reach for a line and there is nothing there.
The caveat: Whatever you do. Do not allow lines to be in the water behind
your boat.
Be wary of dock walkers offering to help you tie up.

My own slip...right!

The only dock walker that helps me tie up is my wife. She's gotten very
good at helping launch and retrieve. She would get really ****ed if I asked
her to stay out of the way!