Thanks, Jack,

"Jack Dale" wrote in message
...

If the aft docking line is positioned properly (after some
experimentation) the boat will sit square to the dock.

Yes, but I was referring to undocking, using the line to turn the stern away
from the dock - then a generously fendered bow is required.

ISPA (International Sail and Power Association) teaches this a s
standard method for all levels. As a crew member goes ashore, there
is only one line with which to deal. Also, if you handing a line to a
person on the dock (not recommended) you can tell them to tie off
opposite the stern.

Yes, but I was referring to single-handing. All of these "power spring"
methods are much more involved if without crew. Some - not all - are still
possible, but require much more organization.

Run a bight around the cleat or the ring back to your deck cleat.
When ready to leave, uncleat and haul in the dock line.

Right, that's what I do too, although to be a purist I don't usually leave
my boat sitting with a bight through a ring or around a cleat or piling,
because of chafe - although at many places it isn't a huge issue. But I
still don't. If I want to use it for undocking, for example, I'll re-rig it
just before departure.

For those with their own docks, consider setting a permanent line of
the proper length with hook that can be attached to the toe rail or
attachment point on the vessel.

Yes.

Thanks again.

Charles

====

Charles T. Low
- remove "UN"
www.boatdocking.com
www.ctlow.ca/Trojan26 - my boat

====

"George C." wrote:

Here's the scenario: I'm docked alongside a pier with boats close to my bow
and stern, and the wind is pushing me into the pier. Normally, I would turn
the bow into the pier and back out, but sometimes backing isn't an option. I
would like to push the bow out, but the 2' swim platform on my stern will
get crushed. What to do?

Several options, starting with rebuilding your stern platform so it will not be
so vulnerable. One of the sore points I see about so many cruising boats (power
& sail both) is that they have a lot of 'stuff' sticking out where it has no
business.

This is a lot of work, but you could take your dinghy and set a kedge anchor to
windward, then use a bridle to warp the boat away from the pier. Another is to
use the dinghy as a tugboat to pull the bow to windward. This involves gear you
should already have. If you have a suitable spar, such as an old fashioned boat
boom (most cruisers nowadays don't) you could hold the stern away from the pier
with it while backing against a spring... that would take smart crew work to
recover the spar and get underway, I have seen similar maneuvers but don't think
that my wife & myself could get away with it. Another option would be to use a
really big fender to hold the stern out (sore point #93b, too few cruisers have
REAL fenders).

Fresh Breezes- Doug King

"George C." wrote:

Here's the scenario: I'm docked alongside a pier with boats close to my bow
and stern, and the wind is pushing me into the pier. Normally, I would turn
the bow into the pier and back out, but sometimes backing isn't an option. I
would like to push the bow out, but the 2' swim platform on my stern will
get crushed. What to do?

Several options, starting with rebuilding your stern platform so it will not be
so vulnerable. One of the sore points I see about so many cruising boats (power
& sail both) is that they have a lot of 'stuff' sticking out where it has no
business.

This is a lot of work, but you could take your dinghy and set a kedge anchor to
windward, then use a bridle to warp the boat away from the pier. Another is to
use the dinghy as a tugboat to pull the bow to windward. This involves gear you
should already have. If you have a suitable spar, such as an old fashioned boat
boom (most cruisers nowadays don't) you could hold the stern away from the pier
with it while backing against a spring... that would take smart crew work to
recover the spar and get underway, I have seen similar maneuvers but don't think
that my wife & myself could get away with it. Another option would be to use a
really big fender to hold the stern out (sore point #93b, too few cruisers have
REAL fenders).

Fresh Breezes- Doug King