"Lloyd Sumpter" wrote in message snip
One thing I learned (from a powerboater!) was the convenience of a
"midship
line". If you're coming in to a tricky dock, esp. with minimal crew (like
singlehanded!): You tie off the bow, and stern goes away on you. Tie the
stern, and off goes the bow. Tie a midship line, and you got 'er!
snip

** He he! Twice I saw our skipper end up in the drink when he did just
that.

"Calif Bill" wrote in message news:8PqXc.14204
For temporary tieups I would use 1/2" at most. Easier to handle.

So, you'd use 1/2", period, huh? Doesn't matter what the strength is,
you'd just use it, because it's easier to handle???

Have we ever discussed how big the boat is and where we are tying it up?
The line that is perfect for a 14' aluminum boat on a small lake is totally
inadequate for a 40' offshore boat in tidal water.
Most people should have a variety of lines for different circumstances. I like
a few 1/2 with snaps on one end for those quickie tie ups at the gas dock or
lunch dock but I have spliced lines set up for my dock.
I even have a couple heavy duty bungee cords for those times when the tide is
falling or rising and I want some kind of snubber, in addition to the regular
lines. They are also handy when you are rafting. Get the heaviest black rubber
ones you can find at a truck stop. Take off the hooks and attach snaps with a
shackle or ring.
You will be surprised how many times they will come in handy. Just remember it
isn't really a line, just a snubber.

On 30 Aug 2004 20:57:55 GMT, (Greg) wrote:

Have we ever discussed how big the boat is and where we are tying it up?

The original message in the thread mentioned a 34 foot 19,000 pound
boat.

The line that is perfect for a 14' aluminum boat on a small lake is totally
inadequate for a 40' offshore boat in tidal water.

Off course.

I even have a couple heavy duty bungee cords for those times when the tide is
falling or rising and I want some kind of snubber, in addition to the regular
lines. They are also handy when you are rafting. Get the heaviest black rubber
ones you can find at a truck stop. Take off the hooks and attach snaps with a
shackle or ring.

This is dangerous and unseamanlike advice in my opinion. Learn to use
spring lines to compensate for rising and falling tides.

Just remember it
isn't really a line, just a snubber.

Absolutely.

Gary I trust you found your answer in this pile of confusion.

Another case of a simple question being asked and answered with the first
reply, followed by 99 others trying to explain why their way is better.

This place will never change....and they call it a boating NG. Pretty
funny.


"Gary" wrote in message
m...
Is there a general rule of thumb for determining how strong your dock
lines
should be?

I have a 34 foot boat that weighs somewhere in the neighborhood of 19,000
lbs. I want to buy some dock lines to carry onboard for tying up at fuel
docks or the occasional restaurant etc. when I'm not in my slip. I really
don't want to have to untie the lines at my slip every time I leave, since
I'd have to find just the right adjustment again every time I return.

There are LOTS of sizes and strengths of line out there. What should I
really be looking at?

Thanks!

Gary

This is dangerous and unseamanlike advice in my opinion. Learn to use
spring lines to compensate for rising and falling tides.


Yes dad

On 31 Aug 2004 00:50:56 GMT, (Greg) wrote:

This is dangerous and unseamanlike advice in my opinion. Learn to use
spring lines to compensate for rising and falling tides.


Yes dad

================================

Just when I thought all of my children were accounted for...

Go to your room.