Tying Your Boat Effectively to the Dock

Storm Lessons for Marina Members or Tying Your Boat Effectively to the Dock to Avoid Damage

The effects of tropical storm Ernesto caught several boaters by surprise. While the weather reports suggested minimal winds, the direction was directly up the river to Chocowinity Bay, the direction for which Cypress Landing Marina is most vulnerable. With several months left to the hurricane season, Ernesto has offered us several lessons about which it behooves us to take careful note:

I. Always have your boat safely secured to the dock. – There were several instances of damage to boats or the dock as a result of Ernesto. In most cases, the cause can be traced to broken or stretched dock lines, or boats improperly secured to the dock.

II. Use chafe protection gear on all parts of your dock lines that can rub against the dock, pilings or your boat (especially chocks) – Chafe protection can be provided by old garden hose, leather or commercial gear from a marine supply house.

III. Before any predicted storm, prepare your boat for the worst:

a. Remove or secure all canvas, sails or movable items. b. If possible, orient your boat so the bow is facing east, the direction of the greatest wave action. c. Adjust dock lines so the bow or stern of your boat is several feet away from the dock. In a storm, nylon dock lines can stretch up to 30% of their length. (During Ernesto, several boats had their bow anchor assemblies damaged when their dock lines stretched enough to allow the anchor to hit the dock). d. Double up your dock lines. e. Because Cypress Landing has floating docks, be sure all dock lines are firm with the same tension on all lines. f. Even for light weight boats, dock lines should be at least 1/2 “ in diameter.

IV. If you are going to be away during hurricane season, ask a friend or neighbor to take care of your boat in your absence.

a. Be sure to have extra dock lines available b. Be sure your backup’s name and contact information is available to the dockmaster.

V. Check your boat after the storm

Cypress Landing Marina Association Page 1 4/6/2018 If you have any questions about how to secure your boat for a storm or for everyday use, please ask one of the dockmasters. They will be happy to help you or direct you to someone who can.

Cypress Landing Marina Association Page 2 4/6/2018 Typical Everyday Dock line setup:

A typical everyday setup for securing your boat at the dock is: 1. A set of lines from your bow cleat to the dock 2. A set of lines from your stern cleats to the dock 3. A set of spring lines from your stern cleats going forward to the dock. (These lines prevent the boat from moving forwards in the slip and possibly hitting the dock) 4. A set of spring lines from your bow cleat going backward to the dock. (These lines prevent the boat from moving backwards in the slip)

Storm Preparation Dock line Setup

In addition to your everyday dock lines, for a storm: 1. Move your boat several feet away from the dock. (During a storm, it is permissible to have your boat stick out into the fairway). 2. Large anchors in bow rollers can become battering rams. They may be safer if lowered to the bottom of the bay during the storm. 3. Double up your Bow and Stern lines 4. Add an additional set of spring lines from your amidships cleats running both forward and rear to the dock.

Cypress Landing Marina Association Page 3 4/6/2018