Dockline practicality - where is your bitter end?

[Russ]

We’ve seen multiple times where boat who leave their lines on the dock have had issues with lines dropping into the water as they cast off which can be a hazard to other vessels using the slipways l

That's a no bueno. NEVER leave lines in the water. So careless to do so.

I always disconnect my dock lines WHILE ON THE DOCK. I literally hop off the boat, disconnect all lines and hop back on. This way I can be sure to stow them out of other's way and safe.

In the past when I lived back east, I had a hook on pilings to hold the dock lines when I left.

I also have full dock lines and bumpers, should I visit another marina. If cruising to different ports, having plenty of dock lines is important.

Having preset dock lines ON THE DOCK and ready to loop on a cleat makes it so easy for docking. These lines are preset for optimal distances and clearances so I don't need to adjust each time I take the boat out. That's big for me. I spend a lot of time getting them set just right so things don't touch or rub on docks.

Everyone has different situations. Not everyone has a dedicated silip. I just moved my boat to the slip next to mine that has fingerpiers on BOTH sides. I'll have to figure out how to tie things up in that one. Also, I have to move my dock guards over to the new slip.

[Be Free]

I just moved my boat to the slip next to mine that has fingerpiers on BOTH sides. I'll have to figure out how to tie things up in that one. Also, I have to move my dock guards over to the new slip.

That is my least favorite way to tie up. Give me a side tie to a floating dock any time!