How to Secure a Boat to a Dock

Diagram is courtesy of Jim Shepard and "www.about.com". This web site has good information on seamanship.

The diagram at right shows three proper methods to secure a boat to a dock.

Notice that none of the methods use "breast lines". Breast lines are lines that run perpendicularly from the boat straight to the dock. Short breast lines should be avoided and are an indication of the inexperienced mariner.

The bow and stern lines should angle forward and aft, never straight abreast. Long spring lines running fore and aft are necessary to insure the security of the vessel when the wind or current changes or waves roll through the docking area. The spring lines also serve to keep the vessel resting on the fenders.