OPERATION
24
Mooring
Moor only in designated areas. Never moor to a navigational buoy.
As you approach, note how other boats lie at mooring buoys. Since they are heading into the
wind/current, approach your mooring at the same heading. If there are no other boats,
estimate the wind/current direction as best you can.
Shift to neutral when you think you have enough headway to reach your buoy.
Station a crew member at the bow with a boat hook to pick up the mooring line. As the boat
gets closer, you will lose sight of the buoy from the helm so the crew member forward must
signal direction and distance.
Keep engine running until the crew member signals that the mooring line is secured.
HANDLING DOCK LINES
Dock lines secure a boat in its berth and help manoeuvre the boat close to the pier.
Dock lines for recreational boats are usually made of nylon because it stretches, is durable and
is easy on the hands.
The number and size of dock lines increase as the size of the boat increases.
Bow Line – Fastened to the boat´s forward cleat and run forward at about a 45 degree angle to
a dock cleat or pile to prevent the boat from moving astern.
Stern Line – Fastened to the boat´s after cleat and run astern at about a 45 degree angle to a
dock cleat or pile to prevent the boat from moving forward.
Spring Lines – As many as four, but generally two:
- After Bow Spring – Fastened to the after bow and run forward to a dock cleat or pile;
- Forward Quarter Spring – Fastened to the stern and run forward to a dock cleat or pile.
Mooring Buoy
1.
Stern line
2.
Forward quarter
spring
3.
After bow spring
4.
Bow line
