PURSUIT C 260, Owner'S Manual, Page: 79 / 124

LS 265
79
Dock lines are generally twisted or braided nylon. Nylon is strong and stretches to absorb shock. It also has
a long life and is soft and easy on the hands. The line's size will vary with the size of the boat. Typically
a 30 to 40 foot boat will use 5/8-inch line and a 20 to 30 foot boat will use 1/2-inch line. The number
of lines and their configuration will vary depending on the dock, the range of the tide, and many other factors.
Usually a combination of bow, stern and spring lines is used to secure the boat.
MANEUVERING TO THE DOCK
Approach the dock slowly at a 30 to 40 degree angle. Whenever possible, approach against the wind or current.
Turn the engines straight and shift to neutral when you feel you have enough momentum to reach the dock.
Use reverse to slow the boat and pull the stern toward the dock as the boat approaches. If you executed your
approach properly, the boat will lightly touch the pilings at the same time the forward momentum is stopped.
Have the dock lines ready and secure the boat as soon at it stops. Use fenders to protect the boat while it is
docked. Keep the engines running until the lines are secured.
BACKING INTO A SLIP
Approach the slip with the stern against the wind or current and the engines straight ahead. Use the engines
and turn the steering wheel to maneuver the boat into alignment with the slip. Reverse the engines and slowly
back into the slip. Shift from reverse to neutral frequently to prevent the boat from gaining too much speed.
Move the stern right and left by shifting the engines in and out of gear or turning the wheel. When nearly
in the slip all the way, straighten the engines and shift to forward to stop. Keep the engines running until the
lines are secured.
SECURING DOCK LINES
Securing a boat along side the dock typically requires a bow and stern line and two spring lines. The bow
and stern lines are usually secured to the dock at a 40° angle aft of the stern cleat and forward of the bow cleat.
The after bow spring line is secured to the dock at a 40° angle aft of the after bow spring cleat. The forward
quarter spring is secured to the dock at a 40° angle forward of the stern cleat. The spring lines keep the boat
square to the dock and reduce fore and aft movement while allowing the boat to move up and down with the
tide.
Securing a boat in a slip is somewhat different. It typically requires two bow lines secured to pilings on each
side of the bow, two stern lines secured to the dock and two spring lines that prevent the boat from hitting
the dock. The bow lines are typically secured with enough slack to allow the boat to ride the tide. The stern
lines are crossed. One line runs from the port aft boat cleat to the starboard dock cleat and the other line runs
from the starboard aft boat cleat to the port cleat on the dock. The stern lines center the boat, control the
forward motion, and allow the boat to ride the tide. Two forward quarter spring lines typically are secured
to the stern cleats and to mid ship pilings or cleats. The spring lines keep the boat from backing into the dock
while allowing it to ride the tide.
LEAVING THE DOCK
Always start the engines and let them warm up for 10 to 15 minutes before releasing the lines. Boats steer from
the stern and it is important that you achieve enough clearance at the stern to maneuver the boat as quickly
as possible. Push the stern off and maneuver such that you get stern clearance quickly. Proceed slowly until
well clear of the dock and other boats.
MOORING
Approach the mooring heading into the wind or current. Shift to neutral when you have just enough headway
to reach the buoy. Position a crew member on the bow to retrieve the mooring with a boat hook and secure
the line. Keep the engines running until the line is secured.