PURSUIT OS 345, Owner'S Manual

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Operation
10-7
Section 10
OS 385
10.8 Docking, Anchoring and
Mooring
Docking and Docklines
Maneuvering a boat near a dock and secur-
ing it requires skill and techniques that are
unique to water and wind conditions, and the
dock layout. If possible, position a crew
member at the bow and stern to assist with
the lines and docking. While maneuvering
close to the dock, compensate for wind and
current, and anticipate how you can use
them to help docking. Practice in open water
using an imaginary dock to develop a sense
for how the boat handles in different scenar-
ios. You must be able to understand docking
techniques before problems occur.
Approaching a dock or backing into a slip in
high winds or strong currents requires skill. If
you are new to handling a boat, take lessons
from an experienced pilot and learn to
maneuver in tight quarters in less than ideal
conditions. Also, practice away from the
dock during windy conditions.
Dock lines are generally twisted or braided
nylon. Nylon is strong and stretches to
absorb shock. Nylon also has a long life and
is soft and easy on the hands. The size of
the line, 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 other fac-
tors. 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. When 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 approached properly, the
boat will lightly touch the pilings at the same
time 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 steer-
ing wheel to maneuver the boat into align-
ment with the slip. Reverse the engines and
slowly back into the slip. Shift from reverse
to neutral frequently at idle 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 Docklines
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 degree 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 degree angle aft of the after
bow spring cleat. The forward quarter spring
is secured to the dock at a 40 degree 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 differ-
ent. 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