Spring Lines

Advertisements>

Updated Fishing Site
for 2,550 pages and 18000 links to fish, fishing guides and where and how to fish

Easy Fish Recipes
Over 1,000+ easy, delicious fish recipes

alt="Racing">

Spring Lines
Bookmark this valuable site

Thank you for visiting Spring Lines. Please scroll down to learn more.

    Spring lines are one of the most important tools in a seamans kit. They are especially valuable in areas where there are high tides because they allow the boat freedom to move up and down while at dock. Without this freedom, the boat may well either be sunk by filling with water or hung high and dry at the dock when a very low tide goes out. Either alternative can result I severe hull and superstructure damage or even in the vessel being sunk.

    The terminology os spring lines is a bit confusing. The "Forward Spring Line" is not set at the bow of the boat. It is set at the stern of the boat andt tied to a cleat in the middle/forward end of the dock. This prevents the boat from moving "forward" and therefore it is called th "Forward" Spring Line.

    The "Aft" spring Line works in exactly the reverse manner. It starts at the forward end of the boat and extends back to a dock cleat at the middle/aft of the boat. It's jojb is to prevent the boat from moving to the stern and therefore it is called the "Aft" spring line. If all this ounds a little confusing - it is but that is the way it works and it is a very necessary part of as seaman's lore.

    To give you an example of how important it is, my nephew tied his 33" boat to the pier without spring lines. There was a serious spring storm on the Cape. His boat was hung on the dock. It filled with water, broke the lines and sank. The entire interior, all his electronics and his motor were ruined or badly damaged. It cost him a fortune to get the boat back in shape.

    Important:
    There is one rule about spring lines that you MUST pay attention to. Never, and I mean NEVER hang your legs or your body between the boat and the pier even if there are bumpers in place. This is an absolute No, NO unless you want to risk spending 2-4 months immobile in a cast with crushed knees, legs or hips.

    Do not do it.

Jumping Dolphin

This link will take you to our Index where you can choose from 2,550 pages of power and sailboat information and beautiful boat pictures. Check our New Boating and Navy History Section, our sail, powerboat and rowing racing sections and our parts and supplies sections. We also have boating and racing Clubs, Charter Boat and fish recipe sections and info on every kind of boat from America's Cup Racers to Dredges.

Fish Jumping

Our Other Sites