docking seamanship 221
- Face the stern. When the stern is out far enough, shift into neutral, cast off the
spring, and bring it aboard. Th en, shift to reverse idle gear and back clear of
the berth.
How to Warp a Boat around a Pier or Piling
Sometimes the only available berth is at the end of a pier, and it may be shorter than
the boat. When we tie up, our bow or stern will stick out from the end of the pier. If
you have a choice, extend the bow past the pier to protect the bowsprit and anchor.
In a case like this you may have to land on the end of the pier and then warp
your boat around the corner and into its berth. Use a forward-leading spring line
from a cleat at or just aft of amidships to work the boat around the corner. Th e same
approach can help you work your boat around a piling and into its slip.
- Attach a forward-leading spring line to a cleat at or just aft of amidships. If
you lead the line from too far aft , you might lose control of your bow. - Hang several fenders near the point where your boat will pivot around the
pier corner or piling, and have a roving fender at the ready. Rest alongside
the pier corner or the piling at the corner of your slip.
When leaving a dock with wind or current from astern or pushing you onto the dock, rig
an aft er bow spring line.