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Boats should be secured with spring lines when left at the dock. The bow and stem lines will keep the boat attached to the dock but these will not prevent the boat from surging back and forth. Spring lines generally pull from the dock toward the middle of the boat. They can be set to pull the boat forward or back, or both ways at once. With the boat pulled as far as it can move, it will remain secure even when the current changes or another boat comes by leaving a wake.

Static Spring Lines

Usually only one spring line is necessary. The fenders should be checked after the spring line is set to make sure the fenders are protecting the boat. When the boat is tied to the dock the fenders should hang just above (not in) the water. When boats are rafted together fenders should be placed high enough to protect the edges of both boats.

SPRING LINES (Active)

Spring lines can also be used to help maneuver the boat at crowded docks. Use either the bow line or stern line to pivot the opposite end of the boat away or toward the dock. Use this technique when space at the dock is limited or when there is a current running along the dock that would otherwise cause the boat to drift where you don't want it to go.

Engine power can be applied gently when springing on bow or stern lines if necessary to pivot the boat. Usually all you need is a nudge by hand to get the boat moving. The illustrations below show examples of how to spring off the dock.

Using Spring Lines

When current is toward the stern:

1. Untie stern line.
2. Keep bow sprlng tight-place engine in forward and steer towards the doc~
3. The stern will pivot away from the dock.
4. Once the stern is 45 degrees out release bow line and back away from the dock.

When current is toward the bow:

1. Untie bow line while stern line has one wrap on cleat
2. Engine in reverse and steer stern towards dock.
3. when bow pivots out 45 degrees place engine in forward and away you go.