Another docking question

[rdstanley]

I single hand quite often and had to come up with a "easy" docking method. The system works so well I use it even with crew. Makes docking a no drama situation.

We are on floating docks with a pylon between us and our slip mate. We have a full length finger pier as well. I have a line that comes off the pylon which is on the starboard side of the slip. It goes to the main dock port side. I then take another line and go from the main dock starboard side to the end of the finger pier. The 2 lines cross and form an X about 1/3 the way down the slip. I can pull in the slip with enough power to keep me from drifting off with no problem. Even when the wind is dead on my beam I can sit the boat in my "X" and it stays in the middle of the slip. It also helps greatly when leaving the slip singlehanded.

It only takes a few minutes to set up or take down the system. Very simple, very easy.

[DRFerron]

Originally Posted by rdstanley

The 2 lines cross and form an X about 1/3 the way down the slip. I can pull in the slip with enough power to keep me from drifting off with no problem.

If I'm picturing this correctly, you come into your slip bow first and the forestay hits the two lines in the center of the X so that those lines kind of hold the boat still long enough to get your dock lines on?

[rdstanley]

If I'm picturing this correctly, you come into your slip bow first and the forestay hits the two lines in the center of the X so that those lines kind of hold the boat still long enough to get your dock lines on?

Not exactly... the lines are only dock height except for the one coming off the pylon. At the bow it's probably 2 feet off the water. As the line goes down the starboard side of the boat the height of the line increases as it gets closer to the pylon. This added height helps keep me from getting close to my neighbor if the wind is blowing on my port beam. If its blowing across my starboard beam it'll just push me towards my finger pier. The "X" keeps me away from the dock and my dock box. It actually holds the stern just out of the slip. This will only allow the stern to move between the pylon and the finger pier. It's worked great so far.

[arisatx]

Originally Posted by carl762

I know it was in Good Old Boat, but I don't have the issue handy. It was several issues ago.

Thanks Carl - will look around & if I find it, will post particulars.

[billyruffn]

Why not just back in?

[arisatx]

Originally Posted by arisatx

Thanks Carl - will look around & if I find it, will post particulars.

I found that article "Slip Exits without Angst" by Jess Gregory in Good Old Boat, July / August 2010 issue.

Jess explains the use of a bannister line.