solo docking

Posted By: Anne Westlund, Raggedy Annie, Slipper 17
Date: 3/26/09 6:16a.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: Docking (pic) (Robin, 98 S25, Lovely Lady)

I installed center cleats, half way down the gunnel edge on each side of the boats I have owned and insisted that such cleats be installed on a charter one time. One line to the that cleat and you can make a tugboat stop. That line is to snub on a post or dock cleat and then you steer away from the dock. The boat comes to rest alongside the post or dock cleat just like a tugboat. You can even idle forward in that position for a long time. It's not permanent mooring but a good temp mooring. The center cleat gives you time to go ashore and tie off the bow and stern. I have both bow and stern lines ready to hand. I come in dead slow always. I pay attention to the wind effects. A long time solo sailor I know uses the long bow and stern line (one line) and has had great success with it. Boats referenced: 15 to 46 ft.