How To Tie Off in a Boat Slip - Spring Line Docking or Parking a Boat

How to dock a boat. Docking your boat in a boat slip. Parking or docking your boat at a marina in a boat slip seems pretty straight forward. But if you just use docking lines to tie off a boat at the four corners, you could be putting your boat at risk if there is a chance of a really low tide or really high tide. In this video I show how to use a boat slip, where to tie off your docking lines, what a spring line is used for, the best way to tie your boat off and demonstrate WHY it is the best method to keep your boat safe from severe tidal changes at the marina.

Keeping your boat in a boat slip at a marina is convenient and makes it very easy to take your boat out. I learned from trial and error what can happen if you fail to tie off your boat properly to allow for tides, currents, and changing weather conditions. This video uses a scale model to clearly demonstrate why one method of tying (or tieing) off docking lines is much better and preferred instead of just securing a boat directly at the four corners. I also explain how and why we use a spring line, which is an easy way to keep your boat from hitting the pier once the boat is parked in the slip.

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00:00 Introduction
01:22 Docking in a boat slip scale model demonstration
02:27 The wrong way to tie off your boat in a boat slip at a marina
05:00 The right way to tie off your boat in a boat slip at the marina
05:55 How and why use a spring line when docking your boat

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#boatslip #dockingaboat #marina

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[capt.gregusmm]

Wayne, I've tried explaining this in the boating safety classes I use to teach. Your model was ingenious. Love it.
Capt. Greg

[gilrheaume]

Hello Wayne, the wife and I used to have a boat but now that were older and retired want to get another one and your technique is perfect. Thank you, Gil in Massachusetts

[rjwintl]

Great information and great explanation !!! … my wife ( former teacher) uses a rhyme to remember it, “ criss-cross applesauce “ … same jingle when hooking the safety chains from the boat trailer to the truck !!!

[gillgetter]

I’m a trailer guy in the fresh water world of Michigan. I’ve seen charter fishing boats and personal big lake boats tied off like that always thought of the wind and waves.

[frankiannelli]

Totally understand the technique. And explained superbly..thanks Wayne, happy boating...

[Hawkeye]

As a new boater, I’ve enjoyed your content. Became a subscriber and look forward to many more hints and tips for the learning family. Thank you!

[ende]

Good explanation, nice model.

It's all about longer lines being better when there is height variations. Also: longer lines have more stretch and exert less stress on the cleats.

I'd argue crossing the bow lines is not necessary. They are close together anyway and you don't get much of the aforementioned benefits.

[dtrain]

Awesome video and Information Wayne. I had damaged to my boat in the past because the Lines were not tied correctly. I wish I would have seen this video a few years ago. I will differently be using this technique next time I tie my boat up at a Marnia!! Thanks for sharing

Great idea illustrating with your model. Nice work!

You mentioned tying up with the loop end on the boat. That’s the only way to go in my book.

It’s easiest to avoid having to adjust all lines every time. Why reinvent the wheel every outing?

Adjusting the line lengths at the posts/piles takes a minute, but then its done for the season. Plus it becomes a known quality… takes no time to secure the boat on return, and avoids being at home later wondering about the boat when thunderstorms roll though… you already know your dock line setup is reliable.

Adding a way to stow the lines on the piles while you’re out rounds out the system. Don’t want lines hanging in the water, getting dirty and hard to reach.

Keep up the good work! 😊

[thehacksquatch]

Well-presented and practical of you, using a model! Love it. Here in SE Alaska the tides can be up to 24 feet exchange and everything is a floating dock, so I've always tied up alongside. Easy street! I've never tied up to a slip and it always seemed intimidating.

[p.a.ch.]

Appreciate that you made a model to demonstrate the skill .

[brettgerber]

Good video. For our setup i use the midship cleat on one side for bow & stern spring lines. And like you mentioned we have dock we have pre made lines secured to the dock so we can easily tie up. We keep regular lines in a locker for going anywhere.

[bxbmbr]

Love your channel, well said ingenious and simple and profound at the same time

[kylem]

This is great way of explaining this and showing this thanks Wayne

[seanfried]

Great video. I learned something today.

[BradinManheim]

I was taught not to use the slip through the middle of the cleat method. By doing that you can’t adjust the line from the dock. A normal cleat hitch allows adjustment from the dock.

[amyself]

Great video . ... But my motor and location of posts make crossing the lines when docked hard...

[darrylmcleman]

GOOD STUFF! The marina where I tie up has floating wharf so no worry about the tide.CHEERS

[NancyASMR]

Thank you so much. Yesterday I helped a friend tie a huge boat to a new slip and although I saw the basics I was still confused because he was barking orders and I was anxious. I didn't get to grasp the basics.

[guntherschweiger]

Great 👍 I love your Videos . Greetings from Austria