Owner`s manual

C 230

Dock lines are generally twisted or braided nylon. Nylon is strong and stretches to absorb shock. It also has

a long life and is soft and easy on the hands. The line's size will vary with the size of the boat. Typically a

30 to 40 foot boat will use 5/8-inch line and a 20 to 30 foot boat will use 1/2-inch line. The number of lines

and their configuration will vary depending on the dock, the range of the tide, and many other factors. Usually

a combination of bow, stern and spring lines is used to secure the boat.

MANEUVERING TO THE DOCK

Approach the dock slowly at a 30 to 40 degree angle. Whenever possible, approach against the wind or

current. Turn the engine(s) straight and shift to neutral when you feel you have enough momentum to reach

the dock. Use reverse to slow the boat and pull the stern toward the dock as the boat approaches. If you

executed your approach properly, the boat will lightly touch the pilings at the same time the forward

momentum is stopped. Have the dock lines ready and secure the boat as soon at it stops. Use fenders to protect

the boat while it is docked. Keep the engine(s) running until the lines are secured.

BACKING INTO A SLIP

Approach the slip with the stern against the wind or current and the engine(s) straight ahead. Use the engine(s)

and turn the steering wheel to maneuver the boat into alignment with the slip. Reverse the engine(s) and

slowly back into the slip. Shift from reverse to neutral frequently to prevent the boat from gaining too much

speed. Move the stern right and left by shifting the engine(s) in and out of gear or turning the wheel. When

nearly in the slip all the way, straighten the engine(s) and shift to forward to stop. Keep the engine(s) running

until the lines are secured.

SECURING DOCK LINES

Securing a boat along side the dock typically requires a bow and stern line and two spring lines. The bow

and stern lines are usually secured to the dock at a 40° angle aft of the stern cleat and forward of the bow cleat.

The after bow spring line is secured to the dock at a 40° angle aft of the after bow spring cleat. The forward

quarter spring is secured to the dock at a 40° angle forward of the stern cleat. The spring lines keep the boat

square to the dock and reduce fore and aft movement while allowing the boat to move up and down with the

tide.

Securing a boat in a slip is somewhat different. It typically requires two bow lines secured to pilings on each

side of the bow, two stern lines secured to the dock and two spring lines that prevent the boat from hitting the

dock. The bow lines are typically secured with enough slack to allow the boat to ride the tide. The stern lines

are crossed. One line runs from the port aft boat cleat to the starboard dock cleat and the other line runs from

the starboard aft boat cleat to the port cleat on the dock. The stern lines center the boat, control the forward

motion, and allow the boat to ride the tide. Two forward quarter spring lines typically are secured to the stern

cleats and to mid ship pilings or cleats. The spring lines keep the boat from backing into the dock while

allowing it to ride the tide.

LEAVING THE DOCK

Always start the engine(s) and let them warm up for 10 to 15 minutes before releasing the lines. Boats steer

from the stern and it is important that you achieve enough clearance at the stern to maneuver the boat as

quickly as possible. Push the stern off and maneuver such that you get stern clearance quickly. Proceed

slowly until well clear of the dock and other boats.

MOORING

Approach the mooring heading into the wind or current. Shift to neutral when you have just enough headway

to reach the buoy. Position a crew member on the bow to retrieve the mooring with a boat hook and secure

the line. Keep the engine(s) running until the line is secured.