Our cruising boats carry six dock lines and we use four of them to secure the boat to the docks. These are:


    • Aft spring line that runs from the bow to a cleat on the dock about amidships
    • Forward spring line that runs from the stern to a cleat on the dock about amidships
    • Stern line tied on the side next to the dock. The outside line is usually not tied.
    • Port or Starboard bowlines.


We use a cleat hitch that resembles a clove hitch on the horn cleats. This is different than the "royal navy" cleat hitch that starts with a round turn. 


To do the cleat hitch, take the line first around the far horn of the cleat and then capture the near horn. Immediately put two crosses and then flip to capture the line under the next crossing turn. Capture the horns, cross, cross, flip. You should end up with the dock line coming in from the near side and exiting at the far side of the cleat. 


The excess line should be neatly coiled on the dock so that it doesn't fall into the water or trip people walking on the docks. Never put a stopper knot at the end of a dockline.


We also examine the dock lines for excessive chafe. If the cover of the line is cut thru, this needs to be reported to the boat manager. We have installed chafe guards on some of the lines.


When underway, we use a cow hitch to hang the dock lines on the lifelines or railing (stainless pulpit tubing). Make the coils extra long to be able to secure the line properly on the rail or lifelines.