Someone keeps adjusting my dockline

[SassySailor]

Before you all think I'm paranoid, I'll easily be able to get proof of this. I've been on board the boat several times in the early afternoon when I see a persons shadow crossing the setting sun beaming through my portholes. A persons shadow could only appear if someone was walking down the dock between my boat and my neighbors boat. My neighbor isn't a live aboard and is only here a couple of times a month.

I noticed the shadow three times last week, and whoever it was they went to the end of the dock and were there for a minute, then walked off. I've noticed my stern getting further and further away from the dock, and yes, it's 2:20 am and I've finally put two and two together. Someone is loosening the stern dock line. Why? I have no idea. I'm friendly with everyone here, as far as I know I have no enemies, but obviously someone doesn't like me a'workin' away on my boat so much.

I could easily wait till the shadow crosses the sun and step outside and take a photo. But my question is, is loosening someone's dock line illegal? I feel like this is silly marina drama to even mention to the harbormaster.

[Timerider]

Either a friendly ghost who thinks you're too tightly moored and is giving you subtle hints or a wierdo... How about putting small marks on the line (pen / paint - invisible at 2am) to get proof? Then try photographing with a flash. If your lucky you'll surprise him /her and hear a huge splash :-)

Sent from my SM-C101 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[boden36]

Just bring the line around ( through if you can) the dock cleat and then fasten both ends to your boat. That will make it harder for anyone to fiddle.

Regards,
Richard

[SassySailor]

Originally Posted by Timerider

Either a friendly ghost who thinks you're too tightly moored and is giving you subtle hints or a wierdo... How about putting small marks on the line (pen / paint - invisible at 2am) to get proof? Then try photographing with a flash. If your lucky you'll surprise him /her and hear a huge splash :-)

Sent from my SM-C101 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

As my stern gets farther and farther away from the dock, it's harder for me and the dogs to step aboard. It's obviously a weirdo, and this is strangely enough happening in broad daylight. I've just finally put two and two together.

[SassySailor]

Originally Posted by boden36

Just bring the line around ( through if you can) the dock cleat and then fasten both ends to your boat. That will make it harder for anyone to fiddle.

Regards,
Richard

That's a great idea, Richard! I'm definitely going to try that one.

[atoll]

Originally Posted by SassySailor

As my stern gets farther and farther away from the dock, it's harder for me and the dogs to step aboard. It's obviously a weirdo, and this is strangely enough happening in broad daylight. I've just finally put two and two together.

time to get a rottweiler

[SassySailor]

Originally Posted by atoll

time to get a rottweiler

I've got two! But they're 12 and 25 lbs of white fluff. The 12 lb'er though.. you don't want to mess with her Maybe I should just make sure she's always in the cockpit at the time of day said creeper likes to come by.

[CSY Man]

Yeah, I'd say it is ilegal to mess with somebody's docklines.
(It would be called sabotage.)

Unless specificly hired or asked to do so.
I would never, ever, touch somebody's docklines unless an empty boat was about to blow away or cause damage to another boat, and then only as a last resort after having alerted owner or dockmaster. If it happens again, run after the guy with a big knife and tell him next time he will meet his maker.

[seandepagnier]

you could try putting poison on the line.

I keep a bag of money soaked in poison plainly visible to anyone who enters my boat.

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by boden36

Just bring the line around ( through if you can) the dock cleat and then fasten both ends to your boat. That will make it harder for anyone to fiddle.

Regards,
Richard

Well, that should either solve the problem or force the perpetrator to just cut the line. If you don't want to or can't do that, use a nylon wire tie to secure the line in place on the cleat.

Is it illegal for someone to touch your dockline? I would say no unless there was a clear intent to do harm. I have retied boats at my marina when they needed it because they were banging the dock or swinging out into the fairway or another slip.

[Kenomac]

Just ask the person why they are doing it, then ask them to stop. Or leave them a note asking the same. Most likely they will stop.

My guess... alcohol consumption is involved on their end. Typical alcoholic behavior, don't expect their actions to make any logical sense.

[sailorboy1]

I have found that motion controlled machine guns work

[monte]

Sounds like crazy cat lady stuff to me. Maybe Mr Tide, Mr Current or the friendly marina staff adjusting too tight lines

[skipmac]

Why not just ask? Next time you see the shadow wait until the person has time to start messing with you lines, stick your head up and, in a friendly way say something like "Hey, watcha doin'" or "Do I have something wrong with my dock lines?"

Seems like the easiest way to find out.

If they get freaky, retreat below, lock the hatch and call 911.

[S/V Willow]

But most important of all - please tell us the end of this story when it happens.