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GordMay · 14-01-2006, 04:02

As Harriet observes, propriety & utility* suggest that you ”... leave plenty of line between the boat and the dock ...” Set a stern anchor, approach dock and offload all but most nimble crew. Fasten bow line (I often use a 3/6" SS lifeline & lock) to dock, pull back on stern anchor and cleat rode, so that dinghy rides at least 1.5 lengths away from dock (or more). Pull yourself back to dock (raising rode catenary), & disembark.

*Observe tidal ranges, ensuring that the dinghy cannot ride up to, and under dock, as tide rises.

The 35 Ft. long lifeline, used as a bowline, is locked through the transom & outboard, and taken through a bow eye.

I always carry a rigged dinghy anchor (about 80' rode - 75' rope + 5' chain), oars, bailer, flashlight, whistle, and a couple of fenders & docklines - and often a small tool kit. I’ve spent an (unintended) night anchored out (Bahamas) in the dinghy, and would have appreciated a blanket or jacket.

FWIW,
Gord

14-01-2006, 04:02	#6
GordMay Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario - 48-29N x 89-20W Boat: C.L.O.D. (Cruiser Living On Dirt) Posts: 12,582	As Harriet observes, propriety & utility* suggest that you ”... leave plenty of line between the boat and the dock ...” Set a stern anchor, approach dock and offload all but most nimble crew. Fasten bow line (I often use a 3/6" SS lifeline & lock) to dock, pull back on stern anchor and cleat rode, so that dinghy rides at least 1.5 lengths away from dock (or more). Pull yourself back to dock (raising rode catenary), & disembark. Observe tidal ranges, ensuring that the dinghy cannot ride up to, and under dock, as tide rises. The 35 Ft. long lifeline, used as a bowline, is locked through the transom & outboard, and taken through a bow eye. I always carry a rigged dinghy anchor (about 80' rode - 75' rope + 5' chain), oars, bailer, flashlight, whistle, and a couple of fenders & docklines - and often a small tool kit. I’ve spent an (unintended) night anchored out (Bahamas) in the dinghy, and would have appreciated a blanket or jacket. FWIW, Gord __________________ Gord May ~~_/)_~~ (Gord & Maggie - "Southbound")* "If you didn't have time/$ to do it right in the first place, when will you get the time/$ to fix it?"