Spring lines

[southace]

I have noted a bit of an argument or confusion starting about forward and aft spring lines.

The line that runs from the bow to the aft cleat on the dock is the forward spring???

And the line that runs from the stern to forward cleat on the dock is the aft spring????

Correct or incorrect??

[southace]

If the spring run from Midships forward to the cleat on the dock?

This would be the forward spring?

[Paul Elliott]

Originally Posted by southace

If the spring run from Midships forward to the cleat on the dock?

This would be the forward spring?

On my boat I call it the Forward Spring, since all my spring lines attach to the midships cleats.

As I understand it, traditional spring line names come in two parts: direction, and point of attachment to the boat. So, the line you describe should be called "Forward Midships Spring Line". A line running from the bow to a cleat on the dock that is aft of the bow would be the "Aft Bow Spring". One leading from the quarter to a dock cleat forward would be "Forward Quarter Spring".

A spring line running from the bow to a point beyond the bow would be a "Forward Bow Spring"

I suppose we could throw in "Port" and "Starboard" if there might be any ambiguity.

[southace]

At the moment I have a cleat at midships on the dock with springs leading from it up to the bow and stern cleats!
yes you are well correct Paul but after reading about this in a magazine it did make me think!

[ozskipper]

As others have eluded to, the Forward Spring is the one that leaves the boat and goes forward (whether from an aft or midship position). Aft spring is vice versa of course

[southace]

Originally Posted by ozskipper

As others have eluded to, the Forward Spring is the one that leaves the boat and goes forward (whether from an aft or midship position). Aft spring is vice versa of course

Actully if you check the Capt.Dick Gandy Australian boating manual the forward spring leads aft to the dock. I agree with you but I think tecnectlly we are wrong! haha

[DennisM]

What's a breast line, then?

[Cotemar]

The two red lines are spring lines.
The one going forward to the bow is called a forward spring line.
The one going back to the stern is called a aft spring line.

[Jane.Joy]

http://bwsailing.com/cc/2012/04/18/d...ng-line-lingo/

from the link above:


Spring Line Lingo Made Easy

Lead Direction Boat Attachment Point Type of Docking Line
After Bow Spring
Forward Bow Spring
After Quarter Spring
Forward Quarter Spring

[Blue Stocking]

Originally Posted by Cotemar

The two red lines are spring lines.
The one going forward to the bow is called a forward spring line.
The one going back to the stern is called a aft spring line.

To "spring" something, such as springing plank into place, is to force it in a certain direction.
If pulling on a line attached to the dock, moves the boat forward, it is a forward spring.

[southace]

Originally Posted by Blue Stocking

To "spring" something, such as springing plank into place, is to force it in a certain direction.
If pulling on a line attached to the dock, moves the boat forward, it is a forward spring.

OMG what have I started!!!

[Blue Stocking]

Originally Posted by southace

OMG what have I started!!!

Monday morning Quarterbacking.
You need to start up some of our brains REALLY slowly on Monday.

[Blue Stocking]

Originally Posted by DennisM

What's a breast line, then?

Left by a bikini top after a hot day.

[cal40john]

Breast line is close to 90 degrees to the dock.

This link says basically what Paul and the other early posters state:
Docking a Boat Secrets - Master the Art of Docking Line Lingo

The above link also follows what the diagram in my Chapman (56th ed.) shows, except that a line leading from the bow (most forward cleat) forward is just called the bow line and the line attached to the stern leading aft is the stern line.
Chapman shows a bow forward spring as a line attached near the bow leading forward.

[simonmd]

I call them 'ropes' but then, that's me!