The forward spring line goes from the bow of the boat and attaches to the dock near the stern of the vessel. When the boat is tied up it stops the boat from moving forwards or backwards in conjunction with the stern spring line.
When coming into a berth the forward spring line should be the first line on the dock. I prefer it to go straight on the dock cleat and the length be controlled from the bow by a crew member. With a helper or crew member on the dock, have the end of the forward spring line put on the cleat that will be at the yachts stern when in the tied up position. The crew member onboard pays out the forward spring line from the bow until the helmsman has stopped the boat in position. The crew member on the bow then ties off the forward spring. The other mooring lines can then go on as needed.
How does this help?
If the wind is blowing the boat off the dock, once the forward spring is tied off then the helmsman can use the engine and rudder to bring the boat alongside the jetty. Using the throttle gently and steering to turn away from the dock ie turning to starboard if the dock is on the port side will push the stern towards the dock. Forward motion is prevented by the forward spring line which in turn pulls the bow towards the dock. By balancing the amount of power and the angle of the rudder against the spring line it is possible move the boat sideways against the wind and towards the dock and then hold it there with continued gentle power ahead with the rudder still to starboard until the rest of the mooring lines are on.
This is also useful when coming in to a berth on your starboard side and prop walk to port is an issue. Motoring against the forward spring will bring the stern into the dock.
There are several things to bear in mind when using this technique.
- Never use the forward spring to stop the boat (except in an emergency i.e. no reverse). If the boat still has weigh on and the forward spring goes tight it will pull the bow in hard against the dock and and possibly damage the boat. Always have the boat almost stationery as the forward spring takes up then once it is taut apply gentle power and rudder as required.
- Have some extra fenders at the bow. Depending on the individual boat and other conditions the bow may come to rest against the dock first.
- Never use a very short spring line for this manoeuvre, this will tend to just pull the bow into the dock. The spring line should be at least the length of the boat.
You can practice this manoeuvre in your berth before even leaving. Spend a few minutes motoring against the forward spring to test how power and rudder are required to control the boat.
1 comment so far ↓
I use the spring line all the time from the no2 line - but with a slight twist. The line has a hook on the end of it - I just hook the hook over the cleat or around the bull bar and then secure it to the cleat. Ahead slowly - until the tension is taken up and then helm over and ahead on the approriate engine. Its easier to hook up quickly and much easier to release if just pulling alongside for a few minutes. If you’re worried about the hook detaching from the line - put a second line on the same cleat before disembarking to secure bow and stern lines.
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