Midship cleat for spring line

[pklein]

I currently have a cleat at the forward end of the track for my jib sheet that I use to attach a forward leading spring line to control the boat when docking in the slip.(Port side docking)
It appears that the track is not long enough to position the deck cleat in the optimal position. It seems that about 18 inches forward would establish better control to hold the boat to the dock. Does anybody have any alternate suggestions for this cleat shortfall?  I probably could put a cleat on the inner track to use just for docking, but that would be a tripping hazard on the deck.

I've lived with this situation for 9 years, and am getting tired of having to rely on others to secure the right lines at the right time.

Phill Klein
Andiamo #977
Montrose Harbor - Chicago

[Mike Smith]

Phill -

I had the same "trip hazard" concerns about the movable cleat I installed on the forward end of the inboard track 5 years ago.  The Schaeffer cleat I used is pretty low profile and set very close to the cabin top.  I really can't remember anyone ever tripping on it.  I think the benefits of the midship cleat far outweigh the costs of the improbable stubbed toe.

Mike

Mike and Jan Smith
S/V Breezer
www.mikejansmith.com

[Stu Jackson]

Spring Line Cleat

Phill

I'm not too sure whether you're concern is the placement (i.e., fore and aft) or the tripping hazard.  We have our midship cleats on the forward end of the jib sheet track, but only have one track, most likely what you term the inner track).

I agree - I haven't done anything BUT stub my toe EVERYTIME I go forward, but the location fore and aft seems fine. I also wear deck shoes all the time:) I agree with Mike.

The only other alternatives I can see are to buy either the Johnson or Shaefer pop up and pop down models, or to permanently mount a cleat through the deck forward of the track.

When using the spring line, we turn the end of the line around the winch, not the aft boat cleat, which gives us a good lay line on the aft dock cleat and assures no need for additional help from anyone on the dock.

Stu

[rbeecham]

After fighting with the same problem for several years, I finally gave in and started coming into my slip bow first.  After several months I love it.

I have a dedicated line going from an outer piling that fits over my stbd winch and is sized to stop me at the correct spot.  I pull in, stop the boat, grab the line, which is on it's own hook, drop the loop over the winch and put the idled engine back in forward.  I also have 3 large bumpers fastened horizontally along the finger pier (on my stbd side).  The boat will hug the finger pier on it's own at this point and I can leisurly gather and attach my permanent lines.  The routine for exiting the slip is the reverse.

In addition I have more privacy in the cockpit and a beautiful view of Swan Creek.

Dick Beecham                  rbeecham@jersey.net
"Refuge"
C34 MK II  Hull # 1430
Rock Hall, MD

[Stu Jackson]

AH HA

Dick, it never occurred to me to ask 'which way in?'  Not only that, but I seem to forget that not everyone has double fingered piers.

Q:  Why would anyone want to back into a slip and look like a power boater?

A:  Because they have newer C34s with step through transoms that let you get ashore with dignity intact(?)

Q:  Why do people have to throw lines to people on the dock?

A:  Because the people on the dock were NOT on the boat when it left port and\or returned, and were merely being helpful;)

Q:  Why do different people have different docking arrangements, and why can't I always get an upwind slip?

A:  Different boats for different folks, and sometimes, even in California, when you pay for an UPwind berth, which in many cases means a marina that ALWAYS has the wind from abeam, YOU - you lucky skipper, have to pay TWICE the slip fees your bow-to neighbor does, only because some guy at the Dept. of Recreation in a downtown office bunker had to simply make a choice - hmmm, sideways wind, but ONE has to be UPwind.

Ahh, the pleasures................. :eek:

[c34member]

I have my mid-ship cleat back near the double stantion at the front of the cockpit.  The key is that the mast foot, cleat, and cleat on the dock should all be in-line.  Thet gives you the ability to put the motor in forward at idle speed and hold the boat at the dock with just the spring line.  We always step off and snub that line first, and then attach the front and rear lines at our leisure.  NEVER toss a line to a person off the boat unless you know them.  Most strangers are of good intention but invariably pull the line up tight.  A line ashore has 400% more control over your boat than the motor and rudder can provide.