Bow tying at docks

[NorseNW]

So who can educate on the best way to do this to minimize boat damage? First I will say I've never done it nor seen it, however a couple places I've stayed that do not have reserved moorage always warn if they get busy they make people bow tie their boats to get more people in the water. Normally I don't go at those busy times but if the need arises I want to have an idea of what to do.

In my mind this means you tie off to the dock with only a bow line. Then you have a boat to the left and right of you that I assume you need to tie up next to so you avoid swinging and and banging against one another. My theory than goes to how many fenders I need to somewhat protect my boat. I'm thinking two on both sides of the boat would do the job. I usually only hang 2 big ones over the rail when tied to the dock normally and it works just fine.

Sorry for the long theory story but just trying to be prepared and minimize damage to mine or some other persons boat. For the record I don't have a showroom boat. It is clean but has plenty of docking dings from me bouncing it off stuff when coming in a little to hot or fighting wind.

Thanks.

Jim

[Amx]

Yup, that's how you do it.

[NorseNW]

Thanks AMX. I will make the additional purchases of fenders and some extra dock lines to make it happen if situations arises. Any tips or tricks of the trade to make it go smoothly?

[eat-sleep-fish]

I would recommend using two ropes on the sides of the boat also. Tie them to the dock at an angle away from the boat. This will assist in minimizing the side to side swing.

[NorseNW]

ESF - That makes a lot of sense. I was kind of wondering if the two folks on either side of leave the dock before you than your boat is kind of left there swinging in the wind so to speak. The two ropes to the dock would tighten that up.

Perfect.

[obryan214]

olsons at sekiu bow ties in the busy times. usually stay at van ripers so got a crash course in bow tieing in september. got it figured out by the 3rd day.

[sinkerswim]

Would have to be a well padded dock so it doesn't bang up your bow