DaySailer.org Forum

Hello all,

What would be an adequate size and length for docking lines?

Also, constantly hearing about the DSI's tenderness I wonder if anyone has attempted to add some more or less permanent ballast to the hull. We won't be racing her.

Thanks.

it depends on your type of docking arrangement, wind, wave and weather patterns.

Lets assume a standard finger dock at an inland lake where you check on your boat every week or so. In my similar situation, I have a bow line that runs across to the dock, a bow spring line that runs from the bow to the dock ajacent the stern of the boat, a midship line to the dock, a stern line adjacent the stern, and a stern spring line that runs forward to the dock adjacent the bow. These have a bit of slack in them so that the boat can move about 6-10 inches in any direction. Fenders both on the dock and on the boat, (2 each) protect the boat from the dock. This should be adequate. The DS I does not have a self draining cockpit so you will have to devise a boom tent to keep water out of the cockpit.

If you have a four post arrangement, then the preference is stern to with a line from each quarter to the adjacent post, and from the bow to each outer post. You will want the stern within stepping distance of the dock.

I dock at lakes that often have gusty winds. I use 3/8 in diameter lines about 15 ft long. Usually I use two but carry three just in case.

As far as additional ballast I plan to install a battery box just forward of the mast step but haven't gotten to it yet so have opted for two sand bags weighing about 40 lbs each. One in front of the mast step and one just behind. They do add to the stability. Especially useful when sailing alone. Brad