Tight or loose (ish)

[Andy Bav]

When leaving the boat (we are tucked away in quite a nice berth in the lee of the harbour wall) I always leave the springs so that only one is tight at any one time ie it allows for some slight movement forward and aft. Similarly at the bow - we berth bows to - I have a warp attached on the starboard and port cleats again leaving it so that if there is an element of play on one side the other is taught. That said I fasten them tight enough so that any snatching is minimal ...

We doubled up the lines but during the high winds a few weeks back, marina staff tightened everything up and at the bow the two lines were both taught, as were the springs, and there was a lot of creaking of rope ..... how do you leave yours (in anticipation of a bit of a blow) - tight or loose .....

 

[Nigelpickin]

not sure Andy, the wife does it all, especially when it's raining

 

[Nick_H]

Tight, as it's snatch loads that do the damage. Google "seatbelt pre-tensioners" if you want the science.

 

[Andy Bav]

not sure Andy, the wife does it all, especially when it's raining

I like your style !

 

[rafiki_]

Reasonably tight for me, but not taught.

 

[tico]

Always taught...
'Tight springs and floppy breasts' (Breast lines at bow & stern)




got my coat....

 

[Ripster]

Always taught...
'Tight springs and floppy breasts' (Breast lines at bow & stern)

Swot I do too. Watching the boat during recent storms lurching about, I made sure the breasts were larger than usual and had free movement.

 

[NormanS]

Were you not taught to keep them taut?

 

[johnwest]

Springs with little play, more play in breast lines but with rubber snubbers to prevent snatch. Boat is 15 tons.

j

 

[LittleShip]

Taught under normal circumstances but.....

If I'm expecting high winds I put rubber snubbers on to stop, or a least reduce the snatch loads.

As already stated snatching is what causes the damage.

Tom.

 

[ricky_s]

Really tight, otherwise the satellite dish keeps moving to keep track and makes an annoying noise.

 

[Andy Bav]

Thanks for the advice. Its the first time I heard the rope creaking like that, but logic dictates that tight is better.... it has "taut" me one other thing though must remember not to rush a post before my xmas do