Inexpensive homemade shock-absorbing docklines

[tlkenyon]

I have always had problems with shock loads on the dock when tying up on rough, windy days - my dock is rather exposed to anything but an east wind.

Using some rope-craft learned in Scouting, I fashioned these shock absorbing dock lines using half-inch 3-strand nylon, carabiners and trucker tarp straps. Each line requires three splices. I clinch the hooks on the straps to keep them from slipping off. I leave a rather large bight in the line to take the load when the straps are fully extended - but that rarely happens. The carabiners are really handy to clip onto either cleats or the dock structure when not cleats are present.

I always back them up on overnight stays with extra lines, just in case. I leave the backup-line rather slack so that the stretchy trucker straps do all the work. This has eliminated shock loads on the dock and, mostly on the hardware on the boat. Makes for a quieter night's sleep, also.

I looked at the commercial shock-absorbing lines and just could not pay what they are asking, especially for something that is very easy and cheap to fabricate.

Calm seas and bright sunshine,

TK

 

[LADY JANE]

TK, This is another great homemade customization for us- Tugnuts to tackle. Good description and your included photos make it look well worth the effort. BB+

 

[SGIDAVE]

Where did you source your carabiners?

dave

 

[tlkenyon]

The local farm/home supply place. Cheap stainless and the largest they had....I think about 5 bucks each. Easily replaceable seasonally or as needed. They are large enough that they clip thru the center of an 8" open center cleat - got those from West Marine. Galvanized.