Forward Dock Lines, Snubbing and chafing

[Schuster]

I installed a set of chocks similar to the ones shown in the link that ENDEAVOR provided. I think they are really practical and cant believe that C-dorys don't have them installed from the factory. They may by now i haven't checked out the newer boats. I have never experienced any chaffing at that point. The chocks are a polished stainless steel (316ss) and are quite smooth. Keeping in mind that there is really no rubbing going on at that point as the line is merely going thru the chalk and is secured to the cleat a couple feet away. The point that chaffing may occur is where the line passes thru the mooring buoy shackle as that is a point at which there is line movement across the shackle.

[Joefairbanks]

Our CC23 came with these:

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=C-Darling&id=IMG_1111&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php
http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=C-Darling&id=IMG_1112&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php


When we were docked at the Friday Harbor gathering, next to DayBreak (Gary and Colleen's 23 Venture) Mike from NMI noticed that DayBreak didn't have those installed even though the non-skid was detoured around that space. I believe that they had talked about adding them since they were not added before it left the factory. I'm sure that Gary can verify.
I have used mine only a couple of times to tie up while docked. They are very smooth and I don't think they would be a chafing issue. Maybe if they were used for an anchor bridle, at a bumpy anchorage? I would probably find some fire-hose if I make an anchor bridle and use those for that purpose.

[thataway]

In normal circumstances one does not worry about chafing in most situations. It is when the line is in high tension, and the boat is working back and forth. The line begins to heat, and eventually fails. These are more likely during a hurricane or heavy storm. The C Dory is a very light weight boat, thus less chance of chafing.

[Donald Tyson]

Plus in addition to all your comments earlier in the thread Bob asked if I was using Spectra or Dynamo. I believe that the concern was not so much when anchored but rather during long term wet storage in a slip. With this scenario the dock lines might be adjusted so that the line passes more obliquely to the natural lay (direction) of the chocks. These tough synthetic Lines apparently don't do well when repeatedly stretched a round a very strong guide such as going backwards from a forward facing set of chocks. So the solution for many modern boats seems to be the use of 1/4 round strips of stainless or chrome covered bronze in conjunction with or without chocks.
With all that expressed I'll say that the conversation is now much more comprehensive with regards to all of the relationships to do with anchoring or docking and the placement of protective gear.
At this point I'm leaning away from the Idea of fixed chocks.

Has anyone tried the fairleads posted in Thistle's photos?

[thataway]

If you use cocks you will have to make a decision, if you are best served for lines going forward as in anchor or mooring bridles. Then different design chocks for bow lines and even different for spring lines, unless using the amid ships cleats as we do. Most of my boats in the last few years had not had bow chocks.

[Donald Tyson]

Thank you everyone for discussing this subject and for giving me the confidence to move forward on this project. For most projects I can make up my own mind but this requires major changes and, my dread, holes drilled into Thistle's hull.
I hate drilling new holes in an otherwise perfect boat.
Thanks again...

[colbysmith]

Not sure I'm following this discussion, mostly due to my lack of knowledge on some of the terms being used. But I'll offer my 2 cents. I will routinely run lines from the forward cleats just outside the windows, and the cleats at the stern. I will sometimes add a line from the bow center cleat then to the dock, if it's more appropriate due to dock cleat spacing. Sometimes, depending on the angle between the stern cleat and dock, I may tie the bitter end off to the stern eyebolt to keep the boat tight to the dock. If a spring line is needed, I'll place one appropriately. I've never had any chaffing on my gelcoat. However, depending upon the dock (height, wood railing to tie to, etc) I will place some wiring loom (the kind that is split) over my dock line to keep it from chaffing on the dock setup. Colby

[Donald Tyson]

You're doing fine Colby. This conversation started a good bit ago, while you were doing a photo blast of the upper costal west.
So initially I had posted some line of questioning on where I should mount the Drum Winch. I did decide I will put it exactly where the forward bow cleat is.
Dr Bob pointed out how well placed and how strong the bow cleat is and he wished I wouldn't remove it.
I said I had never used the bow cleat and I asked myself why I hadn't.
Snubbing gear was brought up and how to handle it. I was wondering if chafing over the Gunnels would be an issue if no chocks were used.
I also went onto the other forum where I've seen you and had brief discussions with some of the members there that have installed Drum winches. Great info.

As if that were not enough it became obvious that the new Guardian 11 I just bought won't fit my bow roller without hitting the gelcoat. So I have to find a way to deal with that.

I did the same thing I always do and perhaps shouldn't. I talked about every aspect until I was blue. But at least I came to a conclusion:
I'm installing a Wooden bow pulpit, same as I had on my sailboats, and will extend it about 8-10". Then I will carry the pulpit rearward and place the winch onto it and two big cleats port and starboard. In my photos you can see the photo of a blue boat and a white boat that carry a near version of this. I'll not carry the rail out the pulpit as shown. The pulpit will protrude very little and will look fine.

These are hard choices to make and are controversial to a small degree.

My goal is that I will be able to enter an anchorage in any weather and not have to send my favorite person forward to manually anchor. How many times over the years have I wondered why we continue to do that when there are options to usually avoid those dangers.

I''m sorry I took you away from planning the Meet Up in Mid-west and I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

[colbysmith]

[Donald Tyson]

I know, just jazzing you. I hope you're off to other places and will stuff that old Penguin with more cool photos. Really enjoyed the lake Powell photos as that is on our list.

[Donald Tyson]

I know, just jazzing you. I hope you're off to other places and will stuff that old Penguin with more cool photos. Really enjoyed the lake Powell photos as that is on our list.