Are you using any
Spring Lines..? A "spring line" is a
Third dock line usually running along the length of the boat, from the stern cleat all the way forward to the same cleat on the dock that the bow line is tied to. Larger boats might have Two spring lines..one to prevent the boat from moving forward and the other to prevent it from moving aft.
The bow line and stern lines prevent the boat from moving Away from the dock. The spring lines prevent the boat from moving fore or aft.
You may already be familiar with this, but I think many
small boat owners are unaware of the use of spring lines. They are much more common on larger boats.
The nice thing about spring lines is that it allows a much more
Relaxed docking arrangement..as far as strain on the various lines is concerned. The boat dosn't have to be
jammed up against the dock to prevent it from wandering around.
Adding extra cleats is easy enough. Just make sure your new cleats
match the existing cleats. Cleats should also be "backed up" under the deck with a plywood backing plate. Use self locking ("Nylok") Nuts, Bolts and Washers to fasten cleats. NOT Screws.
I'm not a big fan of more cleats though. It makes for more confusion when docking.
"Put that rope on that cleat...NO...not that one...THAT one over there"..
NB
PS: Unless your boat is a bowrider...cleats on the bow are almost impossable to reach..either from the dock OR the cockpit.
