Double-ended spring line -- oops!

[Rakuflames]

I was just recommending a double-ended spring line, with a carabiner on the spring line and a harp latch on the boat, as an easy way to secure a boat to one's dock when single-handing.

Well ... ooops.

Take a good look at that harp latch. If it isn't self-locking -- if it screws in -- either check it after a lot of wind or use seizing wire on it!

I didn't do that, and my anchor just banged into the seawall. I came up and found that the latch part of the harp latch was gone and the spring line was dangling in the water. I see no signs of stress on the harp, but we had a LOT of wind earlier this week when a front came through, and I think the screw just worked itself loose.

Needless to say I tightened the spring line on the other side.

[zeehag]

i have no problem using a straight line sans fittings and sans loops for docking, 40 ft -- solo or with help--i just use line first from midships. fittings fail. smooth sailing.