Leon explains: "Spronging off" a dock
May 13, 2024 · 4 min · 11K views
What this video covers
A single stern line and forward gear let a boat pivot cleanly away from a dock without bow thrusters or a tug. Leon Schulz demonstrates the maneuver he calls "the Basti," named after offshore sailor Bastian Hauk, who taught it to him.0:09 The technique begins with the boat already hanging on a mid-ship spring in forward gear, bow angled away from the pontoon.0:28 A long stern line runs from the starboard stern cleat — the side facing away from the dock — to a cleat as far aft ashore as possible, rigged loosely while the spring still takes the load.0:52 Once the helper aboard eases and releases the spring, the boat pivots around the stern cleat under engine alone, no throttle required, though a touch of throttle can counter wind pushing the bow back.2:56 When the bow has swung far enough out, the stern line is released quickly from shore and hauled aboard clear of the propeller.3:43 The maneuver can also rotate the boat a full 180 degrees to re-berth on the opposite side.3:25 The key risk is the stern contacting the dock, managed with large stern fenders.2:10
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