Free boat-handling workbench
Rig springs before the helm moves
Watch each named line take the load, then try a berth and spring off. Bow and stern lines hold the ends in. Springs run diagonally and stop surge.
Alongside layout
Docking lines
Watch each line take the load, then try a berth and spring off.
Look at the picture. Two short end lines, two longer dashed springs. Then press Next.
BowSternBow springStern springBreast
Step 1 of 10
See the four-line set
Alongside a pontoon, bow and stern lines hold the ends in. Springs run diagonally along the boat and stop it surging fore and aft.
- 1Bow and stern lines are short and hold the ends in.
- 2Springs run along the boat, not square to the pontoon.
- 3Dashed lines are the springs.
Look at the picture. Two short end lines, two longer dashed springs. Then press Next.
Direct answer
A settled alongside set uses a bow line, a stern line, a bow spring led aft, and a stern spring led forward. The springs check surge; the end lines hold the boat in. A breast line is a short square line amidships, often useful as the first line ashore.
- Best for
- Day Skipper practical preparation
- Includes
- Bow, stern, springs, breast, springing off
- Format
- Free layout simulator
Sources and factual review
Reviewed 13 August 2026. Line names and springing-off sequences follow the published RYA Day Skipper and Competent Crew boat-handling scope. Local marina practice and tidal range still govern the real berth.