Number of Pilings and Spacing for 43DC

[Jammin']

I am having pilings set at my dock to accommodate a 1973 43DC with a 14' beam. I figured 20' width between the dock and the outer row of pilings. Does that sound right? Should there be 3 or 4 pilings in the outer row?

 

[SeaEric]

Here's the set up for my 41. It's in a 50' slip. 20' wide IMHO is too much. If the wind is pushing you one side to the other, that puts you 6' from the dock or the outer pilings. That's a long reach for a line unless you have bow and stern thrusters.

 

[Jammin']

Thanks. I can't get over what a pretty boat yours is.

 

[eze2bme]

I would go no wider than 18 feet and use 4 per side. If your bottom is soft soil and/or water is very deep you might want to consider a dolphin (3) pile set-up for forward and aft piles - also depends on your wind exposure.

 

[Jammin']

5' MLW at the end of the dock and a really soft muddy bottom. Very sheltered. It looks like 4 pilings 18' off the dock is the way to go. What is the advantage of a 3 pile cluster? The contractor is suggesting 35' driven piles. The boat lift and pilings on the left side of the dock will be removed for the new ones.

 

[Pascal]

4 pilings will spread the load better

The wider the better (reasonably) so 20’ should be good but it depends on where you are and tidal range. The more tide the wider you need.

 

[SeaEric]

Thanks. I can't get over what a pretty boat yours is.

Thank you. Covered shed slip makes it a little easier.

 

[Bob Bradley]

I prefer the narrowest slip that I can dock easily in. More space is more room for the boat to pick up speed and slam into the pilings during storms.

 

[Pascal]

More width allows you to set up your lines so the boat can not hit any pilings. It also allows for long bow lines in areas with larger tides. In a storm line will stretch and ifnyou don’t have at least two feet on each side it a hard to keep the boat off the pilings

 

[TROUBLE]

My 43DC is in a 20 foot wide slip and Pascal is correct. No matter the weather it is never up against a piling. Some times if its really windy i have to push the bow over to reach the opposite piling to tie up . Never really a problem and when i stay on the boat its nice to not be bumping all night.


Art

 

[krush]

Narrow slips are for folks that live on lakes.

 

[Jammin']

Next question. The dock lines on the boat are worn. If I have four pilings on each side 18' or 20' apart, what is a good complement of line sizes to have? Does the color of the line make any
practical difference to anyone? Maybe I should color code them by length?

 

[SeaEric]

You may be over thinking this. Color lines are more expensive than the basic gold braid.
I carry six lines for transient use, plus a few more spares. 4 x 25', 2 x 35' all 5/8 inch braided. Mine are blue.
It makes sense to have one 50' 5/8" in case you need it. My 6 dock lines that stay put are about the same.
Those may perhaps be a bit shorter as you pretty much get them situated and that's it.

 

[Jammin']

You may be over thinking this.

It's a long winter!

 

[bigbill]

i use three strand at my home dock and they are adjusted and stay there so when i come in all i have to do is hook the eye over the cleat. that way i know it's right no matter who helps tie up. i have about 12 5/8 double braid in various lengths for transient dockage

 

[Bob Bradley]

Narrow slips are for folks that live on lakes.

Or know how to back a boat in properly. My 43C is iirc 14' 3" beam. My slip in New Haven is 14' 9". Cross current of 2kts at mid tide.