I use springers. Well I think I do, but can some one explain to me how using springers will hold your boat off the pontoon (mentioned in another thread). The only way I can get my boat to stay off the pontoon is to tie a mooring line on the other side of the boat pull it back that way.

I actually use the the springers to hold the boat against the pontoon. The shorter ropes I place at the bow and stern are nearly always slack and just hold the boat parallel to the pontoon.

This raises another issue. I see some boats have their bow and stern lines very short and tight. Usually power boat sterns and Cats. This puts a lot of strain on both the pontoon cleat and boat attachment point. And also leads to damages when you get a bit of swell coming through the marina. Not to mention the continual chaffing and nooring away at paint work, rub rails and gel coat.

The guy on the boat beside me told how he was in a Marina at Bribe Island (nearly all power boat due to the bridge) and a mimi tornado went through. He said how some of the boat were damaged and how the horn cleats were torn out of the pontoons. I don't think springer would do this but rocking boat tied with short line would.

My thoughts and way.