GL: Dock Line Throwing

[Charles and Pat Culotta]

> If you don't have or don't care to fashion a 4'eye in the end of a dock
> line, is it ok to just tie a big loop on a bowline, snug it up good, and
> toss that? Actually, I've done this with some success although my rodeo
> skills are still developing. Even better the double-figure8 which adds 
> heft
> to the loop.
>
> Rob Dorsey


Rob,
Good question.
In all honesty it does not work nearly so well as a spliced eye. The REASON 
it does not work is with a bowline or other knot in the line, the line
is NOT BALANCED.  The way I was taught by professional seamen is to take the 
eye in one hand and coil  one or two courses of line on it in one hand.
holding the eye and the several coils open with the other hand.. Place your 
foot on the bitter end ( you do not want it to go overboard). Now throw the 
eye and coiled line out towered the piling or cleat. Throw high so that it 
falls on to the piling or cleat.

Here is the IMPORTANT part.

LET GO OF THE LINE WITH BOTH HANDS

I repeat LET GO OF THE LINE WITH BOTH HANDS.

Again, I am not smart enough to come up with this system. It was taught to 
me many yrs ago by professional seamen.

Speaking of heft. THE WIFE always wets the eye end of the line to add heft. 
She finds that it helps.




CCC

CHARLES C., JR. & PAT CULOTTA
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