HOW TO PERFORM A BOW SPRING

1

A spring is led aft from the bow around a pontoon cleat and a fender is rigged up as close as possible to the bow. 2

With engine ahead and helm on starboard lock, the stern line is dropped and the stern swings away from the pontoon. 3

When the boat is pointing at about 45° to the pontoon it’s time to put the engine in astern and prepare to slip. 4

As the load comes off the spring, it’s brought back aboard and the boat reverses away smartly from the pontoon.