Which statement differentiates spring lines from breast lines and where are they typically placed?

Which statement differentiates spring lines from breast lines and where are they typically placed?

• A. Spring lines run fore and aft to control longitudinal movement; breast lines run laterally to prevent the boat from moving away from the dock; typically one spring forward and one aft, and one or more breast lines as necessary.
• B. Spring lines run laterally; breast lines fore and aft.
• C. Spring lines are decorative; breast lines are for mooring.
• D. There is no difference.

Answer: (A)

Springs are used to control movement along the length of the boat, while breast lines control side-to-side distance from the dock. A spring runs fore and aft, typically one from the dock to the bow and another from the dock to the stern, so the bow and stern can’t drift forward or backward due to wind or current. Breast lines run laterally from the boat’s sides (usually near midship) to the dock, keeping the hull from moving away from or toward the quay and holding the boat snug against the dock. In practice you’ll usually have one forward spring and one aft spring, with one or more breast lines as needed to secure the boat.

Springs are used to control movement along the length of the boat, while breast lines control side-to-side distance from the dock. A spring runs fore and aft, typically one from the dock to the bow and another from the dock to the stern, so the bow and stern can’t drift forward or backward due to wind or current. Breast lines run laterally from the boat’s sides (usually near midship) to the dock, keeping the hull from moving away from or toward the quay and holding the boat snug against the dock. In practice you’ll usually have one forward spring and one aft spring, with one or more breast lines as needed to secure the boat.