THE HARBOR COLUMN:

We can expect more rain today and this weekend as another storm system is moving into Southern California. I anticipate that small-craft advisories will be issued through President’s Day with seas 2 to 5 feet and winds gusting to almost 30 knots. Ocean voyages are not recommended this weekend but we may have a slight break from the weather on Saturday afternoon for lake and harbor cruising.

Boat owners, you do need to check you dock lines if you have a boat on a mooring or in a slip.

With the storm systems visiting our area, the winds and current surges in the harbor will cause the dock lines to loosen, and the worst of it is the chaffing to the lines.

Trade out any worn lines and use chaffing gear where the lines touch a hard surface that will wear out the fibers or any bends in the line especially 90-degree turns.

Also, be certain that you have the correct type of line and diameter for your boat. I always add in a few extra spring lines this time of year to help absorb some of the stress off of the bow and stern lines.

If you’re on a mooring can, use an extra helper line along with your primary line plus, as I mentioned, do not neglect the chaffing gear.

Also, I regularly notice boats that are secured to cleats too small for the size of the boat at the dock.

You may need to add in the correct size of cleats, and relocate cleats for proper tying of the spring lines.

Another mistake is when boats are tied too tightly and there is not any flexibility in the lines.

The lines are meant to give a little and fenders should not be smashed between the boat and dock.

Tip of the week is to help save the California Department of Boating and Waterways (Cal Boating) by calling in to my radio show. Recreational Boaters of California is recommending that boaters should call (877) 883-0830 from 11:25 a.m. until 11:50 a.m. Saturday to express opposition to the proposal by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to eliminate Cal Boating.

You can contact Jerry Desmond Jr., director of Government Affairs for Recreational Boaters of California at [email protected], for additional information or visit rboc.org/news_ releases.html and click on the Feb. 9 news release.

Safe voyages.

MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating columnist. Send marine-related thoughts and story suggestions to [email protected] or go to www.boathousetv.com.