In Maine and other marinas I visit the yard and owners tie up their boats with a goodly amount of space between the dock and the stern or bow of the vessel. In my marina in NY I am appalled that sometimes less than 6 inches is considered OK--usually by power boat owners and the swim platform--I suspect they don't see the rubbing and grinding that goes on with an unfavorable wind and line stretch. At least once a month i'm adjusting my absentee neighbors on "D" dock.