: The other thing about deck lines is: If you take a course by the BCU, they
: check out your boat and want the deck line to be loose enougn for a quick
: grab (if your in the water). If they're too tight, they want you to
: havesome slack in them so your hand, even with mitts or gloves, can fit
: under them easily.

Slack is only necessary if your deck lines are flush with the deck. I elevate mine, which allows me to keep them tight for better control, but still be able to grab them instantly with a gloved hand. The photo of the bow of my Anas Acuta below shows how this is easily done with inexpensive wood balls from a craft store. The perimeter lines are taught, but easy to grab. The bungees are very easy to get a paddle under in a hurry, which is critical when performing assisted rescues.