Abstract: An apparatus for safely securing a boat to a dock having a first bracket attached to the boat and a second bracket attached to the dock. Interposed between the two brackets is a telescoping arm including a tension spring, and each end of the arm is pivotally attached to a respective one of the brackets. The telescoping arm is pivotally attached to each bracket to permit movement of the boat with respect to the dock, and the tension spring assists in ensuring that the boat does not inadvertently strike the dock. The apparatus may also include a compression spring positioned to act against one end of the sliding arm as a further cushion against lateral movement of the boat toward the dock.