Your Guide to Docking a Boat

Learning how to operate a boat successfully can be difficult, but it can be done! One aspect of boat operation that might be tough is safely docking your boat at a marina slip or pier. These tips should help you to get your boat docked and moored without doing too much damage to the hull or other components.

Look Around & Be Ready

As you approach the dock on your boat, you should take a minute to examine the area around it to make sure that nothing is in your way. You may have to wait for people to move or for boats to leave the area if it’s busy. Watch for any debris that might get tangled up in your boat’s propeller, too.

Also, you should have your dock lines ready to go on deck so that you don’t have to run around trying to find them while your boat drifts slowly out of the slip.

Slow Down & Keep Speed Even

You’ll also need to slow down your speed by several knots to avoid crashing into the marina. In fact, there’s a maxim that boaters use: “Never approach a dock faster than you want to hit it.” Once you’ve slowed your boat down, maintain that speed consistently so that you don’t get stuck several feet away from the dock. Use smaller bursts of speeds to help you move your boat nearer to the dock.

Watch For Wind

High winds or crosswinds will make it more challenging to dock your boat. You may have to change the angle at which you approach the dock to make up for winds blowing away from it; you can use a wind that’s blowing towards the shore to help you guide your boat into the slip. Be ready to loop the ropes around the dock and lash your boat into place.

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