Docking 101TOP 10 TIPS FOR DOCKING A BOAT

Docking 101No matter how experienced you are at docking boats, approaching the dock can be nerve-racking.

This is especially true in front of a crowded marina.

Environmental factors like wind and current or unfamiliarity can make docking that much more difficult.

But now you can avoid damage and embarrassment with 10 easy tips that will not only make you better at close-quarters maneuvering and docking, but will also make you an all-around better boater.

Dock your boat with ease using these top 10 docking tips from Dock Boxes Unlimited.

Top 10 Tips for Docking a Boat

Presented by Dock Boxes Unlimited

www.dockboxes.com

Always put safety first.

Be sure to look around before docking and make sure that no hands are between bulkheads, seawalls or pilings.

You’ll also need to make sure that mooring lines aren’t wrapped around hands, legs or feet.

Safety First

Never approach the dock faster than you are willing to hit it.

Slow down to reduce the risk of damage.

A slower speed will usually give you plenty of time to make corrections and cause less damage.

Slow Down

Always communicate to the crew how you intend to dock.

Prior planning will help keep you, your boat, and your passengers safe.

Managing the crew and its assigned tasks prior to and during docking is one of the most important and simplest way to make docking as easy as possible.

Have a Plan

Never kill the engines until all the lines are secure.

Keep the engine on so you can maneuver as necessary.

Don’t Kill The Engines Too Early

Always reduce the windage when navigating through heavy winds.

Especially in a small boat, this can have a dramatic effect on how easy or how hard it is to dock.

Reducing the windage will make the docking process much easier while failing to do so could make the process much more difficult.

Reduce Windage in Heavy Winds

Never touch the wheel with twin inboards.

It may be tempting to correct the wheel when docking with twin inboards but you shouldn’t.

If you do turn the wheel, the boat may take an unexpected path when you try to use the engines.

Don’t Touch the Wheel with Twin Inboards

Always turn the wheel before applying power when docking a single-engine boat

Do not turn the wheel during or after applying power.

This will ensure that you don’t get a blast forward or in reverse before the blast of the port or starboard kicks in.

Turn Before Applying Power, Not After

Never be afraid to stop and start over.

To avoid any damage to the boat, it’s important that you dock it correctly.

With that in mind, don’t be afraid to abort the docking process and start again.

If the approach doesn’t seem to be going well, circle back for another try.

Abort When Necessary

Always apply short bursts of power, instead of steady power.

This allows you to maneuver without building up a lot of momentum, which can quickly get out of control.

Apply Short Boosts of Power

Never wait for a slip to open by blocking other thru-traffic.

Instead, find a place to drop anchor or temporarily tie up.

Don’t Block Traffic

Dock Boxes Unlimited Makes Docking Easier

BONUS: 5 WAYS TO MAKE DOCKING EASIER

Add muscle with a strong dock winch

Maximize holding strength with dock cleats

Keep docks well lit with power pedestals

Protect docks and boats with dock bumpers

Get in out of the water safely and easily with aluminum dock ladders

Power Pedestals: https://www.dockboxes.com/power-pedestals Dock Ladders: https://www.dockboxes.com/dock-ladders

Products From Dock Boxes Unlimited

Dock Winches: https://www.dockboxes.com/dock-winches Dock Cleats: https://www.dockboxes.com/dock-cleats

Products From Dock Boxes Unlimited