How do I dock my boat is an onion of a question with many layers. There are definite “don’ts” for docking. There are vital things to know and do when docking your boat. There are factors and a plethora of scenarios that you must consider. Docking is integral to boating. The real question is, “how do I learn to dock my boat?”
How do I dock my boat is an onion of a question with many layers. There are definite “don’ts” for docking. There are vital things to know and do when docking your boat. There are factors and a plethora of scenarios that you must consider. Docking is integral to boating. The real question is, “how do I learn to dock my boat?”
How NOT to Dock a Boat
The list of “don’ts” for docking is long, but here are a few crucial ones.
DON’T come to approach the docks at full speed. This seems like a no brainer rule. Remember that your boat does not have to be at maximum speed to do damage.
DON’T use a body part to dock the boat. Boat fenders are a soft bumper to keep your boat and the dock from rubbing and causing damage. DO NOT use your arm or leg. Dock lines and Boat Hooks help guide the boat in and out of the pier. DO NOT use your hand to grab cleats and try to keep a 4000lb boat in place.
DON’T have or allow your crew to run from side to side, helping to protect and dock. In addition to the risk of bodily harm, the momentum of the movement shifts your boat’s direction. This momentum is what you were trying to avoid in the first place.
DON’T assume the marina’s dock hand will dock the boat for you. Marina’s hire dock hands to help the marina. Having a Captain’s License is rarely a requirement for this position. Prior boating experience may not be a requirement.
Most boaters will tell you that the best entertainment is to sit at the marina on a beautiful day and watch people attempt to dock their boats. Captain and crew are yelling and scrambling, the new words you will hear, etc.… On the opposite side is the stress the captain and crew are experiencing while docking their boat. Imagine docking your boat while everyone at the restaurant or marina is watching you. Just the thought causes anxiety! Boating is supposed to be relaxing!
Basics of Docking Your Boat
There are basics for docking. Boating associations, foundations, and boat owners all agree on the basics. Rather than recreate the wheel, here are the simple steps to docking your boat from Discover Boating
How to Dock a Boat
1. Prepare dock lines on your bow and stern and attach fenders.
2. Line up your approach and survey the docking area.
3. Judge the current, wind, and water conditions.
4. Take your time, proceed slowly towards the dock using intermittent acceleration.
5. Never approach a dock any faster than you are willing to hit it.
6. Navigate into the boat slip or turn to come alongside the dock.
7. Tie off your boat onto cleats, posts, or pilings using your docking lines.
(https://www.discoverboating.com/resources/docking-a-boat-step-by-step-guide)
Is Docking Your Boat Easy
Yes. Docking is easy once you know how to judge conditions and how your boat responds. The #3 basic rule is where docking can become tricky. Factors like current, wind, and water conditions can move your boat in various directions and speeds. The type of dock (floating or fixed; T head or finger slip, etc…) you are approaching is part of the equation. Understanding how to gage these factors and their effects will help you become a docking expert. On top of all of this is what type, size, and equipment are on the boat that you captaining. Every boat maneuvers differently when docking. Docking is easy when you are confident with your docking abilities.
Well, that seems simple…
An article on how to dock by BoatUS begins like this:
Your ability to dock well is the key to your reputation.
Source: (https://www.boatus.org/study-guide/navigation/docking/)
No wonder new and seasoned boaters alike become stress when approaching the docks. No one wants to be the entertainment for the people at marina restaurant. No one wants to be judged by the other boat owners at the docks.
How to Learn to Dock a Boat
The real question is how to learn to dock YOUR boat!
The first step is understanding your boat and all the options on your vessel. Larger boats come with options to help make docking easy: bow thrusters, Optimus, etc.…
Next is having a docking plan. Talk to your crewmate before approaching the dock so that the crew knows your intention. Having dock lines ready and fenders attached to the boat as you approach the dock.
Don’t forget to breathe and practice!
Remember when you first learned to drive a car? Your Dad did not take you straight to a crowded parking lot or parallel parking in the city. He probably put orange cones in a large empty lot and taught you to park the car. Ask a boater that you know AND TRUST to help show you how to dock. In the same fashion, you can use your boat fenders, “A” Series Poly Balls, or other floats. Find a cove or a spacious area where you can put the floats in the water to use. You can do this exact method to teach yourself how to dock. Become familiar with how your boat operates and responds. Practice makes perfect.
Pay a company to teach you to dock. BoatUS and Boat-Ed have links for on the watercourses. Some companies and individuals teach boating for a living. Google “boat instruction near me” to find a certified boat trainer and on the water classes. Make sure that you are hiring or paying a company that is certified to train.
Join a boat club. Boat clubs have training programs. They provide one on one boat safety and handling. Carefree Boat Club has personalized and specialized guidance and instruction for every member.
Docking is an integral part of boating. Continuing education, knowledge, and practice will help to keep boating relaxing!
RESOURCES AND OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:
https://www.discoverboating.com/resources/docking-a-boat-step-by-step-guide
https://www.discoverboating.com/
https://www.boatus.org/study-guide/navigation/docking/
