What Is Recommended When Docking a Boat?

There are many aspects of boating; many rules and regulations that need to be maintained while you are boating, much like when you are driving your car on the road.

These rules and systems are there set in place to make your lives easier and to ensure that you don't fall in any problem in the water.

You will have to follow a system or process when you want to dock your boat. The task might seem intimidating if you happen to be new to boating or even if it is your first time docking a boat. If you keep your head in the task, then it shouldn't be tough. 

So, let’s get to know the essentials of docking a boat.

What Should You Do to Dock a Boat?

The steps you have to undertake are relatively easy, and you shouldn't have much of a hard time following along; you just have to make sure you don't miss out on any of the steps. Also, keep in mind that it might take you some amount of time to get the hang of things, so be patient.

If you happen to be someone who is very much into boating, then docking your boat in a slip is going to be a very common occurrence in your life; whether you like doing it or not. You will have to do this in both private and public areas.

Now, as a boater, you should always have two things with you prepared ahead of time so that you don't face any difficulties when you are docking. The two things are, your fenders and your docking line on both sides of the boat. This will make the whole process easier for you.

Step 1

Like I have said before, surveying your surroundings and being on the constant lookout is essential if you want to avoid all incoming threats on your way. You will be able to save yourself and those in the boat with you if you are aware of what is happening around you.

Step 2

When you are about to enter into a slip you are given very little space to maneuver your boat around, so you have to be cautious and make sure you don’t hit the dock or another boat in your quest. Keep the speed at a minimum, as there is no way or scope for you to make a mistake in this situation.

Step 3

While easing or reversing into the slip, make sure all the passengers are in their seats and not moving around, as it might rock the boat and therefore, a bit of the control will be lost in the process. So, for the safety of the passengers as well as the stability of the boat, everyone should be seated.

Step 4

With the last bit of power, move forward to stop your boat from going back or going in reverse. And as that should be done in a hurry, don't forget to tie the boat up.

How Can You Tie a Boat to the Dock?

The best and the most widely used method or way of tying up boats to the dock by most boaters is Cleat Hitch. This particular type of knot is so popular as they tend to be easier to both tie and untie, but it will also be able to hold the boat to the dock. This can surely secure your boat, and you will not have to worry.

Now, how will you tie the Cleat Hitch? At first, you have to take your line and wrap it around the cleat's base once. Once you have done this one time, then you have to do the same thing in the opposite direction. Make sure to bring the line over the top of the base.

The next step for you would be to go over the arm again with your line and wrap it around to create a figure-eight, both around and over the cleat. Then you have to make an under loops which you must slip through the arm. By doing so, you will make sure that the hold is secure.

And at last, just pull the end as tight as possible to complete the task.

There are a few other ways with which you can tie your boat to the dock. You can employ any of them to get the job done.

A Few Additional Tips:

There are a few tips and tricks here for you which you can follow if you want to make the whole experience easier for you.

1. Don’t Get Distracted

Do not let people distract you. Many times, you will see that there is someone on the dock who is trying to offer you advice and telling you how to navigate the boat. This might actually end up distracting you more than helping you out. So, don't let them get you into a mess.

While operating the boat, you should be aware and know what must be done. If you are new to this, then just take some time to make your own way.

2. Approach the Dock Slowly

You need to slow down! This is something which has been mentioned before, but the importance of it still stands. You will not be able to approach the dock right if you are speeding. A slower speed will give you more control, and therefore it is safer.

Not only do you have to keep the speed at a minimum, but you also must make sure that there are no sudden bursts of power. This will firstly rock the boat, and you will also lose control over what you are doing. You might even hit something in front of you.

3. Leave the Boat If Things Go Wrong

Jump off if things are not going as you planned. There will be times when things will not be going the way you planned, and therefore you will foresee something bad happening to you or the people on the boat with you. In this case, your first instinct should be to abort.

Your lives are obviously more important.

Conclusion

Docking a boat is not a very difficult task if you can follow along with the instructions provided. And once you get the hang of it, all of this will become like second nature.