Boat slip docking tips?

[flamron]

So it looks like we are going to buy a slip for a year to save up for a truck. Any tips or good threads to go through? I did a search and didn't really come up with anything. I've never docked long term, so I'm pretty new to the whole concept.

Our boat is a 19.5' Glastron I/O. The lake is pretty small, so I don't think it will see a lot of wakes and wind. The dock is floating if that makes a difference. There are about 20ish boats per dock. Parked side by side (two boats per slot).

Let me know if I'm missing any info or if I can search using some other terms.

Thanks!

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Boat slip docking tips?

When approaching the dock, always try to come bow into the wind or bow into the current. Much safer handling then an aft wind/current.

Never approach anything faster than your comfortable hitting it.

If you're mooring long term, leave the fenders and lines tied fast to the dock so they are always in place when you return.

Use bow, stern, and spring lines to absorb the movement of the boat.

If you're not confortable backing in, come in nose first and then reposition when you have more time or less wind/current. There's nothing wrong with coming in nose first, but there is something wrong with attempting a docking 10 times and failing.

When approaching the dock, assign someone a boat hook to get the lines in place to secure the boat. Too many people wanting to help is the surest way to have fingers, hands, and feet crushed by docks and pylons. You're the captain, you tell them what to do, even if that's "sit quietly until we've docked".

Use a boat hook to get the lines. NEVER allow someone to jump from a moving boat onto the dock to get the lines.

Have fun this summer. One of the best feelings is to just walk down the dock and get in the boat and go.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Boat slip docking tips?

There are so many different set-ups for a slip, as well as a huge variety of factors, from tides to overhangs, that no one can advise you unless they are standing on YOUR dock. Also, many marinas have rules that can counteract any advice, and you can't aloways mix mooring techniques. Therefore your best source of advice is from the locals.

A lot depends, too, whether you are nearby and can check on things after a rainstorm, or pull the boat before a hurricane, or if you will check it weekly or monthly.

But to be helpful, rather than speculative answers, how about questions you need to ask there?

Water fluctuations: height and waves
Rules
what you need for bottom paint (and rules re bottom cleaning in the slip or in the lot)
Can you pay the marina to check the boat, check the pump/battery, haul it for you, etc.

Do people tie so the boat does not touch anything (preferred) or do you use fenders?
Protection between boats?

How to rig sping lines, cross-ties, etc.

Leave lines on dock or take them along?

Security of your stuff on board?

Will they pump your boat if there is a sudden leak?

Power supply, and whether it is advisable to stay hooked up, or not?

Can your pump and battery handle a hard rain if the cover fails? (it should)

 

[flamron]

Re: Boat slip docking tips?

Thanks a bunch guys! I'll do some calling and see what the marina recommends and what rules they have first.

 

[CaptainKickback]

Re: Boat slip docking tips?

When I moved my boat from a dock to a place where I needed to back in, I took the boat out on a quiet day, found a marker, and practiced, using the pilon as a reference. Backing skills are important in tight spots, so practice, prCtice, practice.

Good luck...

 

[arks]

Re: Boat slip docking tips?

Full Cover!
See this similar post: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=530499

 

[flamron]

Re: Boat slip docking tips?

Thanks again. Good tips and good thread.

 

[belleview3]

Re: Boat slip docking tips?

I agree with arks, get a full cover. Since you're sharing a slip, look at how others are tied off to the dock and get directions from the marina operator. Don't skimp on the docklines or fenders. Is your automatic bilge working properly (if yours isn't automatic, install a float switch and make sure the battery is wired direct)?

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Boat slip docking tips?

Two suggestions:
buy lines that are larger than what is rated for your sized boat--they are easier on the hands. On a floating dock on a lake and a small boat, strength is really not that important.

when coming and going, instruct everyone (except your designated helper(s)) to sit with there hands in their laps. Eventhe babies get this. that way, they can't move around and can't get their hands mashed or splinterized.

Yours is a small boat. the big ones take different methods than yours will. discern the difference when sorting through the advice.

 

[sasto]

Re: Boat slip docking tips?

Rule 1....Don't overthink.

Rule 2....See Rule 1.

Sounds like the best of scenario to me. No wind, no current, a floating dock. I think you'll have it made.

Good Luck!