How to dock your boat

[Home Cookin']

Re: How to dock your boat

good advice Moody.
A line amidships can be very helpful, plus a boat hook.
Practice practice practice but not at the crowded ramp. Just try lots of approaches from different directions as to wind ad current.
I find it generally better to go against the wind/current than with it. Gets tricky when they are opposed.
Don't try to motor all the way in in gear. rather, coast in neutral and bump in and out of gear. The object of the game is NOT to use reverse as a brake (ever dock a sailboat?) and NEVER shift directly from forward to reverse, or vice versa, and this includes coasting at "high" speed while the prop is still turning in neutral.
On my docks the planks are spaced widely, and I cross tie between two finger piers. I keep a "monkey fist" knot in the end of the line, and toss it across the pier; the line falls between the planks and the knot catches there so I can pull in, or not lose the line overboard until I can tie it. I can also hit a target with 20' of line.
You don't use a slipknot to depart the dock.

 

[RICHARD5]

Re: How to dock your boat

Many time I've used a single half hitch to secure a vessel at the dock. As long as tension is applied to the hitch it will not slip or spill. That tension is created by windage or the current. To debark simply run up on the docking line and cast off the hitch.

It's important that the bitter end lies under the standing part in those few inches just before that point where the standing part leaves the stanchion or dock pile. This is where the most tension is placed on the line.

 

[freelancer]

Re: How to dock your boat

I have a problem docking my boat...Any advice?

See my signature. Words to live by, I mean boat by

 

[coastalcruiser]

Re: How to dock your boat

Taught to me by my cousin who has literally grown up in a boat.
A very simple and effective method that makes you look like a pro.

1) Approach the dock at a very slight angle (bow in, stern out 15-30*). Need to judge wind and current in determining the approach to the dock and compensate accordingly (experience).

2) Just as the bow is approaching the dock, turn the motor fully towards the dock and put it into reverse and give a little throttle.

3) The forward motion will continue for a little bit bringing the bow in tight to the dock while at the same time the motor will pull the stern right up to the dock and stop the forward motion. With a little practice you will be able to get the boat to stop right parallel against the dock. Nobody needs to jump out until the boat has fully stopped along side the dock.

Remember, you have no control of the boat unless it is in gear.

Kudos Moody Blue!
And thanks , you saved me the typing!