Docking a Boat: Everything You Should Know
One of the skills you must learn as a beginner boater is how to dock your vessel. Every boat must dock to allow for maintenance, cleanup, and packing or unpacking of goods. As a beginner, directing your boat to a docking station during rough water and windy conditions can be quite challenging. Keep reading to learn everything about safe boat docking in different conditions. Alternatively, if you’re shopping for a new boat, browse our Kelly's Port online showroom or visit our Osage Beach physical location, targeting St. Louis and Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri.
Docking Your Vessel Under Normal Conditions
As you approach the dock, slow your boat’s speed. Tie ropes and fenders to the boat side to be pressed against the docking station. Have one crew member sit close to the vessel's side to be docked so that they can fasten the ropes to the pier easily.
As a beginner, when you ride close to the pier, reduce your vessel’s engine RPM to neutral and then direct its bow to the docking station. Keep the approach angle lower than 30 degrees. Before entering the docking station, redirect the vessel’s steering wheel, ensuring the vessel sits parallel to the pier. If the boat-to-dock distance is longer than expected after docking, ignite the boat and shift it close to the docking station. Now, get the ropes tied to your vessel’s stern and bow fastened to the dock station’s bits and cleats.
During Harsh Wind and Water Conditions
If you are docking your vessel during extremely harsh wind conditions, you should be extra careful. The impact of water currents and strong winds could be immense if your boat moves at extremely high speeds. If the strong wind is coming from your face, you’re advised to ride to the dock at a 30 to 45-degree angle. Ensure you swing the boat fast, fasten it to the pier and then adjust it to the perfect docking position later.
If the harsh winds are blowing from your backside, slow down your boat, keeping the engine RPM neutral. Direct the boat to the dock at an angle of 10 to 20 degrees. Once you stop the boat, let the strong winds drift it to the docking station.
When There Is High Traffic
In some instances, you’ll find the docking station extremely busy with boats driving from different directions and at varying speeds. In such a situation, you should be more vigilant to avoid accidents. Slow your vessel to extremely low speed or, if possible, stop the boat. Approach the docking with extreme levels of civility, ensuring you only approach the dock when you’ve alerted other boaters.
If you’re shopping for a boat online, browse our large collection at Kelly's Port online store or stop by our conveniently located Osage Beach physical location, targeting St. Louis and Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri.