Docking a boat in a marina can be challenging, especially for beginners. It’s essential to understand proper techniques to avoid damage and ensure safety. Before your first time docking, be sure you’re familiar with standard docking procedures.
Predocking Preparation
Before docking, take these steps to prepare:
- Check the conditions: Be aware of the wind, current and tide since different conditions may change your docking procedures. Docking a boat with no wind can be easier than docking on windy days since the wind can push you into the dock unexpectedly. If possible, approach the boat docking area against the current.
- Have fenders and lines ready: Fenders are like bumpers for your boat to protect it and the dock from damage if they bump into each other. Proper placement for protection is along the docking side of the vessel at its widest points. Prepare lines at the bow and stern — the front and back — to tie the boat to the dock and keep it from drifting away.
- Communicate with crew or dockhands: If you have others aboard or waiting on the dock, assigning roles can help ensure smooth docking. If you have enough people, assign separate people for the bow and stern lines.
Essential Docking Tips
Here’s how to dock a boat in a marina:
- Approach slowly and steadily: Control is more important than speed. Even if you bump into the dock, if you’re going slowly, you should avoid any damage to your boat or the dock. In most cases, you’ll be just above idle. Make minor adjustments to your approach. Overcorrecting can turn one small problem into a bigger issue.
- Get the angle right: Approach at an angle and prepare to come parallel with the dock. If there is no wind, approach at a 45-degree angle. With wind or current pushing you toward the dock, approach at a 10- to 20-degree angle. If the wind or current is pushing you away from the dock, approach at a 45- to 60-degree angle.
- Use spring lines for secure docking: Using spring lines in addition to bow and stern lines helps prevent excessive movement. While bow and stern lines point forward and backward, spring lines are opposite. A forward spring line connects the bow to a dock cleat in the middle of the boat, and an aft spring line connects the stern to a center cleat as well.
- Practice different docking scenarios: If you can, practice different docking techniques, including side docking and stern-in and bow-in positions.
Postdocking Best Practices
After you’ve docked, follow these steps for added security:
- Secure your boat properly: Tie your boat to the dock with bow and stern lines to prevent the boat from drifting or twisting. Double-check the knots and lines to ensure everything is secure.
- Inspect for damage: Check your boat for any damage you may have incurred on the water or while docking. If you notice any minor issues, address them promptly before they worsen.
- Turn off equipment: Turn off unnecessary equipment, including alarms, clocks, very high-frequency (VHF) marine radios, stereo systems and lights if you are leaving the boat. You don’t want to return to a dead battery or the aftermath of electrical failure.
Choose EZ Docks
As with all skills, practice makes perfect. Every boat is unique, and different conditions require varied techniques.
If you want to add or replace a dock on your waterfront property, consider a floating dock from EZ Docks. Request a quote or contact us for more information about our low-maintenance polyethylene docks.