Tips for Safely Docking Your Boat: Maneuvering Like a Pro

The most important tip is to go slow and do everything carefully. You should also use fenders to absorb the impact of a minor accident. Wait until the wind and current are right, don’t use too much power, and approach the dock at the right angle. 

If your boat is moving just a little bit, the water will quickly stop it. Water creates a lot of drag and will stop any boat. However, you can’t quickly stop a boat at a higher speed. 

If you spin the steering wheel hard to avoid an accident, the boat may not turn fast enough. Even if you are a skilled sailor, environmental factors and the actions of other boaters can make docking harder. 

The main thing is to do everything slowly to have more control. As you get better at boating, you can dock faster. However, the emphasis should always be on safety, not how fast you can get into the right position. 

The marina can be more dangerous than open water because you might hit a pier or another person’s boat. It takes practice to safely maneuver your boat alongside the dock while avoiding other boats. 

The marina can be more dangerous than open water because you might hit a pier or another person’s boat. It takes practice to safely maneuver your boat alongside the dock while avoiding other boats. 

Again, the single best tip is to go slow. You are only going too slow if steering is becoming difficult. 

If it is too windy or the current is too strong, don’t dock your boat. Wait until you have a better opportunity. Caution is worth it when the alternative is paying for damage to someone else’s boat. 

If you aren’t outfitted with weather-predicting tools, check out our guide to the best tools for marine weather forecasting.

If the wind or current is behind you or to the side of you, it can push your boat into the dock. If you are approaching the dock while moving into the wind, all the wind can do is slow you down. 

If the wind is stronger than the current, approach into the wind. 

Lots of people hit the pier at the docks without any damage because they have fenders. You place fenders over the side of the boat to prevent damage from minor hits. They won’t protect you if you hit something with too much force. 

Have your lines ready so you can tie your boat to the docks as soon as you are in position. Beware of lines getting caught in the propeller. 

Don’t use power continuously as you approach the dock. Instead, apply short bursts of power to the boat. You should mostly rely on your boat’s momentum when in a docking situation.

Use power when necessary. If the wind and current are making it difficult to move or turn, use a bit more power to push against them. Make sure passengers know how to stay safe. 

Approach the dock at a roughly 45-degree angle to make it easy to maneuver. If you approach at a bad angle, you may have to reverse. 

Start turning when the dock is still a hundred feet away. Use a bit of power at a time and go into neutral when you are close. When the boat completely stops, tie it with docking lines. 

Yes, people have always brought their boats to the dock with only sail power. This was necessary before powered boats. 

You can’t necessarily dock a boat with the sail by yourself, there might have to be at least one other person with you. Even an expert can’t always dock a boat without the engine by themselves. 

Dock lines are what you use to secure your boat in place at the docks. Don’t get your dock lines out until the boat stops completely. Dock lines need to be strong and able to stretch a little. 

Bow lines are at the front of your boat, stern lines are at the back. You need to tie both a bow line and a stern line to the dock. 

You should secure the bowlines first. Spring lines are additional lines that prevent the wind from pushing your boat out of position. 

The right length of the lines varies by boat type. For example, two-thirds of the boat’s overall length is right for a typical pontoon boat. 

Finally, you need to use strong knots to attach your boat to the dock properly. If you use an overly simple and weak knot or tie a knot improperly, it will come loose.

A clove hitch is my favorite boating knot. Nylon is the best material for dock lines.