No matter how experienced you are at docking boats, approaching the dock can be nerve-racking. This is especially true in front of a crowded marina. But now you can avoid damage and embarrassment with 10 easy tips that will not only make you better at close-quarters maneuvering and docking, but will also make you an all-around better boater. Dock your boat with ease using these top 10 docking tips from Dock Boxes Unlimited. https://www.dockboxes.com/blog/docking-top-tips-for-how-to-dock-a-boat

1. Docking 101
TOP 10 TIPS FOR DOCKING A BOAT

2. Docking 101
No matter how experienced you are at docking boats, approaching the dock can be
nerve-racking.
This is especially true in front of a crowded marina.
Environmental factors like wind and current or unfamiliarity can make docking
that much more difficult.
But now you can avoid damage and embarrassment with 10 easy tips that will not
only make you better at close-quarters maneuvering and docking, but will also
make you an all-around better boater.
Dock your boat with ease using these top 10 docking tips from Dock Boxes
Unlimited.

3. Top 10 Tips for
Docking a Boat
Presented by Dock Boxes Unlimited
www.dockboxes.com

4. Always put safety first.
Be sure to look around before docking and
make sure that no hands are between
bulkheads, seawalls or pilings.
You’ll also need to make sure that mooring
lines aren’t wrapped around hands, legs or
feet.
Safety First

5. Never approach the dock faster than you
are willing to hit it.
Slow down to reduce the risk of damage.
A slower speed will usually give you plenty
of time to make corrections and cause less
damage.
Slow Down

6. Always communicate to the crew how you
intend to dock.
Prior planning will help keep you, your
boat, and your passengers safe.
Managing the crew and its assigned tasks
prior to and during docking is one of the
most important and simplest way to make
docking as easy as possible.
Have a Plan

7. Never kill the engines until all the lines are
secure.
Keep the engine on so you can maneuver
as necessary.
Don’t Kill The Engines Too Early

8. Always reduce the windage when
navigating through heavy winds.
Especially in a small boat, this can have a
dramatic effect on how easy or how hard it
is to dock.
Reducing the windage will make the
docking process much easier while failing
to do so could make the process much
more difficult.
Reduce Windage in Heavy Winds

9. Never touch the wheel with twin inboards.
It may be tempting to correct the wheel
when docking with twin inboards but you
shouldn’t.
If you do turn the wheel, the boat may take
an unexpected path when you try to use
the engines.
Don’t Touch the Wheel with Twin Inboards

10. Always turn the wheel before applying
power when docking a single-engine boat
Do not turn the wheel during or after
applying power.
This will ensure that you don’t get a blast
forward or in reverse before the blast of
the port or starboard kicks in.
Turn Before Applying Power, Not After

11. Never be afraid to stop and start over.
To avoid any damage to the boat, it’s
important that you dock it correctly.
With that in mind, don’t be afraid to abort
the docking process and start again.
If the approach doesn’t seem to be going
well, circle back for another try.
Abort When Necessary

12. Always apply short bursts of power,
instead of steady power.
This allows you to maneuver without
building up a lot of momentum, which can
quickly get out of control.
Apply Short Boosts of Power

13. Never wait for a slip to open by blocking
other thru-traffic.
Instead, find a place to drop anchor or
temporarily tie up.
Don’t Block Traffic

14. Dock Boxes Unlimited
Makes Docking Easier
BONUS: 5 WAYS TO MAKE DOCKING EASIER

15. Add muscle with a strong dock winch

16. Maximize holding strength with dock cleats

17. Keep docks well lit with power pedestals

18. Protect docks and boats with dock bumpers

19. Get in out of the water safely and easily with
aluminum dock ladders

20. Power Pedestals: https://www.dockboxes.com/power-pedestals Dock Ladders: https://www.dockboxes.com/dock-ladders
Products From Dock Boxes Unlimited

21. Dock Winches: https://www.dockboxes.com/dock-winches Dock Cleats: https://www.dockboxes.com/dock-cleats
Products From Dock Boxes Unlimited