Docking Tips

Attempting to tie up to a busy dock on a windy weekend day can test any one's skills. The things you need to decide when you are about to dock is where you plan to tie up, where the other boats are at, where the wind is , and what the current is doing.

1) Look at how much room you have in the area you intend to dock.  2) Are other boats leaving or entering the area you need to turn?  3)  Which way is the wind is blowing? Knowing this can greatly aid your docking.  4)  Current can also effect you in a way similar to wind.  It may be in your best interest to maintain no more than steerage speeds and try to tie off immediately. Using your lines to assist in docking can save a great deal of time and can be used to provide a pivot point to swing your stern or bow to the dock. Let the lines do the work!