With novices merely steering their course onto boating, the process of docking can be intimidating and stressful. Having just bought yourself your dream boat, you probably don’t want your investment to bear any damage or cause any damage. The trick of mastering docking might include understanding few elements. However, it is a trick that can be perfected with time and experience.
Rather than allowing your nerves to get the better of you, it is important to take things slow and steady. If you’re unsure of anything, don’t be afraid of pulling back, circling around for trying again or for stopping altogether. Whether you’re sailing one of the best center console boats or one of the best deck boats, it is important to place your fenders well in advance. And is equally important to have your docking lines ready to tie off as you start approaching the dock. With a variety of factors affecting your docking abilities, such as environmental conditions or some other unforeseen conditions, you can end up making mistakes. Hence, follow through on the guide to understand and master the method of docking your boat safely.
- It might seem like a useless tip. However, more often than not, individuals tend to make the mistake of ramming their boats onto the docks, merely due to approaching the dock at a high speed. As a consequence, it is imperative for you to approach the docks while cruising the boat at a slow speed.
- While it might seem counter intuitive to the preceding point, approaching the docks at an insufficient speed can also prove to be disastrous. The appropriate speed glides you over to the docks, by countering and overcoming current, wind and momentum. Without the appropriate speed, one of these elements can take over.
- It is equally important to steer your boat correctly. With a boat steering from the rear and pivoting on its axis, this means turning the wheel to the left leads the back of the boat to move to the right. Moreover, if you have a single-engine boat, it is necessary to remember that turning the wheel before applying any power is important.
- It is unwise to kill the engines without securing all the lines. With less experience in docking, you can easily make the mistake of shutting down your engine as soon as your boat is in the slip. However, you never know when an unfortunate event may occur. Owing to this reason, it is essential to keep the engines on, as this allows you to steer your boat away when necessary.
- If the wind conditions are in your favor, then let them assist you. In such a scenario, you’re likely to come at a shallow angle. With you a yard or two away from docking into place, get in a parallel position to it. This shall help the wind blow you in smoothly.
- If the wind conditions are against you, you need to bring yourself into a steeper angle. Positioning yourself in such an angle will give you the momentum to carry yourself close to your docking place. In such a scenario, it is important for you to be ready with your dock lines, as wind can knock you off your position.
- As mentioned earlier, it is important to have a sense of matters. If you feel things aren’t mapping out as planned, then it’s better to abort the docking. Thus, rather than forcing the approach, circle back for trying again.
Choosing the Best Boat Fender Accessories
Any given boating expedition requires appropriate accessories. Quick Boat Fender produces boat fender hangers that anchor onto your rod holder. Being easily adjustable and not requiring any special alterations to your boat, our boat fender hanger is suitable for any boat of up to 40 feet. Hanging your fender over the side of your boat, our hanger makes the process of docking easier. Essentially protecting your boat from bumping into the dock or other boats, our boat docking supplies work to make the process of docking a pleasant one. By locking into place, our boat fender hanger shields your prized possession from harm’s way. With it being hard to find a place for tying your boat fenders, our hanger effortlessly slips into your rod holder’s empty space or into your rod holder.
