Tips for Docking a Boat

Each time you take your boat out on the water, you'll eventually need to dock it. This process is easier than many people think, especially when you follow our tips! We’ve created this brief guide to stress-free boat docking. Read on to learn more.

Approaching the Dock

When you dock your boat, adopt the same mindset that you do when parking your car. You wouldn't zip into a parking lot going at high speeds or cruise through the area without looking for hazards. It's the same with a marine vessel. You'll want to start by scoping out the area for debris, such as large chunks of driftwood or stray fishing lines that could get caught in your propeller. You'll also want to ensure the area is clear of other boats and swimmers.

Next, you'll want to approach the dock at a reasonable pace. This isn't the time to take advantage of your boat's high-speed capacity!

Finding the Right Speed

It's essential to avoid approaching too quickly, but you'll also want to avoid going too slowly. If you aren’t going fast enough, you may end up floating too far from the dock. This can be a frustrating and time-consuming experience as you'll have to make multiple attempts to get in the right direction. Instead, you'll want to shoot for a middle ground of your speed capacity.

A good approach is to start with the lowest setting and utilize small bursts of power. It's much easier to increase your speed than it is to slow down when you're trying to dock. If you own a single-engine model, maneuver the wheel before applying power. This will help prevent the vessel from swinging in the wrong direction. If you own a twin-inboard craft, you can skip the wheel altogether. Instead, you can alternate the inboards to control your vessel.

Handling the Wind

Odds are that you’ll end up docking your boat with at least a little bit of wind affecting the situation. Your first step is to reduce how much of your boat is exposed to the wind by furling sails and lowering any tops you have.

If the wind is blowing towards the dock, you can rely on it to do most of the work. Get as parallel and close to the pier as you can and let the wind do the rest. If the wind is blowing away from the dock, you'll need to come in at a sharp angle to try to cut through.

If you have any questions about docking or want to look at boats for sale, visit Texas Malibu in Austin, TX. Our friendly staff will be happy to answer your questions and chat with you about what types of boats best suit your unique needs. We proudly serve all those in New Braunfels.