Tips for docking a boat

Tips on docking your boat

Take it slow

When docking your boat, the best speed to go is S-L-O-W. Reduce your speed to the minimum needed to be able to steer. This allows for more control, so you can safely dock without hitting anything. The sharpest turns can be made going at a slow pace. You may need to take your boat in and out of gear to maintain a slow approach.

Determine wind and current

Make your approach into the wind or current, whichever force is greater, as this will help you maintain control.

Position fenders

Fenders act as buffers between your boat and the dock to prevent damage when docking. Place them over the side properly so they don’t get caught under the pier.

Get your lines ready

Secure lines so that they are ready to tie your boat, but keep them in the boat to avoid getting caught up in the propeller.

Apply short bursts

It is important to go slowly to not hit the dock, but you may need to apply short bursts of power to get through a turn and maneuver through wind and current. There is a happy medium between too much power and too little. Make sure you turn your steering wheel before applying power. This prevents the boat from going too fast.

Approach at an angle and switch between gears

You will want to approach the dock at roughly a 45-degree angle. This makes it easier to aim for a certain spot and bring the boat in close to the dock. Once you are about 100 feet from the pier, turn the controls away from the dock. This allows your boat's back end to swing in toward the dock. Now switch the gear into neutral to use the boat’s momentum to push the boat alongside the dock. Next turn the wheel toward the pier. Put the gear in reverse and give the engine a little throttle. This will push the back end of the boat to the pier. Put the gear back in neutral allowing the momentum again to push the back end alongside the pier.

Tie up your boat

Once your boat is parallel with the dock, immediately tie it up to avoid your boat drifting off. Then shut off your engine.

Ask for help

If you insure your boat with an insurance agency who specializes in boats, chances are your agent is a boater themselves. Ask them for their tips and tricks on docking. Or, if you own or operate a larger boat, hire a professional captain to teach you how to operate and secure your boat properly.

We hope these tips help you dock your boat safely and properly. For further protection on the water, Markel boat insurance offers specialized boat insurance that protects you if you become legally liable for someone else’s injuries or property damage due to a boating accident. In addition, Markel boat insurance also offers protection to help cover the cost to repair or replace your boat in the event of an accident, fire, theft, or vandalism.

Find a licensed Markel Marine agent in your area, and start protecting your boat today!