#Dock it like a boss full
#Dock it like a boss pro

Switch your gears again into neutral this time, using the boat’s momentum to push the boat along the dock. Once you’re about 100 feet out, turn the controls away from the dock, so you can swing your backend in toward the dock. Number one thing to remember is: be slow and in control – that’s how the pros do it! Approach at an AngleĪpproach the dock at roughly a forty-five-degree angle: this will make it easier to aim for a particular spot when bringing the boat close to the dock. You and your passengers would be wise to do the same! You can compensate for extreme wind by overcorrecting depending on the wind speed when you’re finally at the dock.Īt Morningstar Marinas, our experienced dockhands have been taught to never put themselves between the boat and the dock, especially at high speeds. If it’s possible, choose the side of the dock that the wind is blowing towards, because it will help by pushing your boat towards the dock as opposed to away from it. Look up at nearby flags to gauge which direction the wind is blowing, and use that knowledge to your advantage. Slow is always best.Īpply short bursts of power to expertly maneuver through the wind and current. Let the water and forward momentum take you the final way into the dock - no extra horsepower needed! Seriously - no throttle jockeys to the docks, please. Reduce your speed, putting your boat in reverse as you get close to the dock to slow things down further. The Golden Rule in docking is simple: never approach anything faster than you’d be willing to hit it. Before going anywhere, it’s important to really get to know your vessel and the ways in which it moves in different weather patterns and environments. Powerboats can have a significant portion of their body above water, which increases windage - and the depth and shape of your keel can indicate whether you will experience more or less lateral resistance to the wind than other boats. Here’s the thing: copying someone else’s technique in docking their boat won’t help you to do the same if you don’t understand your own boat! Or you could be unfamiliar with the dock that you’re approaching.Īll of these instances can make even the most experienced boater miss their mark, but there are definitely ways to prepare ahead of time to ensure you are confident in your navigating in any type of situation! Here are a few tips to consider before heading out on the water, so you can get your docking in tip top shape! Know Your Boat Your boat could be experiencing some sort of mechanical issue, forcing you to manually maneuver into the marina.

#Dock it like a boss full

There could be a weather issue, where the wind is blowing full force in the opposite direction that you need. But sometimes there are things that are out of your control when you’re coming back to the dock after a day out on the water.

#Dock it like a boss pro

Not only does sticking your landing at the dock make you look like a pro to any bystanders or passengers, it also keeps your boat, the dock, and everyone else around you safe. Top Tips for Learning to Dock Like a Boss