How to Dock a Single-Screw Powerboat Alongside a Dock

Docks and piers are among the most common objects with which boats collide. A little care and technique can prevent most problems.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Approach the dock from four or more boat lengths downwind.

2. Set up fenders and dock lines.

3. Stand off the dock one to two boat lengths.

4. Slow to bare steerage way.

5. Estimate one boat-length's distance from the dock.

6. Turn and point the bow to a spot about midway along the dock.

7. Shift to neutral.

8. Turn away from the dock when the bow is within a beam's distance of the dock. Outboard and inboard/outboard boats may need to shift to forward to regain steerage. If so, be sure to shift quickly back to neutral.

9. Make gentle contact with the dock at a spot somewhere between the beam and the bow. Cushion the contact spot with plenty of fenders.

10. Allow 1 to 3 feet of distance between the stern and the dock.

11. Turn away from the dock.

12. Shift to reverse and apply a moderate burst of throttle to stop the boat and pull the stern to the dock.

13. Step onto the dock and secure the boat.