How to Dock a Power Boat in a Cross Wind
When you dock a boat, you normally have to take into account the water currents that want to move your boat this way and that. Add a crosswind to the mix, and you have an interesting new twist to the job. The following steps will help you navigate toward the dock in a crosswind.
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Instructions
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1
Determine where you want your boat to end up. Look for the dock and the spot on the dock where you want to be. It will be necessary to visualize yourself docking the boat at that point, to help you maintain your direction.
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2
Point the bow (nose) of the boat into the wind, at an angle. Don't be concerned with the fact that your boat won't be "pointed" toward the docking point. You need to make sure that the boat itself is heading in the right direction. The crosswind and crosscurrents will be pushing at you, trying to get your boat off the line of direction that you need to follow.
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3
Maintain power, adjusting as needed to keep the boat going in a direction toward the dock. Feel the crosswind, it's direction and strength, which will be in a constant state of flux.
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4
Adjust power, speed and angle as necessary to keep your boat lined up with the docking area. Keep your eyes fixed on the exact spot where you want to dock your boat.
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5
Swing the boat around so that the bow is lined up with the docking point, whether it be an open spot next to the dock or a boat hoist. Do this just a few moments before reaching the spot you want. If you do it with too much distance yet to cover, wind and currents will push the boat off the mark. If you do it too late, you'll run into the dock or hoist at an angle.
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6
Cut power to the engine just before you dock. You don't want to run into the dock or boat hoist with power, because you can damage the propeller, for example, or you will damage the body of the boat.
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Tips & Warnings
Be very aware of shifting crosswind and crosscurrent patterns. They can throw you off in a matter of seconds if you are not constantly adjusting and monitoring your direction, speed and angle.
