Docking Made Easy

1. Approaching the dock

In tight quarters or with the wind blowing off the dock, it’s easier to approach bow-on. Use just enough speed to maintain steerage and head for where you want the stern to end up.

2. Making the turn

When the bow is a boat width or so away from the dock, change your direction of approach to about 45 degrees. Fenders should be out and your mooring lines free from under people, pets, and cottage gear.

3. Sliding into place

This is the magic part, guaranteed to impress an audience. Centre the helm, shift to reverse, then gently apply throttle while turning towards the dock to draw the stern in.

4. Stepping ashore

Shift to neutral and stop. With practice, you’ll no longer need your passengers to leap across the drink to shore. The boat will cruise into perfect position next to the dock. Now, just wait for the applause.

Published in the April/May 2002 issue of Cottage Life magazine.
Copyright © 2002 by Cottage Life. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any article, photograph, or artwork, for other than personal use, in whole or in part, without the written permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden.