How To Dock Your Boat

It can be challenging to dock a boat, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your time out on the water. There are plenty of adventures calling your name, so don’t be afraid to answer. Yankee Boating Center is here to help you learn how to properly dock your boat. As your local boat dealer, we’re proud to offer a generous variety of services. Whether you’re looking for Lake George boat rentals, storage, or spring launching, you’ve come to the right place. Maybe you want to check out our selection of boats for sale near Lake George, Haverstraw, and Albany NY. Whatever the case may be, we’re looking forward to serving you. Stop by today!

Pulling In

A long day on the water can be exhausting, but be sure to save some energy for docking your boat. Start by assessing the area you’re going to pull into. The spot near the dock where you’ll park is referred to as the slip. Once you’ve located the slip, scan the area before you start pulling in. You’ll be looking for any debris in the water that might complicate your docking process. 

Something as simple as a stray line can get caught in the propeller and cause problems. Remember that your stern moves first, so you’ll be using it to direct and maneuver your boat. Depending on the type of boat you have, this is going to be important because any small change in the rudder can make a big difference.

Speed

Speed is another key factor you’ll need to consider when docking. You’ll need to focus on finding the perfect balance. Too fast can be dangerous and too slow will leave you floating too far from the dock. In order to find the middle ground, focus on a few of the tips below.

You shouldn’t pull into the dock at a speed that’s faster than you can manage. Little bumps are inevitable but if you pull in far too fast, you can cause serious damage to the dock and your boat. Aim to stay at the lowest speed setting and use small bursts of power rather than a full speed ahead approach. You should view the docking process as guided floating.

Wind

There are many factors that can affect your ability to properly dock your boat. Perhaps the biggest and trickiest factor is the wind. You might not be on a sailboat, but wind can still impact your docking abilities. If the wind is blowing in the direction of the dock, you can rely on it to do most of the work. Your goal is to pull in as close and parallel to the pier as you can. Once you’ve done that, all that’s left to do is ride the wind.

In the unfortunate event that the wind is blowing away from the dock, you’ll need to create a more severe angle with your boat. This will help you cut through some of the gusts. In fact, you might even consider a 20- to 30-degree angle when docking in this situation. It’s also helpful to rely on momentum more than wind in this case. Be ready to tie off as soon as you get close enough to the dock.

We hope this guide for docking your boat has been useful. Keep in mind that practice makes perfect. In order to get comfortable with the process, you might want to take a few practice runs. If you’d like more information or you’re interested in our Lake George boat rentals, visit us at Yankee Boating Center. As your local boat dealer, we also offer a wide range of boats for sale near Lake George, Haverstraw, and Albany, NY. We’re excited to help you with all of your boating needs!