On a windy day, watching boats trying to dock at the marina can become a spectators sport. Just as it does while leaving the dock, wind and current dictate the approach made to reach a mooring. Wind has the biggest effect on most recreational vessels. The opposite is true of larger, deep draft boat were to current will be the major influence. Flags, debris in the water and other boats will offer clues to wind and current conditions. Remember to avoid using hands to fend a boat off a dock. Use a buoy bag or fender for that purpose. Approaching the lee side of dock is a little easier since you don't have wind accelerating your approach to the mooring.
Have a Docking Plan - Depending on the configuration of your vessel and ability, a docking plan needs to be crafted to your boat.
- Avoid approaching the dock at high speed. Remember that there is a minimum control speed required for maneuvering as well
- Plan ahead for which side of the boat will lay against the dock. Place required lines and fenders on that side of the boat prior to approaching the dock
- Explain to your crew what you expect of them while docking the boat and be sure they are wearing a personal flotation device (PFD)
- It pays to slow just prior to reaching the dock to verify that controls are working and observe the effect of weather on the boat
- Approaching the weather side of the dock were the wind is blowing towards it, a skipper can often pull in parallel to the dock and let nature finish the job
- Approaching the lee side of the dock can be trickier. One method of mooring for boats with outboards or inboard/outboard engines involves approaching the dock at an angle and passing a bow line to the dock. The wheel is positioned to swing the stern towards the dock as the boat is placed in reverse. A stern line is passed to the dock once it is along side.
- Approaching the lee side of the dock with a boat equipped with an inboard engine and rudder takes a different tack. Pass a bow spring line aft to the dock. Idle forward turning the wheel away from the dock. This should force the stern towards the dock were it can be secured
- Twin engine boats, operated by a skipper with a little experience will have an easier time of mooring
- Mooring is not complete until there are four lines; a bow, stern and two springs, holding it to the dock
Many boaters will find an old log boom or float and practice making approaches to it as if they are mooring. It takes time to learn use of controls and practice to effectively maneuver a vessel. It is a skill like backing a boat trailer that takes time to perfect.
