Casting Off

Before casting off, make sure everyone on board is seated and wearing a life jacket. Then begin to cast off.

If there is no wind or current, shift to forward and slowly move forward, gradually turning your boat away from the dock.

If the wind or current direction is toward the dock, put the boat into forward gear briefly, and turn the steering wheel hard toward the dock. Increase speed slowly until the stern is well clear of the dock.

If the wind or current direction is away from the dock, cast off the bow and stern lines. Use an oar or boat hook to keep the boat clear of the dock. Let the wind or current carry the boat away from the dock.