Chapter 3: Operating Your Boat—Safely
Docking

The directions that follow will be illustrated by diagrams and with Flash animations. (Most students will already have Flash installed. If not, follow this link to install the Flash Player.)

If there is no wind or current:

1. Approach the dock slowly at a narrow angle (about 20 degrees).
2. When close enough, have a passenger step on shore and secure the bow line.
3. Swing the stern in with a line or boat hook, and secure it.

Movie: See the action!

If the wind or current direction is toward the dock:

1. Approach slowly, parallel to the dock.
2. Let the wind or current carry your boat to the dock. Shift into gear briefly if you need to adjust position.
3. Secure the bow and stern lines.

Movie: See the action!

If the wind or current direction is away from the dock:

1. Approach the dock slowly at a sharp angle (about 40 degrees).
2. Use reverse to stop when close to the dock. Secure the bow line.
3. Put the boat in forward gear briefly, and slowly turn the steering wheel hard away from the dock—this will swing in the stern. Secure the stern line.

Movie: See the action!