docking a sailboat in a slip

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This article is an excerpt from NauticEd’s Maneuvering Under Power , a comprehensive online course that empowers you to dock and maneuver large sailboats. The Maneuvering Under Power course is part of the Skipper Large Sailboat bundle of online courses, fully preparing you to sail large sailboats over 25ft.

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Dock Slips Docking Techniques

Wind coming into the slip channel and your boat is to be docked stern-to.

Steer into the slip channel and maneuver past the slip. Engage reverse and back up into the wind, then turn into your dock. Do a pre-emptive strike on the prop walk.

Light Wind blowing into the slip channel and your boat is to be docked bow-to

Simply steering the boat into the slip works for light winds; however, the below method is safer for stronger winds.

It is preferable to steer the boat up into the wind and into the slip.

Wind blowing out of the slip channel and your boat is to be docked bow-to

Simply steer the boat into the slip.

Wind blowing out of the slip channel and your boat is to be docked stern-to

Back from the main channel into the slip channel and into your slip.

Wind across the docks and your boat is to be docked stern-to

The wind blows across the dock and your boat is to be docked bow-to

Steer the boat into the slip.

The wind blows across the dock and your boat is to be docked stern-to

The following is assuming a right-hand screw because of the propwalk.

Go past your slip, perform a preemptive strike on the propwalk, then back in.

Don’t try it this way if you have high wind. The wind pushes on the bow and the propwalk moves the stern to the port (right-hand screw). Thus you can not make the turn.

You can learn more in the Docking and Maneuvering Under Power Online Course....

The Docking and Maneuvering Under Power online sailing course is your go-to resource for learning how to dock and maneuver large sailboats. Upgrade to the Skipper Large Sailboat bundle of courses to fully prepare for near-coastal sailing and sailing charters.

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An American Sailing Association Educational Series

Learn how to dock a sailboat under sail, or under power, in a variety of different scenarios. Sailing legend Peter Isler walks us through the process using animations, illustrations and live action footage. Understand the techniques and skills required by both skipper and crew in order to make your docking experiences safe and easy. The videos are based on the learning material featured in the ASA textbooks Sailing Made Easy and Basic Cruising Made Easy .

This Series Features the Following Lessons:

Docking Under Power

Cruising Catamarans

It's time to apply the skills we learned in the docking drills video to returning your boat safely to the dock. As we've learned every boat and every docking situation is different so let's keep things simple for our lesson on bringing the boat back into the dock. To solidify your fundamentals practice on a day where there is a light wind that's aligned parallel to the dock. We will make an upwind approach - that is always preferred - and the dock will be on our port side.

Open Water Drills

Docking a larger sailboat under power can be challenging. This episode features great open water drills to reveal characteristics of your boat that will help you learn to maneuver in tight quarters with control and confidence. Understand how a sailboat behaves at slow speed and in addition to the rudder learn about other turning forces - such as the wind, prop walk, and prop wash.

Returning to the Dock

Departing from the Dock

It's time to apply the skills we learned in the docking drills video to getting your boat out of a slip safely. Bear in mind every boat and every docking situation is different. But if we keep things simple, success is a sure thing! For your first attempts, find a slip that is aligned bow to the wind. Learn how to configure your docklines for a simply departure, make sure your crew is safely aboard, and use your engine to control your speed in order to make a smooth and safe departure.

Docking Under Sail

An ideal approach.

What is the the ideal approach for docking a sailboat under sail? In a perfect world the wind will be blowing parallel to the dock so you can approach on a close reach and tie up pointing into the wind. Learn how to prepare your crew for docking, how to safely control your speed on your approach to the dock, how to safely step off the boat onto the dock, and finally how to secure your boat once you have docked.

The Downwind Approach

A good sailor must know how to dock their boat in all types of conditions. Although docking under sail in a downwind scenario isn’t desirable and should be avoided, there are situations that mandate such a skill. Learn the correct steps and methods to adhere to as you steer the boat into a downwind slip.

BONUS: How to Hang Your Fenders

Tying off fenders is something we have to do all the time so how should they be hung and how should you tie them? Different situations call for different applications, but generally speaking the best thing to do is hang the fenders from amidships from the lifelines just kissing the water.

The “Docking Made Easy” videos are presented by Cruising World in association with Beneteau America.

Other Docking Related Resources

Bite Sized Lesson Videos

We know that learning to sail can be overwhelming and there is a lot to take in. In an effort to help we’ve created a series of “Bite Sized Lessons” taken straight out or our textbooks.

Knots Made Easy Videos

There are as many sailing knots as there are stars in the night sky — or so it seems. But the reality is that most sailors can get along with only knowing a few, as long as they’re the right ones.

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A cutting-edge, mobile gaming app designed as a fun learning aid to help illustrate the principles of sailing in a rich interactive and entertaining format. Available on iOS & Android.

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Slip docking

• Thread starter Rob
• Start date May 12, 2003
• Forums for All Owners
• Ask All Sailors

My soon to be wife (new to sailing),and I had our first semi heated debate on docking last weekend.....We have a slip and if we pull in bow first the boat will be pointed almost allways into the prevailing wind, lucky for us.I wanted to get everyones input on docking styles..what docking line to tie off first etc... My last boat was on a mooring so I have had minimal slip docking experience.....I know many people have various rituals on exactly what will be done when pulling into their slip.I would like to hear your input..... hopefully using this, schooling and our experience will will be better dockers by end of season.Thanks in advance, Rob  

Lucky break You lucked out getting a slip facing the prevailing winds. I have one too and it makes the whole job so much easier. With my Oday 23, I like to have one crew member standing outside the lifelines as I approach the slip. If at all possible (and it happens a lot because of the wind), I like to go in on momentum alone rather than power. My crewmember holds the bow spring line and steps off onto the dock as soon as comfortably possible and slows/stops the boat's forward momentum. I then step off holdin the stern line. Once these two lines are tied off, I can finish the job at my leisure. Depending on the winds and currents, sometimes I have to apply a little reverse engine thrust as I approach the dock, but with the wind usually slowing me down, its not too often. Get to know your boat's momentum speeds, how quickly she reverses under thrust, etc. Practice out in the clear. Toss some bread overboard and use it for reference points. Or toss a life jacket over and combine your manuvering tests with a man overboard drill.  

Slipage - An Art? I've had some real "fun" times docking with my little Mac 21 (see the link below for a pretty funny story of mine...) My experience, which has turned into my process is to nose into the slip and secure the stern docking line first, since (1) its right next to the cockpit and (2) the bow of the boat can be held to the dock with the OB once the stern is secure. Once the stern is secure, there's no need for any hurrying to tie off the bow - a lot safer...Now if you want to go stern-in-first, the same rationale can be applied - since you're in the cockpit already, tie off the stern first. Again, you can control the bow with the OB and don't have to rush to tie off the bow.For either method, make sure to use spring lines to keep your boat stable in the slip. If you are not familiar with spring lines, secure a line from the bow cleat to the dock cleat that your stern line is tied to and run a line from your stern cleat to a dock cleat near the bow - the spring lines work together with your docking lines to hold the boat steady in the slip. The spring lines pull against each other, trying to force the hull away from the dock while the docking line try and pull the hull towards the dock. The distance the boat is held from the dock is adjusted by the docking lines. Works very well and keeps your boat much more secure. Done properly, you may not even need your docking fenders...Hope this helps!LeeM21 - "Cool Change"Boulder Yacht Club, Carlyle Lake, ILBYC: http://www.boulderyc.org/Cool Change: http://www.members.accessus.net/~hogies/mac  

Critical Phases In aviation, takeoffs and landings are the critical phases of flight and "any landing you walk away from is a good landing." The same is true for sailing. Currently, we drive in and back out because it is easier for all concerned.  

Justin - O'day Owners' Web

What are you sailing? A lot depends on how heavy the boat is, I think. I have a long bow line the goes from the mooring cleat, through the chock and then aft outside the lifelines to the portside gate. I hate a stern line that come forward to the same place. I drive the boat up next the dock and step off with both in hand. On really blustery days I come in with fenders set on the side I'll dock to and hook a stern line and let it pull the boat against the dock. Then, leaving the boat in gear, I set a bow spring and go from there.Justin - O'day Owners' Web  

Bill O'Donovan

Just 2 lines Spring line is vital so you don't hit the dock.Bowline keeps you from slipping backward.The rest are details.  

John Dawson

dock lines Last night for Mothers Day we went to a water front restaurant on the West River. There was a superb little cruiser with teak decks and a flawless shiny hull rubbing on the catwalk. Ouch! Its port bow line was a bit long. You might want to mark your lines at their tie-off point to allow for high and low water, after some experimentation. Saves time docking.  

I like a spring line first I think a stern spring line is the most useful of all docking lines, especially if one can cleat it anywhere near midship. I can't, but I can grab one left on the dock with a boat hook as I go by, and drop it over a winch that's far enough forward to work.I like to come into the slip with a bit of momentum and the outboard (22 footer) in forward idle. This let's me compensate for any misread wind issues. I grab and drop on the stern springline, which stops forward momentum and pulls the hull laterally into the dock. Leaving the engine in forward idle holds it there while I get everything else secure. I don't like to have inexperienced crew working the lines because they aways jump off the boat rather than stepping off, and push me away at the wrong moment. They also just can't understand that the bow is not the place to be ... midship is closest to the dock. Saw a guy last year standing at the bow of a 40 footer, try to make a heroic leap to the dock, and end up in the drink with a severely gashed head.My wife is 52, and small, so I'm not real crazy about positioning her to "stop" the boat, either. I'd rather let the spring do that, and then let her get the bow lines on. If I'm coming in to a different slip, I'll nail a line down at the winch, and flip the line over the dock cleat and snub the momentum.All this assumes you're not coming in too hot.I think spring lines are absolutely the most useful of all docking lines. I was taught this by a guy on a 45 footer, so it works well on bigger boats too.Tom MonroeCarlyle Lake  

Dock lines The key is to have dock lines that you adjust precisley for length and leave at the slip. A spring line for both sides is desirable also. If the slip is "boat friendly," it will not hurt the boat if you come in so the wind blows the boat onto the dock itself. (Or use fenders). Once you are secure against the dock, you can pick up the lines on the windward side and pull the boat away from the surface of the slip. This works for me.Ted  

All nice solutions for small boats, but I taught bareboat certification. If you're docking a 30+ foot cruising sailboat, there are a few important procedures.1. Dead slow. Momentum is almost always a bad thing to have while docking. Your engine should be in and out of gear, just enough fwd to have stearage. You don't drive these things like a car. remember there are no brake pedals, and that ballast in your keel that keeps it upright weighs a lot more than a whole power boat.2. Crew should be stationed at the shrouds, shroud in one hand, bow/stearn lines in other, feet on toe rails outside lifelines. They step off (not jump off) as you come along side.3. NEVER, EVER, try to stop a boat with a body part. ONLY use engine or mechanical advantage via a wrap on the cleat.4. NEVER, EVER try to stop a boat with a body part.A large cruising sailboat motoring at 1Kt will coast for a half mile when you shift to neutral. Approach the slip at a 45 degree angle to the end of the pier. As your bow from the cockpit looks like it is about to collide, turn along the pier. You'll find more often than not that you turn too early, leaving the midships too far from the pier. Turn at the right moment and your boat's shape will leave the midships (widest part -at the shrouds where your crew are standing) right at the pier, boat at almost full stop.Leaving your docklines on the dock invites them to be gone when you return and need them. When they are aboard, they are in your control and possession.We used to spend a half day on docking alone (of a three day on-water course).  

Stu Jackson

Spring Line and Practice RobCongratulations to you both.Tom's right about spring lines. Use the search engine on this site to find a lot of past archives.Also, many of the responses assume that you'll have lots of (and hopefully disciplined) crew.You should consider the fact that if the two of you go out one day and one of you has too much (you name it...) one person is left to dock. That's where the spring line comes in handy.  

After sailing off a mooring for years, three seasons ago I had to learn to come into a slip which is almost half-way down the pier on the inside portion. The dockmaster helped me set up a spring line running from the dock to the outer-most piling with a loop that fits over the after-most winch on the starboard side. The boat is an O28 with significant momentum, so I put the engine in neutral at the head of the dock and coast in, throwing it in gear only enough to maintain steerage way. The first season, I would coast close enough to grab the spring line from the stern with an extended boat hook, with the tiller amidships held by the autopilot in standby, and hand over hand the spring until I could put the loop over the winch. After that, everything became easy. Since I rent at a dockiminium, my dock lines are always in place, and what kind of person would take someone else's lines? Totally a rhetorical question-we all know at least two people who would. Last year I got creative and actually put the boat into reverse and backed into the slip, but line pickup was the same. The spring line says you go neither back too far nor forward too far. This is necessary because I do not often have a crew and to depend on someone stepping on or off to handle lines would curtail my efforts significantly. My .02.Bill Coxe, O28 Kukulcan, New London, CT  

Agree with Scott, slower is better... Rob,I have to agree with Scott on this one. We sail a H26.5 (4,500 lbs) and while I have stopped her on occasion with brute force, that is not the way to go. My wife and I just completed the bareboat certification on a Cal 40 (16,000 lbs) and I can tell you that you definitely do not stop a boat of that size with brute force. Learn to come in SLOW. I usually take a turn by the slip before I come in just to get a feel for the wind and exactly how much throttle I will need to keep enough forward speed for steerageway (sp?). I bounced our old boat off the dock once or twice, but that's what starter boats are for right? Just Kidding... If the conditions are really difficult, I will even make an approach on a buoy prior to entering the slip area just to see how much it will take to get her home. As for which line I grab first, it depends on the conditions at the slip but it is usually one that stays on the dock with a loop I drop over one of the big genoa winches. Regards,Claytons/v Walkabout  

Back in practice It depends on your boat! I always back in because our boat has the walk thru transom. Being backed in makes getting persons and material much easier to load and unload. (Read..it will make HER a happier sailor!)BUT...It took a lot of practice and some patient crew and dock buddies (Thanks GFLYC!)Spring lines-yesDead slow-I don't know. The worst thing that happens while backing in is loss of steerage from no movement.Be sure and check the prop walk. When you put your motor in gear, the stern will initially move port or starboad. Use that to "back" and "fill"-For example, if putting your trans in forward "walks" the stern to starboard (like most), You can tie off a spring line amidships, leave it in slow forward and the stern will ease over to the dock on starboad side.(It takes a lot of "splainin" Lucy. You and the honey may want to take a trip to sailing school) It can be romantic! And above all-watch "Captian Ron" monthly!  

Backing In The downside of backing in to me has always been the lack of privacy.That's why the other guys (motors, anyone?) seem to do it all the time. Could be they're just looking for someone to talk to (OR YELL AT) (?).We enjoy meeting the folks at our dock on a regular basis, but enjoy our privacy without people walking by & looking in at us.I also understand the "getting off the boat" thing, but it's pretty easy to just get off the widest part of the hull. That's usually where the lower shrouds are located for a good handhold, unless you're between pilings and the ONLY way off is the stern.If we want to see our neighbors (or vice versa), we just open the front hatch.It's comforting to just look out our stern, bow in, andwatch across the fairway to the sterns of other boats, who are also far enough away for us not to be intrusive to them.Almost (except for the clanging halyards) like being at anchor.StuPSHow long's it been since we've done a CLANGING HALYARD thread???  

saddle is an option basically a harness that keeps you off the dock. There are a lot of them around here on both large and small boats. I don't have one, but have thought about it.What there is a line tied between the piling farthest from the dock and the ceter piling. This is a hadny place to drop stern lines on the way out and can be grabbed with a boat hook. Go slow, put your fenders out.Don't back in unless you are on a deserted part of the dock. Everyone who walks by will see right through your boat. If you want to socalize put a deck chair on the dock. Or invite people aboard. If you stay on the boat while you are at the dock, you will appreciate the privacy of being bow in to your slip.  

Sailboat Docking Docking a sailboat is like dancing, it takes precise coordination of predetermine steps practiced over and over again until your movement becomes fluid. The things you should practice with your sailboat is doing figure "8", going backwards and turning in circles. Do these maneuvers at different speeds, this will give you the feel of the sailboat's motoring performance. Also practice going forward at hull speed and then see how long it takes your sailboat to come to a complete stop. The cardinal rule for docking is ALWAYS DOCK INTO THE WIND! You can do a MedMoor or stern to docking if there isn't any wind or if the wind forces you to enter stern to into your slip instead of doing a bow in docking maneuver. As previously stated in other responses, DO NOT USE BRUTE STRENGTH TO STOP A SAILBOAT! Docking is like Jujitsu, a small amount of force applied at a pivotal point can control the direction a large mass will move in. Or in other words, the use of a spring line while entering or leaving the dock can aid in close quarter maneuvering of your sailboat if applied at the proper leverage point, you don't need brute strength to control the movement of your sailboat. Captain Jack Klang, at Quantum sails, has a really good paper on "Sailboat Docking, Maneuvering and Anchoring". I've linked his paper on this subject.Fair Winds.Clyde  

Mark MIllham

BUNK! A lot of good advice here, but as much nonsense.If you like backing your boat...then do it.In my experience you never ever are able to dock into the wind. My slip lies with the prevailing winds, and that's a great advantage for close quarter maneuvering. If you wait for the right wind, you could be at sea for a lONG timeAnyone who steps off their boat with an engine in gear hasn't thought through what a dangerous and costly move that is.Slow should be re-written as minimum maneuvering speed, which is different for each boat.The one fact that everyone is in agreement with is to "be ahead f your boat." Think ahead to where your boat will be in 10-15 seconds. Make your corrections early and deliberately. Be aware of your surroundings.....360 degrees worth, and keep your head on a pivot.Your boat is your boat! Only you can know how she will react, and you have to be flexible enough to react to the situation.  

Just went thru the Having just gone thru our first docking last month - you have my sympathy. Just learn to nudge the engine in and out of gear. Our slip is midway down the dock. I basically put the engine in neutral at the end of the dock and coast in. (if more or less speed is needed just nudge it in and out of forward or reverse). If you coast just enough to maintain steerage you can minimize the prop walk effect. At some point you will need to find your "cut it hard" reference point. This is some part of your boat and the dock/slip/pier which when lined up from where you control you boat, is where you pivot the boat. It's like parallel parking a car - some refenence point you one uses to cut it. We practiced about 18 dockings before we felt comfortable enough. Pick a day in the middleof the week when not many people are around - you will be more comfortable without on lookers or advisors. Having someone on board with experience in docking a similar sized boat is also nice.  

John K Kudera

Practice! As with most things in life, you need to practice! I had our H34 for 10 years, and all that time, only backed into a slip, maybe 4 times. We went to a new marina, and had no finger pier, so backing was necessary. I tossed and turned for weeks, thinking about backing each time I used the boat. The first few times were a treat, we even drew a crowd, but with practice in all weather and winds you can do it.I also found that by standing in front of the wheel, and driving it like a bus,backing is easier, I also found that backing a greater distance, like 10 12 boat lenghts, will give more control,and,idle speed in reverse is fast when you have no brakes!  

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How to Dock a Boat in a Slip? – 3 Steps & Important Tips

Written by J. Harvey / Fact checked by S. Numbers

For beginners just starting to get a feel for handling their vessel, docking a boat can be daunting. It may be even more terrifying parking a boat in a slip. However, it would do you well to study how to dock a boat in a slip sooner because it takes time to learn.

We’ll go over the docking process step-by-step, including certain things recommended when docking your boat. Keep reading to learn more.

Table of Contents

What to prepare

Step 1: slow down and prepare for entry.

• Step 2: Position yourself with controlled engine use
• Step 3: Enter the slip

Tips to Park a Boat in a Slip

Step-by-step guide to dock a boat in a slip bow first.

• Motorized boat

The first step is to slow down as you enter the dock area.

Stay in the middle of the water to give yourself enough space if the wind and water are calm; this is useful with wider vessels, such as when you dock a pontoon boat. You may need to shift more toward one side to compensate for the water current.

Another essential preparation you need is to set the fenders.

However, it is just as important to set them in the right place. Anticipate where the boat could come into contact with anything around and look for the right height. It’s ideal to have the lines ready before entering the slip.

Make sure to look carefully before trying to enter a slip, and be on the lookout for anything that can catch your boat. A loose line can damage you if it gets caught in your prop, so keep your eyes wide open. It pays to be extra careful when docking by yourself.

Step 2 : Position yourself with controlled engine use

Once you’re near the slip, bring the boat to a stop. The best way of doing this is to bring the speed down, go into neutral, and reverse. This will counter the vessel’s forward momentum; wait for the boat to lose momentum before returning to neutral to come to a complete halt.

Bursting your engine a little at a time is useful in small spaces such as in a tight slip. It also works well when docking a boat in the wind to keep control of the vessel.

The ideal place to stop before entering the slip is a few boat lengths away; at this point be sure to check the area for any obstructions or other vessels. You may have to wait for someone else to finish docking so keep your eyes peeled. Make use of short bursts forward and back to keep the boat in place while waiting.

Step 3 : Enter the slip

Once your path is clear, start moving in while the boat is turned in the direction of the slip. Wait for the vessel to start to swing, then shift back to neutral and allow the momentum to bring the boat in.

Please make the necessary adjustment to straighten the boat once you’re set to line up with the slip and let it enter.

Use additional throttles if necessary, shift forward for a moment, then go back to neutral. You can do the same burst method for the reverse to counter your forward momentum and come to a stop. You’re done once you tie a boat to a dock.

• Only go as fast as you can afford to and consider what you are willing to hit. This means that you should limit your boat to a speed where a collision with the dock would be manageable and not cause significant damage. Pay extra attention to this when you are docking a large boat.
• Keep the engine on until you’re done docking. Turning it off prematurely can spell trouble because you will also lose your ability to place the vessel properly. You can shift to neutral but don’t be in a hurry to power down.
• Propel the boat bit by bit instead of trying to power it into place. It will be too difficult to manage your approach if the boat has too much momentum. Remedy this by using short bursts instead.
• Mind your engine when docking a boat meaning single-engine vessels should adjust their direction first before applying force to propel the boat. For twin-engine craft, only make use of the engines to adjust your approach; do not use the steering wheel.
• Remember to consider the wind as you approach. When docking a boat in the wind, your boat top can catch the wind and give you extra movement so don’t forget to compensate for this.

Now you know how to dock a boat in a slip whether you want to dock a yacht or a sailboat.

Just make sure to practice in addition to watching a how-to video or using a boat docking simulator. You won’t even wonder about the availability of boat docking systems once you get the hang of it.

What do you think is the most difficult part of docking? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.

Remember to boat safely.

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How to Dock a Sailboat

Learning how to dock a boat might be the hardest thing for a sailor to do, but it's all about planning, preparation, and practice. Relax, you got this!

When docking, you’ll want to have all lines prepared, have a plan for your approach to the dock, assess the current and wind direction and speed, proceed slowly, and let the wind and water do most of the work. You can gently correct as you go. When alongside the dock, secure the boat properly.

That’s docking from a 30,000’ view, but there’s a heck of a lot of nuance to safe and successful docking. Getting yourself (and crew) mentally prepared for docking and making sure that your boat is properly equipped for a hassle-free, incident-free docking experience are key aspects of safe, stress-free docking. Knowing the ropes (when it comes to docking) means more than just handling lines; it’s a mental game paired with the physical setup of the boat and assessment of the environment in which you’re docking.

Over the years, I have gained more confidence when it comes to docking and I attribute it to one thing: a lot of practice. For people with a ton of boating moxie and bravado, I’m probably a bit of a docking dork. I am very, very cautious and extra diligent in my preparation for docking situations. In the end, it’s what makes me feel slightly confident that I can handle the situation safely and, dare I say, serenely for the benefit of my family and friends. Over the years, I’ve seen so many stressed out docking scenarios play out from husbands screaming at wives and children, first-timers-on-a-boat stepping off with hands or heads shaking swearing never to get on a boat again, broken arms and horribly scarred, barnacle-blasted legs. It just isn’t something that I’m going to take lightly and, on that note, let’s talk about the mental game I suggest for docking.

Table of contents

Mental Preparation for Docking a Boat

My father, a former Navy fighter pilot, says that landing on an aircraft carrier is better termed a “controlled crash.” I feel that the same phrase applies to docking a boat. He shares further that, in Vietnam, when flight analysts attached sensors to pilots’ bodies to assess stress levels, aviator stress peaked when it came time to land on the aircraft carrier. Yes, pilots experienced an even higher level of stress than when flying over enemy lines, taking fire from land-based artillery, and even during dog fighting with enemy jets. Aircraft carrier landings were the scariest part of flying in Vietnam. I feel docking is quite similar.

Every time, and I mean every time, that I know I am going to have to take the boat to a dock, my stress level starts to ramp up with each approaching moment. Truly, I dread it. From my concern for my crew/s safety (and my own) to my concern for the boat itself to, yes, I admit it, concern for my delicate ego, I very much dislike the idea of docking (and will drop anchor as an alternative quite often!). But if you own a boat, there’s really no getting around having to dock now and then, so a while ago I took it upon myself to “master” docking. And while I’m still no master, my stress level doesn’t ramp up as it did before because of the mental confidence I’ve gained from studying, preparing, and practicing boat docking.

I contend that the best mental preparation is to have a healthy appreciation for the dangers involved with docking and respect those dangers accordingly. This is not a situation in which you want to “wing it.” To go confidently into a docking scenario, whether as captain or crew, first take note that this is a highly “situational awareness” event that requires focus and decisiveness. It’s not the time to be working on anything else but the task at hand. By its very own nature, docking requires multi-tasking ability so push all extraneous considerations besides docking out of your head. Stay on task!

As you’ll hear my say about other boating situations that are especially wrought with hazards (i.e. galley cooking on a gimbal stove), practicing – over and over in ideal conditions is the best confidence builder and leads to the sort of zen calm that is highly suited for boat docking. Again, a flying analogy: Commercial pilots are tested repeatedly each year on what to do in emergency situations. They memorize and practice checklist after checklist for myriad emergency situations which are most often take off and landing scenarios. Properly trained pilots (and by properly trained, I mean going to repeated simulator classes whereby emergencies are played out for pilots to learn to almost go into “auto pilot” mode in a highly stressful situation) are the best pilots. Properly trained sailors are most likely going to be the best dockers on the water.

So, you’ve acknowledged just how important it is to become proficient and confident about docking and you’re ready and willing to do the training, practicing as often as you can in varying conditions, what else do you need to do to prepare? I’d say know and fully prepare your docking equipment.

Key Terminology for Docking a Boat

There are some terms that go along with equipment and gear for docking a boat and I’m going to cover them briefly now:

• Amidships: This is the middle point of your boat from bow to stern. This is an important area for docking as it relates to the placement of the spring line/spring loop.
• Buoy: Buoy is another name for a fender or bumper -- and is used to refer to the ones that are round and not cylindrical.
• Cleat: A cleat is a simple piece of hardware designed to secure a boat by wrapping a line around the cleat. Like fenders, they come in a huge array of sizes. Cleats are affixed to a boat in several places depending on the length of the boat. Typically, there is a fore and aft clean (on both starboard and port sides of the boat). There may also be amidship cleats, halfway down the side of the boat. Cleats are also located on the dock or pier so that boats can tie up alongside the fixed structure. I believe that, when docking, cleats are a sailor’s best friend.
• Fender (or bumper): Fenders are used on recreational boats of all sizes and, accordingly, fenders vary in size from small (about 12 inches long) to very large (7 feet long). They are placed between the boat and the dock, pier, jetty, etc. to absorb the energy derived from the boat’s motion, keeping the boat from bumping into the stable, affixed object (dock, pier, jetty).
• Prop walk: When a boat reverses, it will tend to turn one direction or the other. What direction it tends to turn is determined by whether the propeller spins to the right or left. Overwhelmingly, propellers spin to the right, which determines that the boat’s stern will go left in reverse. Prop wash is one way to determine if your boat’s propeller is typical (right turning) or atypical (left turning).
• Prop wash: Prop wash is one thing that happens when a propeller is engaged. The moving propeller disturbs the water and pushes it a certain direction (depending on what direction the prop is spinning). On a boat, it’s possible to view the prop wash. For docking purposes, it’s important to know if your engine is a right hand or left-hand drive. And you can and should determine this (in advance) by looking at prop wash when you are at the dock: While tied to the dock, throttle the engine lightly to forward. Look into the water, on either side in the amidships area, and locate the agitated water. (Prop wash agitates on one side, so the other side should be calm.) If water on the starboard side is agitated, your propeller turns to the left. This means too that your boat reverses to the left. If water is agitated on the port side of the boat, the propeller turns to the right. A right-turning propeller, reverses to the right (starboard). Knowing and determining prop wash informs you of your propeller’s turning direction which is key information for docking.
• Spring line/spring loop: Spring lines reduce the movement of the boat in fore and aft directions. While they originate from similar locations of the bow and stern line, they are different lines than the bow and stern lines. Spring lines run from the bow to the stern. The forward spring line runs from an aft cleat forward toward the amidships area of the boat. Conversely, the aft spring line runs aft – from the bow back towards the stern.

With these terms in hand, let’s now turn our attention to setting the stage for docking a boat. Let’s talk about the equipment and gear you need to have ready.

Equipment and Gear Preparation for Docking a Boat

In this section, we’re going to look at several specific items to properly put into place for a prepared docking plan. They include fender placement, line set up, and throttle sensitivity.

Fenders and Buoys

What a great invention is the boat fender! Saving so much wear and tear on a boat, the use of multiple fenders or buoys on a boat is something about which I am quite keen. I prefer at least three including a stern, bow, and amidships fender and, truly, I am extra partial to the use of a buoy rather than a fender. “Stand-o” which is the amount of space between the hull and the object to which the boat is tied increases with the use of a buoy versus a fender. This extra space, at least in my mind, translates to extra protection for your hull.

Buoys and fenders should be secured to the boat via either a cleat or the base of the railing’s stanchion (not the horizontal railing or the top of the vertical stanchion).

The location of the fenders/buoys (relative to the water and the dock) is crucial. When placing your fenders, pay attention to the height of the dock and place the fenders accordingly. Take into account whether or not the dock is floating or affixed. A fixed dock is best managed with a horizontal fender. Lastly, depending on whether you are tying your fender to a cleat on the boat or the railing stanchion, you will want to use a cleat hitch or a slip hitch to secure it.

Spring Lines or Spring Loops

A spring line, as noted earlier, runs from either end of the boat to the other. Aft spring lines run from the aft cleat to the amidships cleat and they should not be taut. Rather you want them hanging down to the point where the line almost touches the water. The forward spring line is secured at the bow cleat aft to the amidships cleat, again, hanging just above the waterline. The goal is to have enough line to be able to lift it up and lay it over the dock cleat once the boat is very nearly touching the dock and slowed almost to a stop. It is recommended that a spring line be the length of the boat.

When putting your spring lines in place prior to starting any docking activity be sure that the spring lines are on the outside of the railing and railing stanchions. As with all lines, make sure that your spring lines are in good shape – there’s going to be steady strain on them when you are using them to make a smooth docking maneuver.

Throttle Sensitivity

Being familiar with exactly how sensitive your throttle is really helps your control in the often tight maneuvering that occurs during docking. Take the time to see just how much it takes to move your boat with a touch of the throttle. Slight, minimum motions are the way to make adjustments to your boat’s position. Take note that even once in neutral the boat will continue to move in the most recent throttle position’s direction. Short, little bursts with the throttle are key, and using neutral between forward and reverse is also vital. This is both from a control perspective as well as damage to the transmission considerations.

We’ve covered a lot of material here! And we haven’t yet gotten into the actual nuts and bolts of the process of docking. Before we go to the next two considerations in how-to-dock (environmental assessment or situational awareness preparation and people preparation), I wanted to ensure you’re mentally prepped and equipment-savvy. Solid preparation in these two areas set you up nicely for the next areas of consideration. As you can tell, and likely know from some experience, docking is a complicated task, much harder, I believe than anchoring. Maybe it’s the challenge of positioning yourself to a fixed object – or, for me, the added pressure of all those eyes that could be watching. Whatever the case may be, by the end of this article, you’ll be better prepared and equipped to take on the daunting dynamics of docking.

Environmental Preparation for Docking a Boat

Taking a thorough assessment of a variety of conditions that are playing into the specific docking scenario you’re encountering is a vital step in executing a smooth docking of your boat.

First know about the built space. Is it a busy or tight marina or gas dock? Are the docks fixed or floating and at what height? This will affect the placement of our fenders for maximum protection. What condition are the docks in? Are they prepped with dock bumper strips or in bad shape and looking pretty iffy? Knowing what you’re dealing with in the physical environment can help you prepare yourself and crew by pointing out these areas of concern.

Second, take note of the immediate conditions relative to tide (high or low or slack), current (which direction is it running and is it a fast current or slow), and wind direction and speed. Even though you’re likely going to be under power, the wind is certainly going to play a role in your docking decision. WInd pushes boats and, if it’s blowing even a few knots, wind can swing your bow around pretty darn fast. Same goes for current and it can push the entire boat in one direction. The interplay of current vs wind is a dynamic for which you need to plan.

Crew Preparation for Docking a Boat

There’s nothing worse than being on a boat with a helmsman screaming things at you and other crew members as their stress level rises during docking. Do yourself and your crew a favor and remain calm. And communicate.

Before docking begins, take some time to walk your crew through what the plan is. Help them understand that the wind and current will impact the way the boat moves. Ensure it is very clear that they are not to wildly jump aboard the dock and try to catch the boat as it moves alongside the dock or slip. Make sure they understand the importance of keeping all limbs and digits inside the boat.

Maneuvering During Docking a Boat

The thing that has helped me the most with docking is to know and understand the help (or hindrance) that the wind and current play in the process. Truly, these two factors can account for probably 50 to 75% of the boat’s motions when the boat is going as slow as it should be going when docking.

Speed of the boat is a huge consideration and you should never be going at a speed faster than the speed you’re willing to hit the dock. In other words, slow down the speed of the boat well before you get to the docking zone.

With your engine in neutral at a slow speed, you should be able to quickly tell what the wind is doing and what the current is doing to the boat. Very, very small adjustments of forward and reverse (the other 50 to 25% beyond wind and current) are your friend when docking. Alternating between forward and reverse with mild wheel or tiller corrections, at a slow speed allows you to quickly see how the boat is responding to all the factors impacting it: current, wind, engine thrust, and wheel/tiller direction.

As you approach the dock or slip, several boat lengths out, begin your turn and remember you are going slowly. See how things are going and do not be shy or embarrassed about doing a fly-by of the dock to gain a better assessment of the environmental situation. Granted, this is much harder to do when going into a slip (either in forward or reverse) but if you sense the need to abort the docking mission and try again, do it. (Special note: Unlike cars, boats pivot and what a bow will clear a stern will hit. You’re going to have to be looking back and forth bow to stern constantly to monitor how the boat is pivoting and what the stern may encounter that the bow cleared.)

As your boat responds to the wind, current, engine direction and speed, and the direction of the wheel or tiller, and you are approaching the dock, you’ll have the comfort of knowing that your fenders/bumpers and spring line(s) are in place. Moving ever so slowly and watching wind and current interplay, as you’re heading into the wind, the boat will ideally glide gently up to the side of the dock at which time, you or your crew member can toss the spring line (that has plenty of slack in it) over a cleat and the line can then be pulled taut to bring the boat alongside the dock.

Whew! Your crew (or you) then steps on to the dock and secures the rest of the lines. Give yourself a quick pat on the back and know that because you did plenty of advance preparation, you were certainly in far greater control of the situation than winging it.

Because there’s just so darned much to cover when it comes to docking a boat, if I had to distill this article into a 60-second explanation to someone, I’d essentially say this:

• Make sure your on-board equipment is squared away.
• Decide how you will approach the dock, having already assessed the environment at the dock. Hello, current! Howdy, wind!
• Don’t rush! Slow and steady is the key. Small movements and small throttle thrusts can do the job.
• As you approach the dock, let nature’s forces (wind/current) manage most of the action and then gently correct with throttle and wheel.
• Once alongside, ensure your boat is secured properly.

As I said earlier in this article, there is just no substitute for practice. I’ve made some boat and aviation comparisons, not any boat and automobile comparisons; however, there are two things that come to mind.

Docking a boat has similar (greater!?) stress than parallel parking. And the best way to learn to parallel park a car is, you guessed it, by practicing over and over again. So either get out there and do the practice early on just like you did when you had your learners permit. Also, most of us took driver’s education in school, and I highly encourage sailing folks to either attend a sailing course or watch as many videos as possible for a DIY version. In certain areas, you can find sailing courses that will dedicate an entire day (or more) to the ins and outs of docking. While I have not taken a docking-specific daylong sailing course, I wish I had. My two very good friends who have done courses like this (and they did separate ones with one on the east coast and one on the west coast) and their several hundred dollar investment is telling. They are hands down two of my most favorite people to sail with and to have aboard my own boat. Both courses were offered by ASA which usually gets very good reviews for their courses.

Docking is my least favorite part of sailing, except for the constant stream of dollars tossed into the hole in the water. Unlike the money pit though, I do think it’s possible to become much more confident and competent via practice and preparation. I wish you the very best in all of your docking scenarios!

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Elizabeth O'Malley

Elizabeth has sailed Sunfish, Catalinas, Knarrs, and countless other boats. Forty years later, she finds herself back on the waters of Bogue Sound, where she lives and sails with her daughter, Morgan, and chocolate lab, Choco.

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HOW TO DOCK A BOAT IN A SLIP

If you own a boat, one of the most important procedures to learn is how to dock the boat properly. You might think there is only one way to dock a boat, but there are actually many ways to do so. Securing your vessel in the water is important for a number of reasons. It ensures that your boat stays safe, stays put, and that no serious damage comes to it either by accident, theft, or vandalism. As you can see, knowing how to dock a boat is important–but what kind of docking techniques should you know? As mentioned, there are a number of options. However, docking your boat in a slip is one of the more common practices. For both new and old boat owners, this is a useful skill to learn and master. Fortunately, we can walk you through how to dock a boat in a slip properly. This knowledge should last you for years to come, keeping your boat or boats safe and secure when docked at a Lockwood Marina.

The Basics: What’s the Difference Between a Traditional Dock and a Slip?

When pulling your boat into a marina, you have a couple of options of how to dock it. You can choose the fueling slip, the repair slip, or the dock. The important thing to remember when talking about these options is that the water provides the context. Simply put, a dock is the water area that is directly adjacent to a pier or wharf. While a slip, refers to the water that lies  between  piers or wharves. To really tell a dock from a slip, we have to focus on the design of each:

• A Dock: Docks tend to be open on three sides, meaning that when you park your boat, you can move forward, backward, and to one side without issue or restriction. Contrary to popular belief, a dock is not an actual structure. The dock actually refers to a space of water alongside a pier or wharf. With this in mind, it is important to remember that a dock is an open space, and must stay an open space. The openness of a dock is important for the functionality of a pier or wharf at large. Boats need to be able to enter a marina and pull up to the dock to board passengers, take on or unload cargo, and fuel up. They need to be able to do all this with ample space so as to avoid any tricky maneuvering that is required to board or exit a slip.
• A Slip: Unlike the docks, a slip is not a very open space. While the dock is open on three sides, a slip is outlined by a pier on each side of the boat. In addition, a slip can accommodate multiple vessels at once, with the shore-sides lined with piers. A good way to tell a dock and slip apart is that the dock is open on three sides, while a slip is only truly open on one end. Surrounded by land and/or piers that shelter vessels from swells and choppy water in the harbor or marina, a slip is narrower, more focused area to dock your boat.

Most marinas and harbors are designed to hold various docks and slips. As a dock and slip come with different characteristics, it is best to have both “parking” options available. This is mainly because docks are used for boat service–fueling, loading and unloading cargo, and parking. Slips tend to be larger (though less open) and lead to docks. Slips that are smaller in size are typically used for parking a boat for a long period of time than most docks. Knowing the differences between a dock and a slip should help you next time your find yourself needing to park on a wharf, marina, or harbor.

How to Dock Your Boat in a Slip: A Step By Step Process

Before we begin, it is important to note that learning how to dock your boat in a slip may not be smooth. This is a skill that must be often practiced before it is mastered,  if  it is ever mastered. The truth is that docking is often a difficult task punctuated by confusion, frustration, and lots of groaning. We say this not to deter you from learning how to dock your boat in a slip, but to impress upon you that if you don’t get it the first (or second, third, or fourth) time, you aren’t alone. With this in mind, take care to read the steps carefully, do you best to follow them with patience, and have the strength to try again if things don’t go as smoothly as you would like the first time. Without further ado, here is a simple guide to docking your boat in a slip:

• Step 1: If you are working with a companion, your very first step is to explain everything you’re going to do, exactly as you will do it. Communication is key in such a situation. This is primarily because docking your boat in a slip takes a lot of maneuvering. While it might be easier to do it with the help of a companion, you don’t want to assume they know what you’re thinking at all times. For this reason, you have to communicate clearly. Double and triple check that your actions and intentions are clear. It might get annoying, but it will get your boat docked sooner.

Make the following clear to your companion: Let them know where the mooring line is, as well as the eye of the line. Point to the spot that will be placed over the cleat on the boat and explain that you want the line pulled tight. If the line falls into the water a bit, your companion shouldn’t worry–this is natural because of the motion of the boat will

• Step 2: Once you’ve communicated everything to your companion, you can move forward to our second step. (Please note that if you are docking your boat in a slip alone, you can begin directly with step 2):

Reduce the speed of your boat to bare steerageway. Go very slowly, but not so much so that your boat will not react to the steering wheel.

• Step 3:  Once you’ve slowed to the proper speed, move towards the pier at a 45 degree angle. If you are alone, eyeball it as you go, as you may not have the exact angle without proper measurements. If you are with a companion, one of you should keep an eye on the situation, ensuring that a 45 degree angle is indeed being met. When your boat is about one boat-length from the pier, shift into neutral. If you are alone, turn your boat away from the pier once you have closed the gap to half a boat-length from the pier. Shift your motor to neutral again. As the bow turns away from the pier at your 45 degree angle, center your steering wheel and shift the motor into the reverse–just enough that the boat is stopped.
• Step 4: As you move, shift your boat away from the pier. This move is called “shearing off.” Do this just before the bow touches the pier. If you’re with a companion, tell them to drop the eye of the line over the cleat onto the pier. If alone, you drop the eye of the line and move two or three feet from the pier, shifting your motor ahead slowly.
• Step 5: From here, tie off to the cleat on the bow of your boat (if accompanied). If alone, drop the eye of the bow line over a cleat on the pier. Them, tie off the line to a cleat on the deck.

Now that you have the steps, here are a few tips and cautions to be aware of:

• Always Go Slow: Docking your boat in a slip is never a procedure you want to rush. Going fast will only lead to trouble and careless mistakes.
• Be aware of the Wind: You can use the wind to dock a boat in a slip if it is blowing towards the pier. Once you pull up alongside the pier, you can allow the wind to blow you easily into place.
• It’s Okay to Stop: Stopping and starting over or stopping all together is okay. Again, this procedure requires much patience. If you feel yourself getting annoyed, nettled, or exasperated, it’s okay to take that as a cue for a do-over.
• Stay Seated and/or Keep Your Balance: This is mostly for those working with someone else. You don’t want your companion standing up while you are attempting to dock your boat in a slip. Doing so could result in them falling overboard. Of course, if you are working alone, leaning too far out over the rail to let out the mooring line is not the best idea either. Be aware of your surroundings, stay seated, and keep you balance.

Docking your boat in a slip may not be easy, but it is really useful once you get the hang of it. We’ve put together these steps to help walk you through the process in a way that’s both effective and easy to understand. For those visual learners, a handy video might add an extra dimension of understanding to the whole process. Now that you know what to do, be sure to be careful, patient, and focused. Happy Boating!

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