For first-time boaters, docking can be a never-racking moment. You are not sure of the distance, there are boats in their respective slips on both sides, you don’t think the boat’s speed is slow, and more — all these challenges make you anxious, and you end up making a mistake.
As a boating enthusiast, it took me months to dock correctly, and that, too, wasn’t perfect. I would often bump into the dock and panic that I scratched my boat. Every time I got close to the dock, I would imagine having some kind of smart system that would get my boat to safety automatically.
One day, I decided to search online and got excited when I read the words Assisted Docking System. There was a device that helped you dock like a pro, and I found it!
It was a marine automation system that claimed it simplified docking by improving control and maneuvering in tight spaces. The system removed the dynamics, such as current and wind, allowing the boater to eliminate two weather features that make docking difficult.
As a captain, what was once difficult became easy for me, and I could move in a straight line and rotate in a fixed position without manual compensation. The system is a hybrid between manual and automated docking, giving you partial control of the wheel so you don’t feel like the smart device is doing everything.
The system came with a joystick that helped me control the boat’s speed and path. When I pushed it forward, the boat moved straight, and with the flick of my wrist, I could change directions. When I was about to approach the dock, and every boater knows to go slow, all I did was gently tap the joystick, and the boat glided into the slip.
One of the best things about this smart system was that once in position at the dock, all I had to do to stay steady was push the joystick to the side. This activated a feature that allowed me to tie my boat without worrying about it drifting away from the dock.
Current and wind are two temperamental forces that change from strong to gentle instantly. They can create obstacles in your path when docking. Another issue is space. Crowded marinas are a nightmare. You never know when you might scratch the boat on your left while docking in your slip. The joystick gives you complete control, allowing you to dock like a pro. This way, the stress from fear of making a mistake while docking is removed.
Even seasoned boaters sometimes have trouble docking. The captain needs to keep the intended course because even the slightest diversion can result in a disaster.
I recommend a smart docking system because it takes all your worries away. It allows you to sail freely without fearing how you will manage once you are on the journey back.
Why dock at a marina when you can easily build your own floating dock? EZ Dock Texas offers do-it-yourself dock kits that allow you to easily assemble and install a dock without help. For more information, call (800) 654-8168.
