If you are a newbie, asking your boater friend, if you have one, about the rules of boating can be confusing. The information can be unreliable because every person has a different boating style. So, it is better to trust an expert, which is we recommend taking your research to the internet.
Approaching a dock can be nerve-racking. Remember the first time you tried to reverse your car in a tight parking space after getting your driving license? You were probably scared that you would hit the car in the front or back. Docking is not that different. When easing the boat into your designated slip, you must look both ways and keep track of the incoming and outgoing traffic.
The golden rule of docking is to go slow. A few other ones you need to know are mentioned below:
Have a Plan
Follow the 6P rule – Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance.
The first thing you need to learn about boating is how your boat sails, meaning – its steerageway. The only way to confidently steer your boat is to be comfortable behind the wheel or at the controls. The more time you go boating, the better you will learn to steer at low and high speeds.
Here’s a trick to help you dock: Imagine a virtual slip. Mark the dimensions in your mind and come up with a docking scenario. Remember: The wind is one of the biggest obstacles when docking, so steer your boat accordingly.
Other considerations include the exit and entry areas of the marina. For example, is there a boat crossing you from your right when you are coming into your slip? Are there any railings hanging from boats that might come in the way when you maneuver your boat?
You need to stay alert because you might hit a boat or the marina. In this case, bumpers on the side and back come quite in handy. They form a barrier between your boat and the marina.
Docking Rules
- Take Time: If a boater is parking in their slip and is in your way, wait. It might be a little frustrating if they have difficulty maneuvering and going back and forth. Instead of rushing them, help them.
- Switch the Engine to Neutral: Always take it slow. You should switch off the engine because the slower you are, the lower the risk of damaging other boats.
- Communicate: If you see someone standing on the dock and signaling you to move left or right, listen to them. They have a clearer view of what’s closer to the dock and will be better able to guide you.
- Use Bumpers: Bumpers protect your boat’s paint job and you from other boaters.
- Use the Right Knot: Tie the boat’s rope to the cleat in figure eight. Make sure not to pull the rope too tight, or you might have trouble untying it.
If you are spending the night on your boat parked in the slip at the marina, keep the noise to a minimum.
Now that you know what to do when docking, you will be better able to handle the traffic at the marina. To avoid the hassle, why not get a personal floating dock? Visit the EZ Dock Texas website to browse high-quality boat docks. For more information, call (800) 654-8168.
