How to Dock a Boat – Use One Line to Dock Your Boat!

You are approaching the fuel dock and see two million-dollar sport fishing boats already moored–with a small space between them. The dockmaster has directed you to tie up between the two boats. Looks like a tight fit! Now what, skipper?

Did you realize that you can use a single dockline to dock a boat like a pro under complete control. This technique has been used for decades to hold the smallest boat to the largest container ship alongside a pier in any type of wind or current. Use these seven fast and easy steps to docking success.

1. Choose the proper cleat

Use a cleat near between the bow and beam of the boat. Cleats near the beam work better than those located at the bow. Sailing vessesls with Genoa tracks may be able to use a sliding track-cleat.

2. Make a spring line

Find a long line–called a “spring line”–at least 1 1/2 times the length of your boat. If necessary, join two lines together to get the proper length for this docking technique. Cleat off one end of the spring line to the boat cleat. Coil the rest of your springline to make it ready to use in an instant.

3. Assign a roving fender

Anytime you approach a pier, have one of your crew to hold a fender and walk (rove) along the boat. He or she will use the fender as a cushion to protect any part of the hull that contacts with the pier.

4. Pick the approach “aim” spot

Stop a few boat lengths away from pier before you make your final approach. Pick a point about 1/3 of your boat’s overall length back from the spot where you want your bow to end up. This will be your approach “aim” point.

5. Loop the springline

As soon as possiblethe boat gets to the “aim” point, have the crew loop the spring line around a piling or dock cleat aft (behind) the aim point, and then back to the spring line cleat aboard the boat. Now, when the boat moves ahead, the spring line will form a diagonal line from the boat cleat back to the dock cleat or piling.

6. Use rudder and engine

Turn your wheel hard over, away from the pier and leave it in this position. If using a tiller, hold it all the way over to the side toward the pier and leave it in this position. Use idle ahead propulsion and leave your engine in gear at its lowest speed. The combination of rudder and engine are critical for the success of this maneuver.

7. Hold your boat alongside

Watch the stern move bodily in to the pier. Once your boat comes flush alongside, keep the rudder over and engine engaged. Make sure that the spring line has been secured to the boat cleat. Now you can take your time to get the bow and stern line out, allow your crew to go ashore for a break, or take on passengers–all under complete control!

Use these seven super simple steps to dock a boat like pro smoother and easier than ever before. You will be rewarded with the confidence to take on any docking situation that comes your way–wherever in the world you choose to cruise!

Captain John Jamieson shows sailing skippers the fastest, easiest ways to learn to sail like a pro. For a free weekly sailing newsletter plus more sailing tips, articles, and sailing videos, visit skippertips.com