Docking a Boat

It might seem intimidating to dock a boat for the first time. Once you’ve gotten the hang of it, though, it’ll become second nature for you. There are plenty of exciting adventures waiting for you on the water. Richardson’s Boat Yard is here to help you learn how to dock a boat. It’ll be smooth sailing once you’ve read our guide below. If you’re still searching for the perfect vessel to take out on the water, swing by our dealership and check out our inventory. We’re located in Windham and Standish, ME.

Pulling In

Spending an entire day out in the sun on your boat can be exhausting by the end. However, it’s critical to save some energy for when it comes time to dock your boat. Begin by assessing the area you’re about to pull into. The spot near the dock where you’ll park is called the slip. Once you’ve identified the slip, scan the area before you proceed to pull in. You should be looking for any debris in the water that could complicate the process for you. Something as small and insignificant as a stray line in the water could get tangled in the propeller and cause big problems.

Remember when you’re pulling your boat in that your stern moves first. This means you’ll be using it to direct and maneuver your boat to where it needs to go. Depending on your model, this is going to be extremely important because any minor change in the rudder can actually make a huge difference.

Watch Your Speed

Speed is another crucial element in this process. Make sure you’re focused on finding the perfect balance. It can be dangerous to go too fast, but going too slow can leave you floating way too far from the dock. In order to find the middle ground you need to be successful, focus on some of the tips below.

You should not attempt to pull into the dock at a speed that’s faster than you can safely manage. Small bumps are inevitable, but if you pull in much too fast, you could cause serious damage to your boat and the dock. Take your time and aim for the lowest speed setting while using small bursts of power rather than a full-speed-ahead approach. You should view this process as a form of guided floating.

Consider The Wind

There are several factors that can impact your ability to properly dock your boat. One of the biggest and trickiest factors you’ll need to consider is the wind. You may not be on a sailboat, but wind can still affect your docking abilities. If the wind happens to be blowing in the direction of the dock, you can count on it to do most of the work for you. Your goal should be to pull in as close and parallel to the pier as possible. Once you’ve achieved this, all you have to do is ride the wind the rest of the way.

In the event that the wind is blowing in the opposite direction of the dock, you’ll need to create a more severe angle with your boat. This is going to help you cut through some of those powerful gusts. In fact, you might even want to consider a 20- to 30-degree angle when docking. It’s also useful to rely on momentum more than the wind in this situation. Be prepared to tie off as soon as you're close enough to the dock to do so.

We certainly hope this guide on how to dock a boat has been helpful. If you find yourself in need of more tips or if you’re still on the prowl for a boat of your own, visit us at Richardson’s Boat Yard in Windham and Standish, ME. We’re also proud to serve our friends in Portland and Auburn.