If you’re in love with the ocean or your local river and spend your free time on the beach, purchasing a boat allows you to take your passion to the next level. Owning a boat is a big responsibility, requiring you to sign up for OC boat insurance and ensure that all your passengers are safe on the water. At the same time, you have the freedom to explore different bodies of water without worrying about boat rental time restrictions.
For new boat owners, one of the most stressful parts of sailing comes at the end of the trip when it’s time to dock. If you’re not feeling confident about how to bring your boat into port without scraping the hull, check out this step-by-step guide to docking a boat for beginners.
1. Think Ahead
Learning how to properly dock a boat starts by thinking ahead. This doesn’t mean stressing about the docking process for your entire cruise, but it does mean knowing what condition your lines are in well before you approach the dock. Make sure that you have a stern line, spring line, and bowline rigged. Your fenders, which are protective cushions, should be an inch or two above the water.
2. Reduce Your Speed
Once all your lines and fenders are in position, use your throttle to slowly reduce your speed. Going slower makes it easier to dock correctly, lowers your chances of getting in a serious accident, and keeps your passengers safe from unexpected jolts. Your marina and OC boat insurance provider may set their own speed restrictions, and your throttle should be well under half its capacity.
3. Take a Deep Breath
It’s easy to start getting nervous as you get closer to the dock, particularly if you’ve scraped your boat in the past. Take a deep breath and remember that you know what to do. If you get overwhelmed, avoid yelling at your passengers or anyone who’s helping you. Screaming will only make everyone more anxious and more likely to mess up.
4. Throw Your Lines
As soon as you’re close enough to throw a line and your marina’s dockhands are ready to help you, throw a spring line, which allows you to adjust your position once it’s in place. Ensure that the spring line is secured to a cleat so that you can move closer to your final destination, and then throw a bowline, which is attached to your boat’s front. Ask your dockhand or a passenger to lock the bowline, and then hand him or her the stern line to finish the docking process. Depending on how strong the wind is, you may need to adjust your position several times before using the bowline and stern line.
About Mariners Insurance
Mariners General Insurance Group was founded in 1959 to protect boat owners and marine business clients. We are marine insurance experts and insure boats worldwide – in every ocean on the planet. Marine insurance is critical if you own a boat or nautical business. Trust the professionals with all of your Boat Insurance needs – trust Mariners Insurance. Call us at (888) 402-5018 any time you have questions or concerns about insurance for your vessel or marine business.
