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Boat Docking Techniques Made Easy
by Thomas Holley
http:www.pontoonboatdirect.com
It is a sure sign of spring as thousands of people start
flocking to the lakes to enjoy a day of boating. While
most of these boaters are experienced, many first time
boaters hit the lakes each year. These first-time boaters
are also hitting the docks.
Docking techniques are always going to be dependent upon
the weather and wind conditions, but there are a few simple
things you can keep in mind. First of all, especially in
this particular case, practice makes perfect. Although we
can provide tips, docking techniques in boating are going
to be something you will have to personalize to your
experience, your boat, and the dock itself.
The most common mistake made by many new boaters is
attempting to approach the dock in a straight line. An
angled approach will actually allow you to get closer to
the dock and improve the accuracy of your approach at the
same time. However, you will need to control the speed of
your approach.
Staying in control of the boat and its speed is not as
easy as it may sound. An idle speed can prove to be too
fast for your approach and coasting will cause a loss of
control in steering. The solution lies somewhere in the
middle. You must use controlled bursts of power and then
coast to control your speed.
You'll have to practice this one over and over. As you get
closer to the dock start to turn the boat and decelerate to
a stop by using reverse. Again, the deceleration reduces
steering capability. You are going to have to rely on the
momentum of the boat to get you over this obstacle.
Momentum and speed are not the same thing. Momentum is
simply the forward motion of the boat that will actually
carry you into the dock. You will need just enough momentum
to get you to the dock and allow you to smoothly make the
shift to reverse to stop. Once you've actually mastered
this task, you'll probably agree that the best docking
technique is the one that you learn by trial and error.
Nothing will be a better teacher than practice, practice,
practice.
A few last words of advice would be to take it slow and
don't get nervous or discouraged. Each attempt will prove
easier and easier.
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