How to Secure your Boat when Docking

If you go boating, then you need to understand that learning how to tie up the yacht or boat is an essential. An unsecured boat can rock back and forth and in doing so cause damage to other boats and also to itself.

Depending on the waves or the current the boat could even drift away, so tying up is essential and is a skill that needs to be learned to protect your boat and also lower your chances of damaging items you don’t own.

Learn

There are a number of methods that can be used to tie up a boat and whether you do so with a simple rope or the latest technology, you should understand what you’re going to do before you take the boat out.

Beforehand

Prepare the proper line – different lines are used for different movements. For instance, stern lines are used to secure the stern and spring lines to control movement fore and aft. The fender ties up the boat to the fenders, and the correct bow and dock ties to fit the type of dock you will be using. If you’re looking for products – www.gsproducts.co.uk provides a wide range of great boating and chandlery options.

Before Docking

Slow the boat down when approaching the docking area and decide on where you want to place the boat to avoid coming close to other objects choosing the best part of the dock that will provide plenty of space for your boat to dock.

Wind and Water

Check the wind and water currents to ensure that the boat won’t be thrown off course, when you’re preparing to dock the boat. Then slowly manoeuvre the boat into the docking location.

When the boat is in position, turn off the engine and tie it up in the right location – this will depend on the type of boat and the specific dock. Now tie each line with secure knots on the parts of the boat that you wish to secure the boat to. You will also need to tie this to the dock.

Doing this as quickly as possible reduces the chance of movement and in doing so will prevent your boat damaging others or becoming damaged.

Following these tips can help you keep your boat safe and also offers peace of mind for those who wish to ensure their boats are safe.