Docking Techniques In Boating
By Thomas Holley, Thu Dec 8th

While the docking techniques in are always going to bedependent upon the weather conditions, there are a few simplethings that you should always keep in mind. First of all, inthis particular case practice makes perfect. Although we canprovide tips, please remember that the docking techniques inboating are going to be something you will have to personalizeto your experience, your particular boat and of course, the dockitself. Secondly, the most common mistake boater’s make whenattempting to dock their boats is to try and approach the dockin a straight line. By approaching the dock from an angle,however, it will much easier to get close without scraping andto hit the spot you're aiming for. Thirdly, the speed at whichyou come in to the dock must be controlled. Anything you've everbeen told about the best docking techniques in probablymentioned that it requires you to run your boat in at theslowest possible speed. This however, is not as easy as itsounds. Often, even idle speed on a boat is too fast. Coasting,however, as a docking technique in boating, causes problems inand of itself. Coasting reduces steering capability, which makesit even more difficult to accurately line up with the dock. Thebest way to counter this problem is to alternate between powerfor steering (short shots of forward gear) and coasting forspeed control. Being able to use the best docking techniques inboating is not automatic. You'll have to practice this one overand over. As you get closer to the dock, the best dockingtechniques

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in will tell you to start to turn the boat.It is at precisely the same time, however, that you will alsoneed to decelerate to a stop in reverse. Again, the decelerationreduces steering capability. When approaching the dock, you aregoing to have to rely on the momentum of the boat to get youover this obstacle. Momentum and speed, however, are not thesame thing. Momentum is simply the forward motion of the boatthat will actually carry you into the dock. You will need justenough momentum to get into the dock and that will allow you tosmoothly make the shift to reverse so you can stop. Once you'veactually mastered this task, you'll probably agree that the bestdocking techniques in were the ones that you learned bytrial and error. None of the docking techniques you'll read willever be a better teacher than practice, practice, practice. Thebest advice that one could ever receive when looking forinformation on the best docking techniques in would beto take it slow, don't get nervous or discouraged and mostimportantly, remember that every time you try it, will make it alittle easier the next time.

About the author:Thomas Holley is owner of www.Pontoon-Boat-Products.com

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