When backing into a slip, back so that bow
swings into the wind if possible. Y ou will ha ve
more control.
If you have a twin engine boat, center the steer-
ing wheel. Use the throttles and shifter
s to
control the boat’ s movement.
If possible, come in against the wind or cur rent,
whichever is stronger . Approach the dock at a
30-45° angle. As the boat near s the dock,
slowly swing parallel to it. Tie the bow line fir st;
then the ster n.
If wind or cur rent is mo ving toward the dock,
move parallel to the dock fur ther out. Let the
wind or cur rent push you in. Tie the ster n first,
then the bow.
Use extreme caution if wind or cur rent is from
your stern. Back in tow ards the dock slowly at a
slight angle with engine in slow re verse. Gently
swing parallel. Tie ster n first, then the bow .
If the w eather looks bad, use spring-lines from
the bow and ster n to dock amidships of the
boat. Tie up on the downwind side of the dock.
If the wind is changeable, place fender
s over
the side betw een the boat and the dock.
MOORING
After you ha ve positioned your boat next to the
dock, you must secure it with mooring lines to
keep it in position. Mooring lines must be long
enough to secure your boat in an y docking situa-
tion. For example, the length of the lines for a
16-foot runabout should be at least 15 feet. An
eye splice at the end of each line wor
ks well
with bow or ster n cleats.
The mooring lines you will use most often are
the bow line, the ster n line, and spring lines as
shown on
Figure 7.4
. Each line has a specific
purpose. The bow line and the ster n line secure
your boat’s bow and ster n. The two spring lines
keep your boat from mo ving forward or backward
when you are moored alongside a dock.
If you are mooring your boat for a shor
t time,
bow and ster n lines ma y be the only lines you
will need. If you are mooring your boat for a
longer time or the cur rents are swift, you should
use spring lines. The ster n spring line leads
from the boat’ s stern cleat forw ard to the piling
or cleat on the dock. The bow spring line leads
from the bow cleat aft to the dock.
If you are mooring your boat in a slip, bow and
spring lines, por t and starboard, will k eep your
boat in position.
NOTE:
If tides are a consideration, be sure to
leave slack in the lines to mak e up for the rise
and fall of the w ater while your boat is dock ed.
7-13
FIGURE 7.4 MOORING LINES
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