How To Dock Your Boat On A Windy Day

Florida spring usually means two things. There are fewer boats and more windy days in spring Florida. Windy conditions blow our boats around just as tourists leave town. This is a great opportunity to share some boat handling tips. Because if your craft can handle windy conditions, it makes life easier and more fun in fair weather.

No matter how the wind blows. You can dock with the wind by slowing your approach to the dock. Head bow in, tie off, and then use the line as leverage to pivot in. It is more difficult to dock when the wind blows away from the dock. You will eventually need to slow down and place the boat wide side to the wind. You will be blown away by the wind and your boat will likely be turned by it. There are few options to counteract this, especially without twin engines, bow thrusters or a friend at the dock.

You will be approximately 90 degrees from the dock on your first approach. This reduces wind's turning effect. This maneuver requires that you use a short but deliberate use of the throttle and steering.

Make the most of your boat's momentum This is like 'throwing' your boat on the dock and then throwing it onto a skid to get it in the slip. You must first move towards the dock and then make your final turn. If done correctly, the boat will glide into its slip by using this circular motion and come to a halt at the exact spot. This may take a few tries, but it is possible. Do not rush or let anyone else rush you.

Lines work...use 'em! Combining the above technique with the help of a line allows you to use momentum more effectively to complete the maneuver. A double spring line is a great way to accomplish this. One end can be attached near the bow and one at the stern. To hook the line, just get close enough to dock. The vessel can be moved forward or aft in order to pull in at either end. Once you are close enough, simply cleat the vessel somewhere in the middle. It is important to do this quickly, especially if there is strong wind.

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