Boating: Tips to make docking your boat a breeze

By Bob Friel / Boating Magazine

Advice From the Dock

> Call on the marina’s dedicated channel before approaching the harbor.
> Stop outside the harbor to position fenders.
> Have a notepad ready before calling the harbor master.
> Don’t be shy about telling the harbor master your experience and slip preferences.

> The first line to toss is your spring line, with loop fed through your boat’s cleat.
> Loosely coil lines, making sure there are no tangles, then toss gently, aiming over one shoulder of the dock staff.
> Make sure the lines are at least the length of your boat.
> Use boat hooks to retrieve lines dropped in the water, or the opposite end of the hook to fend off other boats when a bump is coming.

> Get everyone, including you, off the boat at the fuel dock.
> Turn off pilot lights, switches and all electronics.

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