Ayrton Oneill
Keeping your boat off the dock can be done in a variety of ways, depending on the type of boat and dock you have. Here are some general methods to keep your boat off the dock:
- Use a boat lift: A boat lift is a device that attaches to your dock and holds your boat above the water when it is not in use. This not only protects your boat from water damage but also makes loading and unloading easier.
- Dry boat storage: This involves storing your boat on land when it is not in use, either at a commercial facility or on your own property. Dry storage can protect your boat from corrosion, marine life growth, and hull damage.
- Use adequate locks: Keep your boat's cabin, door, and windows locked securely when it's not in use. Consider replacing manufacturer locks with more robust ones to deter potential thieves.
- Install an alarm system: A boat alarm can draw attention to any unwanted presence and alert you to potential theft. Some alarms can even shut down the boat's power systems or alert you via text message.
- Utilize security lighting: Thieves prefer to work under the cover of darkness, so installing bright security lights can deter them from targeting your boat.
What You'll Learn
Use a boat lift to keep your boat above the waterline
A boat lift is an invaluable security measure to keep your boat above the waterline. Boat lifts are attached to your dock and hold your boat above the water while it is not in use. They make loading and unloading easy, lowering your boat into the water and raising it back up when you’re done, all without leaving the dock.
Boat lifts help prevent hull damage from algae, corrosion on metal boats, and storm damage. They also make cleaning, boarding, and maintenance easy since the boat is suspended above the water. Additionally, they improve boat performance by keeping the vessel clean and free of algae or barnacle build-up, resulting in better fuel efficiency and a smoother, faster ride.
Boat lifts also provide safer boarding as they provide more stability than water. Passengers won’t have to deal with unstable conditions when boarding the lift as it holds them both perfectly steady.
Furthermore, a boat lift makes your boat less accessible to potential thieves when it’s not in use. You can also add enhanced security features to protect your boat further.
Overall, a boat lift is a convenient, easy-to-use option for dry boat storage. It protects your boat from water and element damage and gives you peace of mind when you’re off the water.
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Store your boat in a commercial indoor storage facility
Commercial indoor storage facilities are a great option for storing your boat when it's not in use. These facilities are designed to provide maximum protection for your boat, keeping it in optimal condition. Here are some reasons why you should consider storing your boat in a commercial indoor storage facility:
Climate Control
Commercial indoor boat storage facilities often have climate-control systems to maintain a stable environment for your boat. This helps protect your boat from extreme temperatures, ultraviolet rays, and humidity, ensuring it remains in excellent condition. The climate-controlled environment also minimises the risk of damage caused by corrosion, marine life growth, and hull osmosis.
Security
Indoor storage facilities offer enhanced security for your boat. By keeping your boat locked away from unauthorised access, you reduce the chances of theft or vandalism. This gives you peace of mind, knowing that your investment is safe and secure.
Convenience
Commercial indoor storage facilities are purpose-built for boat storage, providing specialised care for your vessel. The facilities often have limited space, ensuring your boat is stored properly and securely. Additionally, the convenience of quick access to your boat is invaluable. You can easily retrieve your boat when you're ready to hit the water again.
Protection from the Elements
Storing your boat indoors protects it from various weather conditions and environmental factors. The indoor facility shields your boat from rain, wind, sun exposure, and other damaging elements. This helps maintain the appearance and functionality of your boat, keeping it in top condition for years to come.
Long-Term Storage
If you plan to store your boat for an extended period, such as during the off-season, a commercial indoor storage facility is ideal. It provides a safe and secure environment for your boat, ensuring it remains in good condition until you're ready to use it again.
By choosing a commercial indoor storage facility, you can rest assured that your boat is protected from various risks associated with outdoor storage. This type of storage is an excellent investment to maintain the value and longevity of your boat.
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Use a de-icer to prevent ice damage
De-icers are an effective way to prevent ice damage to your boat. They work by circulating warmer water from the bottom of a lake or pond to the surface, preventing ice from forming. There are two main types of de-icers: agitators and bubblers. Agitators are powerful rotary motors that resemble fans or propellers and are completely submerged in the water. They are ideal for deeper water and can be mounted in different ways, including mooring rope suspension, dock-mounted, or on a stand in shallow water. However, they require oil lubrication, which can leak, and the propellers can become clogged with plant life or other debris. Bubblers, on the other hand, are located outside the water and pump air through a weighted tube to diffusers at the bottom of the lake or pond. They are more suitable for shallow water up to 6 feet deep and produce tiny bubbles that circulate warmer water to the surface.
When using a de-icer, it is important to monitor the ice conditions and adjust the device as needed. You should also be aware of local laws and regulations regarding de-icing and consider the impact on your neighbours. Additionally, it is recommended to place warning signs on the waterfront to prevent people from walking on the ice. By taking these precautions and using de-icers properly, you can effectively prevent ice damage to your boat.
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Plan your undocking procedure in advance
Planning your undocking procedure in advance is essential for a smooth departure from the dock and can help you avoid dangerous situations. Here are some detailed instructions to help you plan your undocking procedure effectively:
- Assess the conditions: Before undocking, take into account the surrounding traffic, wind direction and strength, and water depth. These factors will influence your undocking procedure, so it's important to be mindful of them.
- Communicate with your passengers: Don't assume that your passengers know what to do or can read your mind. Be explicit in your instructions and let them know what you need them to do. This will not only ensure their safety but also spare them potential embarrassment.
- Undocking with the wind or current pushing you away from the dock:
- Cast off lines and pull in fenders as the wind blows you away.
- Once you are clear of the dock and any nearby boats, shift to forward and depart at idle speed.
- Be cautious and ensure that your stern doesn't hit the dock as you motor forward and turn. Remember that boats don't steer like cars; they pivot on their axis.
Undocking with the wind or current pushing you towards the dock:
- Cast off all lines except for an after bow spring line. This line will prevent forward movement and allow your stern to pivot away from the dock.
- Consider using a fender forward to protect your boat's bow from the dock.
- Turn your motor or rudder in the direction necessary to push the stern away from the dock.
- Shift into forward at idle speed, very slowly.
- As your stern swings away from the dock and is clear of all obstacles, cast off the spring line and back away.
- When you have safely moved away from the dock, shift to forward and idle away.
- Stowing equipment: Once you are clear of the dock, stow your lines and fenders to prevent tripping hazards and ensure they don't get in the way.
- Approaching the dock: Before approaching the dock, secure one end of the docking lines on board, prepare your fenders, and reduce your speed.
- Docking with onshore wind: If the wind is blowing towards the dock (onshore wind), bring your boat to a position roughly two feet from the dock, parallel to it. The wind will gently push your boat towards the dock, allowing you to secure it with bow, stern, and spring lines.
- Docking with offshore wind: When the wind is blowing away from the dock (offshore wind), approach the dock at a 20 to 30-degree angle. Pass a bow line ashore and secure it. For boats with outboard or inboard/outboard engines, turn the engine towards the dock and shift into reverse. This will bring your stern to the dock, and you can then secure it with the stern line.
- Docking with inboard engines: If you have inboard engines, use your rudder to bring the stern in. Attach an after bow spring to prevent forward movement while idling forward and turning the wheel away from the dock. This will cause the boat to pivot and gently push the stern against the dock while you secure the remaining lines.
- Twin-engine advantage: Keep in mind that all these maneuvers are more manageable if your boat has twin engines rather than a single engine.
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Use adequate locks on your boat
Keeping your boat safe is paramount, and one of the best ways to do this is by using adequate locks. Here are some ways to ensure your boat is secure:
Locks
Firstly, ensure that your boat's cabin, door, and windows are locked securely whenever your boat isn't in use. Check that the locks are robust and can't be easily picked or tampered with. Keep the keys safe and separate from the boat.
Moorings
If you've tied your boat to the dock, regularly check the security of the moorings. Replace the rope if worn and always use a sturdy knot to secure your boat.
Alarms
Consider installing an alarm system on your boat. This will draw attention to any unwanted presence and alert you to potential theft. You can even get alarms that send a text message alert to your phone through an app.
Boat Lift
A boat lift is another security measure, as it elevates your boat above the waterline, making it harder to steal. Ensure you lock the lift control and breaker boxes when your boat is not in use.
Trailer
If you have a boat trailer, use a wheel lock and a hitch lock. If you're away for a long time, consider removing a wheel from the trailer and storing it in a locked garage or storage facility.
Battery and Fuel
If you're away for a while, you can disable your boat by removing the battery or shutting off the fuel lines.
Sails
If your boat is wind-powered, you can take down the sails and store them separately, making your boat less appealing to thieves.
By following these steps, you can significantly increase the security of your boat and deter potential thieves.
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Frequently asked questions
Always use adequate locks on your boat. Install an alarm system. Use a boat lift to elevate your boat above the waterline. Disable your boat if you don't plan on using it for a while. Secure your boat's trailer. Utilize security lighting at night.
Prepare dock lines on your bow and stern and attach fenders. Line up your approach and survey the docking area. Judge the current, wind, and water conditions. Take your time, proceed slowly towards the dock using intermittent acceleration. Never approach a dock any faster than you’re willing to hit it. Navigate into the boat slip or turn to come alongside the dock. Tie off your boat onto cleats, posts, or pilings using your docking lines.
Use bird repellent sprays or gels on your boat cover. Hang reflective objects like CD discs, aluminum foil strips, or reflective tape on and around your boat cover. Attach bird spikes to the areas of your boat cover where birds tend to perch. Install bird netting above your boat cover. Use decoy predators like plastic owls or hawks near your boat cover. Keep your boat lift cover clean and free of any food scraps or debris that may attract birds.
Utilize security lighting at night. Install an alarm system. Keep your boat's cabin, door, and windows locked securely whenever your boat isn't in use. Check the security of the moorings if you've tied your boat to the dock.
