Docking A Boat In Bad Current: A Step-By-Step Guide

Docking a boat in bad weather can be a daunting task. However, there are a few rules and concepts that can help you master the art of docking your vessel with precision. Before docking, it is important to check the current in the marina and be aware of any environmental forces, such as wind or current, that may impact your vessel. It is also crucial to plan your docking maneuver in advance and rehearse it on a calm day to prepare for more challenging conditions. When docking, approach slowly and parallel to the dock, allowing the wind or current to carry your boat. Keep your boat in gear for maximum control and be prepared to adjust your position by shifting into gear briefly. Additionally, always give yourself permission to abort a docking attempt if you are not set up correctly to avoid any damage to your boat or neighbouring boats.

Keep the boat in gear for maximum control

Keeping the boat in gear is essential for maintaining maximum control when docking in a bad current. Outboards and I/Os don't steer well when they're out of gear. While the boat will continue to steer as long as it's moving forward, it won't be as responsive as when it's in gear. The lower unit of the outboard or I/O acts as a rudder, but without thrust from the propeller, the steering effect on the boat is significantly reduced and gradually diminishes as the boat loses momentum.

Therefore, it's crucial not to approach the dock at high speed and then shift into neutral a few yards away to decelerate. Instead, slow down first, and then approach the dock at a dead idle, staying in gear to maintain maximum control. While some docking situations may require more power, they are infrequent. With practice, you'll spend less time in neutral and become more adept at using minimal throttle to keep the boat in gear during docking.

Additionally, docking into the current gives you more control. Similar to an aircraft taking off or landing into the wind, heading into the current allows you to take advantage of the braking effect on the bow while also increasing the responsiveness of your steering inputs.

Remember, docking a boat in challenging conditions doesn't have to be difficult. By keeping the boat in gear, docking into the current, and adopting other best practices, you can confidently navigate your vessel and execute precise docking manoeuvres.

Assess the environmental forces

Before docking a boat in challenging conditions, it is important to assess the environmental forces at play, such as wind and water current. Currents can be challenging to assess as they are not always visible, but there are several indicators that can help you understand their direction and strength. Look for items floating on the water's surface and compare their movement with solid objects anchored in place. Observe the behaviour of docklines and the ripples on the water's surface, which can indicate the current's direction and strength.

The effect of currents on a boat varies depending on the type of boat. For example, a deep-keeled sailboat will be influenced differently by currents compared to a flat-bottom jon boat. Currents exert more force on deeper draft boats than shallower ones. Additionally, the propeller selection can also impact how a boat responds to steering and throttle inputs in tight quarters.

When it comes to wind, higher-profile boats are more affected than lower-profile boats. Boats with tall exterior surfaces or lots of canvas have a larger "sail area," which causes them to be more sensitive to wind. The type of power system and hull type also play a role. Outboard boats tend to pivot at the stern when subjected to wind, and deep-keel boats, such as sailboats, are less affected by wind when their sails are down.

It is crucial to understand how these environmental forces interact with your specific boat. Practice docking in different conditions to gain familiarity and improve your handling skills.

Plan ahead

Planning ahead is key when docking a boat in bad current. Before approaching the dock, you should shift into neutral and allow your boat to drift in the current for a few moments. This will help you get a feel for how the current will affect the boat before you reach the dock.

It's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all procedure for docking a boat in bad current. The specific approach will depend on factors such as wind speed and direction, current speed and direction, boat type, and dock configuration. However, there are some general principles and techniques that can be applied to most situations.

Firstly, it's crucial to assess the environmental forces at play, such as wind and current, and try to position yourself up-current or upwind to gain more control. This will give you more time to react and make any necessary adjustments.

Another important principle to keep in mind is that you maintain the most control when heading into the wind or current, rather than having these forces hit your boat from the stern. This is because the water flows faster across your boat's running gear or rudder when heading into the current, giving your steering inputs a greater effect. Additionally, the force hitting the bow of the boat acts as a brake, slowing you down.

When docking in a strong current, it is also important to be aware of any lines that may be hanging from piers or pilings and disappearing into the water. These lines can be drawn out by the current and, if they become entangled in your propeller, you may lose control of your boat.

If possible, practice docking your boat in calm conditions with minimal current and wind. This will help you become familiar with how your boat handles and how different forces impact it. With time and experience, docking in challenging conditions will become easier, and you'll be able to adapt your techniques to each unique situation.

Docking techniques

Docking a boat in windy and/or current conditions can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be hard. Here are some techniques to help you dock your boat safely and effectively:

• Plan ahead: Before approaching the dock, shift into neutral and allow your boat to drift in the current to get a feel for how it will affect your boat. This is especially important when docking in a slip with a cross-current. Line up your boat for entry well up-current from the slip and let the current move your boat sideways into the slip while you control the forward and aft movement.
• Keep the boat in gear for maximum control: Outboards and I/Os don't steer well when they're out of gear. Approach the dock at a slow speed and use minimum throttle to maintain directional control.
• Dock into the wind and/or current: If possible, approach the dock with your bow facing the wind and/or current. This gives you more directional control at a slower speed. You can hold your boat stationary in relation to the dock and make small steering inputs to "walk" your boat sideways towards the dock.
• Choose the right side to dock: Given a choice, always dock on your port side. Right-hand rotation propellers pull the stern of the boat to port in reverse and to starboard in forward. As you shift into reverse, the prop walk will naturally walk your stern towards the dock.
• Steer like a forklift, not a car: Boats steer more like forklifts, with the steering at the back. Keep in mind that you're steering the stern more than the bow. When leaving a dock, turn your helm hard away from the dock and use dock lines or a crew member to push the stern away before shifting into forward.
• Choose the right side of the dock: When docking at a boat launch on the shore of a river, for example, the upwind/current side of the dock is generally easier to dock on. You can let the wind or current push you into the dock, but be aware that it may also make it difficult to leave. Docking on the downwind/down-current side requires sharper turns and more precise throttle control, but it will be easier to leave the dock.
• Take it slow and deliberate: Keep a cool head and act deliberately, not reflexively. Do everything at idle speed, make smooth transitions, and minimise time spent in neutral, where you have less control. Remember, there's no shame in aborting an approach and trying again.
• Use short bursts of power: In normal conditions, use short bursts of power to maintain directional control. In windy or strong current conditions, you may need to add and sustain power to overcome outside forces.
• Ferry gliding: This technique involves balancing the current off the bow with the speed and heading of the vessel. First, position your boat parallel to the dock and a few boat widths off, counteracting the drift of the current. Then, turn the bow about 30 degrees toward the dock, allowing the current to push the boat sideways. To slow down as you approach the dock, turn the bow away from the dock and parallel to the current, and pass the dock lines ashore.
• Practice: Learn how your boat handles in different conditions by practising in a safe area away from other boats. Understand the forces acting on your vessel and how to counteract them.

Ferry gliding

To begin, manoeuvre the boat into the current, positioning it parallel to the dock a few boat widths away. Keep the boat in this position by using the engine and steering to keep the centre line of the vessel aligned with the flow of the current. You can use an object on the dock, such as a shore power station, to help you determine when the boat is steady and counteracting the drift of the current.

Next, turn the bow of the boat towards the dock by about 30 degrees, while maintaining your position. The pressure of the current on the bow will push the boat sideways towards the dock. The faster the current, the faster the sideways motion of the boat. As the boat nears the dock, turn the bow away from the dock and more parallel to the current to slow down the momentum. Just before the boat reaches the dock, bring it parallel to the current and pass the dock lines ashore.

Frequently asked questions