Securing Your Ski Boat: Dock Tying Techniques

Learning how to tie a ski boat to a dock is an essential skill for any boat owner. Proper tying techniques are crucial for protecting your boat and ensuring your safety. Before docking your boat, it is important to prepare your gear, including cleats, fenders or bumpers, and sturdy lines of rope. When tying up your boat, follow specific steps to ensure the tension load is evenly distributed across the lines, and always be mindful of weather conditions and potential damage to your boat.

Use a simple cleat knot to fasten the looped end of the rope

To use a simple cleat knot to fasten the looped end of the rope, start by making a loop with the rope. Then, feed this loop through the cleat, which is the space between the cleat and the dock, and in between the cleat's screws. Next, grab the loop from the other side of the cleat and spread it so that it wraps around the cleat's horns. Finally, tug on the rope's tails to tighten the loop to the cleat.

The simple cleat knot is a temporary solution and is best used when securing the boat for a short period or when the person on the dock is unfamiliar with tying a more complex knot. It is an easy knot to learn and prevents the rope from falling into the water.

Use a cleat hitch to fasten the unlooped end

To use a cleat hitch to fasten the unlooped end of the rope, follow these steps:

First, loop the line once over and around the bottom of the cleat. Then, slide the line over the top of the cleat and wrap it around the opposite prong of the cleat. Next, trail the rope over the cleat again to form a figure-eight shape. Finally, make a small, underhand loop and place it over the first arm of the cleat. Tug on the end of the rope to secure the knot.

The cleat hitch is a more complex knot than the simple cleat knot, which is used to fasten the looped end of the rope. The cleat hitch is preferred for longer stays at the dock and provides added safety and security. It is important to be familiar with this type of knot and know how to tie it securely, as it is essential for ensuring your boat is safely tied to the dock and preventing damage or potential injury.

When tying your boat to the dock, always be mindful of safety considerations. Avoid letting the rope fall into the water, as it can get caught in the propeller. Additionally, regularly inspect your ropes for any signs of damage or fraying, and replace them as needed. By following these steps and staying vigilant, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable boating experience.

Tie a clove hitch to fasten the lines to pilings

To tie a clove hitch to fasten the lines to pilings, start by grabbing a piece of rope with your two hands, holding it 6-12 inches apart. Make a loop with your right hand, with the down rope behind the horizontal rope. Then, with your left hand, make another loop, this time with the down rope in front of the horizontal rope. You should now have one down rope in front and one down rope behind the horizontal rope.

Take the loop with the rope on the backside of the horizontal rope and place it over the loop with the rope on the front side without folding either loop. This will result in a single loop where you can place an object in the centre of the hitch. Finally, dress and set the knot.

The clove hitch is also known as the builder's knot and is a good way to secure your ski boat to a dock. However, it is recommended that you use a clove hitch in combination with another knot, as it can slip or bind.

Prepare your boat for tying

Before docking your boat, run through a mental checklist of everything you need to tie up your boat. Make sure your boat cleats are secured to your boat. You should do this before you get underway. Always carry a screwdriver on board to be able to fasten the cleats to your boat in case any screws loosen over time.

Have your dock lines already tied to your boat’s cleats. Ensure the ropes are organised and not tangled, as untangling ropes while docking can be time-consuming and unsafe. Finally, make sure you drop your bumpers down prior to docking so they’re ready to absorb the impact of docking.

As you approach the dock, be sure to assess the state of the dock itself. Ask yourself whether it looks safe. Ensure the dock’s cleats or pilings are secure and can withstand your boat’s weight.

If you’re docking on a lake, there’s a lower risk of fluctuating water levels compared to ocean boating. Therefore, there’s less concern over having enough spring in your lines regardless of how long your boat is tied up.

If you’re approaching your dock against the current, shifting into neutral or turning your engine off too soon can cause you to float away from the dock. If you are approaching the dock with the current, be careful of your speed; too much speed coupled with a strong current can cause you to crash into the dock and damage your boat.

Check that your boat has cleats on all sides. Cleats are T-shaped metal hardware that are usually placed on the sides of the boat, close to the edge. There will also be cleats on the sides of the dock. Most boats will have cleats on the bow, stern, and sides for docking.

If your boat does not have cleats, mount your own cleats using thru-bolts with backing plates. Simply using screws to secure the cleat to the deck might cause the cleats to break away under strain.

If you don't have cleats, you can use the frame-mounted handrails on the inside of the gunnel. Go from one on the bow to a forward cleat, then tie from the wakeboard tower (around mid-ship) to the dock cleat, then back over to the stern handrail on whichever side you tie up on.

If you are docking in a slip, align the boat with the slip's lane, then alternate the boat in forward and neutral to let it coast into the slip. Reverse to stop the boat when it's securely in the slip.

If you don't have cleats, you can also use a bow eye or lifting eyes.

Set up the dock lines

Dock lines refer to the angle at which you’ll tie the ropes to the dock from the boat. Generally, there are three dock lines used to tie up a boat, each with its own configuration that serves a specific purpose. These are the bow line, the spring line, and the stern line.

The bow line comes off either the port or starboard side of the bow cleat. The spring line comes off either the port or starboard side of a boat cleat and is positioned somewhere between the bow and the stern. The stern line comes off either the port or starboard side of the stern cleat.

Alternatively, if you’re docking your boat in a slip — where a dock is on either side of the boat — you can secure your boat from both sides. In this case, you’ll use at least four dock lines — the port and starboard bow lines and the port and starboard stern lines.

In certain cases, such as the need to tie up quickly in an emergency, you can use a single dock line to tie up. The breast line is a single dock line that comes straight from the midship cleat to the dock’s cleat. This dock line setup should only be done in rare cases or for brief periods, as it’s the least secured dock line option.

When setting up the dock lines, be very careful not to let the rope fall into the water, as it can get caught in your prop or someone else’s.

Once you’ve settled on which dock lines to use and you have the ropes set up for tying, toss them to the dock. As a general rule, the more dock lines, the more secure your boat will be.

Frequently asked questions