Tying A Boat To A Dock: Understanding Cleats And Knots

Tying a boat to a dock is a crucial skill for any boating enthusiast to learn. It is important to know how to do this properly to protect your boat and save yourself time. There are several methods and techniques to effectively and securely tie a boat to a dock, depending on the scenario.

Types of dock

There are several types of docks available for boats, each with its own advantages and ideal applications. Here is a list of some of the most common types of docks:

• Floating Docks: These docks are usually made of plastic, aluminum, concrete, or wood, and feature air- or foam-filled flotation drums that keep them afloat. They are ideal for waterfront residents who need to remove docks seasonally or who live by calm waters. They can accommodate various watercraft and activities such as boating, swimming, and kayaking. Floating docks are also easy to install, remove, and maintain.
• Pile-Driven Docks: These docks are secured in place by wooden or metal poles (pilings) that are driven deep into the ground below the dock. They provide maximum stability and can accommodate any type of watercraft. Pile-driven docks are ideal for owners who do not plan on altering their waterfront access and can withstand most water conditions.
• Rolling Docks: These docks combine the flexibility of floating docks with the stability of pile-driven docks. They are often made of lightweight aluminum and feature plastic wheels that make removal and installation easy. Rolling docks can accommodate most watercraft and activities but may not be compatible with all shoreline conditions, especially rocky or soft ground.
• Crib Docks: These docks consist of decking placed on top of a wooden or aluminum frame filled with large rocks. They are meant to be stationary and permanent and offer exceptional stability. Crib docks are well-suited for heavy use and rough conditions but may disrupt water flow and wildlife.
• Suspension Docks: These docks hang over the water's surface from cables attached to earthbound pilings or a waterside building. They are attractive and innovative but may be more susceptible to damage in stormy weather as they cannot move with the water level.
• Fixed Docks: Also known as stationary or permanent docks, fixed docks are securely anchored to the shoreline or pilings. They are ideal for shorelines that experience minimal fluctuations in water height and provide a stable platform.
• Removable Docks: These docks are practical for areas with fluctuating water levels or deep waters. Some common types include floating docks, sectional docks, and wheel-in docks, which provide flexibility and adaptability.

Types of rope

When docking a boat, it is important to use the right type of rope to secure it to the dock. The rope, also known as a dock line, should be strong, durable, and able to absorb the shock of waves and wind.

Nylon is the most popular choice for boat ropes due to its strength, UV resistance, and stretchiness. This flexibility is crucial in situations where rocking or tides cause slack in the lines. It is also easier to handle than other materials such as Dacron and polypropylene, which are either inflexible or vulnerable to UV damage and chafing.

There are three main types of nylon rope construction: three-strand, double-braided, and mega-braid. Three-strand ropes are the most traditional and affordable type, known for their durability and stretch. They are easy to splice but can stiffen over time, making them difficult to use with cleats. Double-braided lines, on the other hand, are stronger and more flexible, with better abrasion resistance, but they are also more expensive. Mega-braid lines are large-diameter ropes used for larger boats, offering a combination of strength, durability, and ease of handling.

In addition to nylon, polyester and polypropylene are also used for dock lines. Polyester dock lines are highly resistant to UV rays and abrasion, making them durable and long-lasting, although they are not as stretchy as nylon. Polypropylene lines are lightweight and float on water, making them ideal for temporary docking or as throw lines. However, they are less durable than nylon or polyester.

When choosing a dock line, it is important to consider factors such as the size and weight of the boat, the docking conditions, and the local weather and water environment. The breaking load, or tensile strength, of the rope is also crucial, as it needs to withstand the various forces acting on the boat, such as wind, waves, and the boat's weight. Regular inspection and maintenance of dock lines are necessary to ensure optimal performance and prevent wear and tear.

Types of knot

There are several types of knots that can be used to tie a boat to a dock. Here are some of the most common ones:

Cleat Hitch

The cleat hitch is widely used by boaters to secure their boats to a dock. It is designed to be easily tied and untied, with superior strength to hold watercraft securely. To tie a cleat hitch:

• Wrap the line once around the base of the cleat and bring it over the top.
• Wrap the line around the opposite side of the cleat and bring it over the top again.
• Wrap the line under the first arm again, forming a figure-eight pattern. Then, form an underhand loop and slip it over the first arm to create a firm hold.
• Pull the free end of the rope tight to secure the knot.

Bowline Knot

The bowline knot creates a firm hold that is easy to untie, making it useful for temporary mooring. It forms a fixed loop at the end of the rope that can be placed around a post or cleat. To tie a bowline knot:

• Lay the rope across your left hand with the free end hanging down.
• Bring the free end up to form an eyehole ("rabbit hole") and pass it through the eyehole from the underside of the rope ("rabbit coming out of the hole").
• Wrap the free end around the standing or fixed part of the line and back down through the eyehole ("rabbit travelling around the tree and back down into the hole").
• Tighten the knot by pulling on the free end while holding the standing or fixed part of the line.

Clove Hitch

The clove hitch is commonly used for temporary mooring and can be tied to dock posts or rails. It is easy to tie and untie, but it should be used with caution as it can slip if there isn't constant pressure on the line or if the object it is attached to rotates. To tie a clove hitch:

• Wrap the free end of the line around the post or rail.
• Cross the line over itself and wrap the free end around the post again.
• Slip the free end under the last wrap.
• Pull the knot tight by pulling on both the free end and the standing end of the line.

Figure Eight Knot

The figure-eight knot is one of the strongest knots, often used by rock climbers to hold their gear. It creates a firm, non-slip loop at the end of the line, making it essential for securely holding a boat to mooring locations. To tie a figure-eight knot:

• Tie a single eight in the rope, leaving a loop at the end.
• Retrace the first figure eight with the free end, leaving a loop at the bottom.
• Secure the knot by pulling all four strands of the rope tightly.

Simple Cleat Knot

The simple cleat knot is the simplest type of knot used for temporarily securing a boat or when the person on the dock is unfamiliar with more complex knots. It is not as secure as other knots, but it prevents the rope from falling into the water and saves time during the docking process. To tie a simple cleat knot:

• Make a loop with the rope and feed it through the cleat (the space between the cleat and the dock, and between the cleat's screws).
• Grab the loop from the other side of the cleat and spread it around the cleat's horns.
• Tug on the rope's tails to tighten the loop.

Complex Cleat Knot

The complex cleat knot is a more secure variation of the simple cleat knot, preferred for longer stays and added safety. To tie a complex cleat knot:

• Start by looping the rope around one side of the cleat from the bottom.
• Cross the rope over the top of the cleat to the opposite side.
• Loop the rope over the first side of the cleat a second time.
• Cross the rope over the other side of the cleat a final time, tucking the tail between the top two layers of rope.
• The final result should be one-and-a-half figure eights wrapped around the cleat, with tight tension at each step.

Docking techniques

Docking a boat can be intimidating, especially for beginners, but with a little practice, it will become second nature. Here are some techniques to help you dock your boat like a pro:

Prepare Your Boat

Before you head out, make sure you have the right equipment. You will need docking lines (also called mooring lines), fenders (also called bumpers), and cleats. Docking lines are used to tie your boat to the dock, while fenders protect your boat from scratches and damage. Cleats are T-shaped hardware, usually made of metal, that are used to secure the lines. Your boat should already have cleats attached, but if it doesn't, you can purchase and install them yourself. Make sure you have enough cleats on both the port and starboard sides of your boat.

Approach the Dock

When approaching the dock, take into account the wind, current, and water conditions. Approach at a 20- to 45-degree angle and reduce your speed as you get closer. Never approach the dock faster than you would be willing to hit it. Use short bursts of power to manoeuvre through the wind and current. If possible, choose the side of the dock that the wind is blowing towards, as it will help push your boat towards the dock.

There are two common docking techniques: docking alongside the dock and docking in a slip.

Docking Alongside the Dock

To dock your boat alongside the dock, follow these steps:

• Prepare your dock lines and fenders. Have your lines tied to your boat cleats before you approach the dock, and make sure your fenders are deployed.
• Maneuver your boat to about 1-2 feet from the dock.
• Tie the front of your boat (bow) to the dock's cleats or pilings first.
• Secure the back of the boat (stern).
• Finally, attach a spring line from one end of the boat to the opposite end of the dock. This will prevent forward and backward movement.

Docking in a Slip

A slip dock is like a parking space for your boat. To dock in a slip:

• Align your boat with the slip's lane.
• Alternate between forward and neutral gears to let your boat coast into the slip.
• Reverse to stop the boat when it's securely in the slip.
• Attach the bow lines at the front of the boat to the cleats on the dock.
• Attach the stern lines at the back of the boat, looping them into the cleats on both sides of the dock. This will prevent forward and backward movement in the slip.

Tying Knots

To secure your boat to the dock, you can use different types of knots, such as the simple cleat knot, complex cleat knot, and clove hitch. The simple cleat knot is the easiest to learn and is suitable for temporary securing or when someone on the dock is unfamiliar with tying knots. The complex cleat knot is more secure and is preferred for longer stays. The clove hitch is used for tying your boat to pilings (long wooden posts on the dock) instead of cleats.

Safety considerations

Tying a boat to a dock is a relatively simple process, but it is important to follow safety precautions to protect both passengers and the boat itself. Here are some key safety considerations to keep in mind:

Use Proper Gear:

• Ensure you have the necessary equipment, including boat cleats, dock lines or ropes, and bumpers or fenders.
• Boat cleats are used to secure the lines to the boat and are typically made of galvanized metal, polymers, or wood.
• Dock lines or ropes should be made of strong and flexible material like nylon to absorb the boat's weight and prevent snapping.
• Bumpers or fenders are protective gear that cushions the impact between the boat and the dock, preventing scratches or dents.

Prepare Your Boat for Tying:

• Before docking, inspect your boat's cleats and tighten any loose screws.
• Have your dock lines already tied to your boat cleats, ensuring they are untangled and ready for use.
• Deploy your bumpers or fenders to protect the boat from damage.
• As you approach the dock, assess its condition to ensure the dock's cleats or pilings can safely hold your boat's weight.

Follow Proper Docking Techniques:

• Use the appropriate number and types of dock lines for your docking situation.
• For docking alongside a dock, use bow and stern lines, and a spring line to prevent forward and backward movement.
• For docking in a slip, use two bow lines and two stern lines to secure the boat from moving forward or backward.
• Avoid using a single breast line for long periods as it doesn't provide enough slack to accommodate tide changes.
• Always tie your lines at an angle to allow the boat to move with the waves and tides.
• Be careful not to let the ropes fall into the water to prevent them from getting caught in the propeller.

Know Your Knots:

• Learn how to tie different types of knots, such as the cleat hitch, bowline knot, clove hitch, figure-eight knot, and others, depending on the docking situation.
• Practice these knots to ensure you can tie them securely and efficiently.
• Ensure your crew or passengers are also familiar with these knots and safety procedures.

Monitor Weather and Tides:

• Check the wind direction and tie up accordingly. Angle your boat away from the dock if the wind is blowing towards it and parallel if blowing away.
• Regularly monitor your boat as wind directions can change, affecting the boat's position.
• Refer to tide charts to anticipate water level changes and leave enough slack in your lines to accommodate rising or falling tides.

Regular Maintenance and Inspections:

• Inspect your ropes regularly for any signs of damage, such as fraying, cuts, or abrasions.
• Replace ropes that have been weakened or discolored due to prolonged exposure to the elements.
• Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD) while docking and tying up the boat until you are safely ashore.

Frequently asked questions