Tips for Docking Your Boat

Coming alongside

Docking alongside a dock and between two other boats is a likely scenario at a fuel dock or waterfront restaurant. About two boat lengths out, angle the boat 45 degrees to the dock and aim at the midpoint of your intended landing. Glide forward slowly until the bow is close to (a few feet from) turn the wheel away from the dock make sure the bow does not hit. Then, put the engine in neutral, turn the wheel opposite the dock and put the engine in reverse which will snug up the stern toward the dock. 

Bow in

Docking bow into a slip in a marina is easy and intuitive. The key is to go slowly and be ready to stop forward momentum with a quick burst in reverse once you’re alongside. If there’s wind or current, line up parallel to the slip but upwind or up-current so you get pushed into position as you move forward. Try judging the speed and direction of the current as the water wraps around the dock pilings. 

Reverse in

When backing into a slip, make an arc in front of the slip rotating the boat until your stern is about 45 degrees to the centerline of the slip. Put the engine in reverse and steer toward the centerline. Be mindful of the wind and current and adjust as you back in. Most propellers are “right-hand turning” which means they spin clockwise. They push the stern of the boat to port in reverse which is called “propwalk”. Use this when rotating and backing the boat into the slip.

If your boat is a pontoon rather than a fishing boat, much of the above still applies but remember, pontoon boats are heavier and must turn two hulls at once so they will move more slowly in the intended direction. 

Don’t leave the boat in gear as you’re adjusting with the wheel. Take a quick pause in neutral before changing directions. Be out of gear when you reach for the dock line or the piling. 

Spending a couple of hours docking repeatedly at an empty dock will build skills and confidence so you’ll be ready to take on a busy fuel dock or a tight slip. Relax, you’ve got this.

Watch boat docking tips from Lowe Boat's pro angler, Matt Becker: