Learning how to dock a boat isn't hard; it's just a matter of practice, patience, and applying the right boating safety tips given the conditions.
One of the most important things to consider when learning how to dock a boat is how wind and current can affect your boat, and how to adjust your approach accordingly.
After considering wind and current, you should follow different steps to dock your boat depending on the type of engine your boat has. Once you are familiar with the steps to docking a boat with an outboard engine or inboard engine, you will be able to safely bring your vessel back to the lake docks or ocean docks after a day on the water.
If you have a boat with an outboard or stern drive engine, follow these steps when learning how to dock a boat.
Learn how to select the right boat fenders. Video provided by Westmarine.
If your boat has an inboard engine, the steps you follow when learning how to dock a boat will be slightly different. The main difference is that your boat's rudder will be used to bring your stern in toward the dock.
To learn more about the boating basics, sign up for a boating safety course in your state.
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