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There are many different approaches to a dock when the wind or current is pushing you toward it. If there is a large opening in front of you, then you may want to try to go through this opening and use your engine so that the boat doesn’t get pushed against the side of the dock. However, if there isn’t an opening in front of you, then it can be difficult to avoid being pushed up against the side of the dock unless one person uses their weight on one side of boat while another person uses their weight on other side. When the wind or current is pushing you in one direction, it can be helpful to go with that for a while before trying to turn away from your destination.
How to Approach a Dock When the Wind or Current Is Pushing You Toward It:
If there is an opening in front of you, use your engine and go through it.
if there isn’t an opening in front of you, try to stay away from dock by using weight on either side.
When wind/current is pushing one direction for awhile, don’t fight against it–go with that until able to turn other way.
When wind/current is pushing one direction for awhile, don’t fight against it–go with that until able to turn other way.
Remember not just focus on avoiding docking but what’s coming up next as well? What do I need to do before the boat reaches its destination? Where am I going next after this stop? What obstacles are ahead of me? Remembering to think ahead will help you to plan out your course of action.
Remember not just focus on avoiding docking but what’s coming up next as well? What do I need to do before the boat reaches its destination? Where am I going next after this stop? What obstacles are ahead of me? Remembering to think ahead will help you to plan out your course of action.
Another thing that can happen is when wind and current are pushing one direction for awhile, don’t fight against it–go with that until able to turn other way. When winds/currents become very strong or change directions quickly, be careful! They may push in a direction opposite from where you want go. For example: If there is a wind coming from the left and you want to go right, don’t push against it. That will cause your boat not only to face into the wind but also lean more in that direction; this may even make the problem worse if winds are stronger than before.
If current is pushing you to port side of dock, do NOT try to turn around–you’ll crash sideways on pier or rip off fenders! Instead: *Be aware of what’s going on at dockside as well.* -Keep yourself out of other boats’ way by staying between their sterns (back ends), being close enough for them so they can see you clearly without having too much room ahead. Offer help with docking whenever possible?
Once you get close to the pier, guide your boat with the rudder and steer into dock’s current. Be careful: *You don’t want to cross currents!* If there is a lot of wind or waves coming from one side, approach that direction at an angle instead of head on.
Once your bow (front) touches in front of dock, let go of steering wheel so it doesn’t hit wall; then gently back off until stern comes up against dock as well. Make sure no one else is going backwards before you start backing away slowly–otherwise they may be crashed by your boat if they’re not paying attention! Now tie up boat securely. Your done! You’ve successfully maneuvered toward a dock when the wind or current is pushing you toward it.
Once your bow (front) touches in front of dock, let go of steering wheel so it doesn’t hit wall; then gently back off until stern comes up against dock as well. Make sure no one else is going backwards before you start backing away slowly–otherwise they may be crashed by your boat if they’re not paying attention! Now tie up boat securely. Your done! You’ve successfully maneuvered to a pier and avoided crashing into the shoreline during heavy winds or currents that are pulling you towards them.
Steps: -Ride with the current instead of fighting against it at first.–Doing this helps maintain control over your vessel while also helping you to navigate the tide. -Continue riding with current until bow (front) hits dock wall–then let go of steering wheel so it doesn’t hit wall and then gently back off while still going upriver or down river, depending on where you are at that moment, until stern comes up against dock as well.–Make sure no one else is going backwards before you start backing away slowly–otherwise they may be crashed by your boat if they’re not paying attention!
Now tie up boat securely. Your done! You’ve successfully maneuvered to a pier and avoided crashing into shoreline during heavy winds or currents that are pulling you towards them.
It’s important to remember: when in doubt, always come from the opposite side of the dock.
There are a few different approaches to docking when it feels like you’re being pushed towards shoreline by strong winds or currents: -One approach is to ride with tide until bow (front) hits pier wall–then let go of steering wheel so it doesn’t hit wall and then gently back off while still going upriver or down river, depending on where you are at that moment, until stern comes up against pier as well.–Make sure no one else is coming backwards before you start backing away slowly–otherwise they may be crashed by your boat if they’re not paying attention!
Now tie up boat securely. Your done! You’ve successfully maneuvered to pier and avoided crashing into the pier!
Boat accidents can also happen when you are trying to dock your boat. It is important that the person operating the boat be prepared for any eventuality and have a plan before docking.
-Carry this step by step instruction with you on every boating excursion so that if there’s an emergency, those nearby know exactly what to do in order to not get injured or cause injury while trying to help out as well. The more people who know these instructions, the greater chance of survival should anything go wrong. Remember: “There is no time like the present!” Act now and download them here for free today!:
