How to dock and tie a boat to the dock?
Unfortunately, a boat is more often docked at the dock than it is effectively cruising around. Therefore, it is important to properly moor and secure your boat to the dock. This way, a lot of damage can often be avoided. Below we provide some practical guidelines.
Mooring ropes
- Provide adequate fenders and mooring lines
- Put a long spare line accessible in the boat of at least your boat length + 2m. Do not put it under lock and key!
- Make sure the furling genoa is properly furled and that the line blocking it is also securely fastened! An unfurled genoa is dangerous for dock workers and causes a lot of damage!
- Make sure the mooring lines are not worn down to the seam, as they will break in windy conditions
- Know your knots: a cleat stitch and a pole stitch are indispensable. Don’t know these? Read here how to do them. Here is an example of how not to do it.
Situation in the Flemish Marina Nieuwpoort
On our coast we have mostly strong winds from southwest or northeast direction. Laying additional lines should be done on the windward (windward) side.
You can also use your lines to ensure that your boat makes as little contact with the catway as possible, even if you only have one catway. Also, always put a line from the boat to the main dock, so that not all the force is on the catway.
Visually presented
At the main pontoon are catways, along which the boat lies. Attach lines from the bow and stern to the main pontoon and catway.
If storm forecast, or absent for an extended period of time:
Lay a spring (line running from back to front, or front to back) directly to the main pontoon. That will catch the forces best, and keep the catway from being overloaded.
Good example
We can clearly see a stern jump (line from stern to bow) attached to the main pontoon. This best captures the force of the wind blowing on the port side of this boat. We also see two bow lines, both attached to the main pontoon.
Some bad examples
Worn mooring lines
Unrolled genoa
Fenders too low
No jump laid
