Michigan Boat Docking Techniques
Docking a boat can be a difficult process. Without lots of practice and some skill, boaters usually get it wrong if they are new to boat maneuvering. Even pros regularly get it wrong and end up damaging their boats. A combination of unfamiliarity with the marina, environmental conditions like wind, the strength of the water current, and even mechanical issues can all contribute to a bad experience with boat docking in Michigan.
Techniques for Docking a Boat in Any Situation
Check First
Even if a boater has docked in the same spot for years, they should still do a quick once-over of their spot before heading the boat anywhere near it. The main reason to do this is to check for any errant mooring lines, as these can easily slip off a neighboring dock. The current can then pull them across a slip, and they can thus get caught in propellers, which can lead to expensive damage to a boat.
Don’t Go Too Fast
Better to go on the slow side rather than too fast. One little mistake is all it takes to hit the pier. If the speed is slow enough, this won’t cause anything more than a jarring bump for those on board. If the speed is too fast, this mistake will cause damage to the boat.
Keep the Engines Running Until Secured
People often make a common error when docking a boat: they will cut the engine as soon as the vessel is in the slip. It's better to keep the engines running in case a piling gets out of reach because of a high current, or if someone accidentally drops a line. Plus cutting the engine just to have to start it back up all over again wastes fuel.
Don’t Be Afraid to Start Over
If a boater just can’t seem to dock on the first try, there’s no shame in backing out, circling around, and trying again. Coming at the dock from a different angle might make the job easier, anyway. If the boat just doesn’t seem to want to cooperate, tempers can flare. In these cases, a quick circle around can help the driver cool off and clear their head.
Avoid Building Momentum
Too much momentum can propel a boat straight into a collision, either with another nearby boat or with the pier. To avoid this, instead of applying steady power, boaters should go in short bursts. At the same token, using too little power will not get the job done.
The trick is to get the balance just right while taking into account wind conditions, the strength of the current, and other weather factors – this is perhaps the reason why boat docking Michigan is so difficult for so many people.
Despite the difficulties and the numerous factors involved that can throw a boat off course, docking doesn’t have to be a headache. Using common sense and a little technique can go a long way toward safely and successfully docking a boat smoothly.