Tying up a boat at a dock is one of those techniques that are simple yet slick-looking. It’s also an important skill for all boaters to do as if it’s their second nature since this is what keeps the boat moored in the dock once you’re done using it for your boating adventures. Plus, it helps assure the safety of the passengers onboard and the protection of the boat itself.

For novice boaters, who have a lot of things to learn along the road (or along the water?) when it comes to all things boating, tying a boat to a dock can be tricky, especially when they are doing it alone. Learning how to properly tie a boat to a dock is an important skill. You can experience major problems if you don’t do it right. Prevent those hitches from happening by reading this simple guide on how to tie a boat to a dock the right way.

Accessories to Use When Tying a Boat to a Dock

Before getting started with learning to tie a boat, you need to prepare your accessories first. All the items you need should be available at your local marine boat stores.

Boat Cleats: To tie your boat to a dock, you need to secure your lines to the boat in some way. Cleats are the ideal way to tie up your boat. They’re simple to use, strong and convenient. Cleats are T-shaped hardware, usually made of galvanized metal, but sometimes made from wood. If your boat doesn’t already have cleats attached, you can purchase and install them yourself. Since they come in many shapes and sizes, you can select ones that match the aesthetic and functionality of your boat. Be sure to purchase enough for both the port and starboard sides because you need to be able to tie up from either side or from both when docking in a slip. Since properly tying up a boat requires at least three lines, you should have three cleats on either side.

Bumpers: Properly tying up a boat means thinking about protecting your asset from damage. Bumping against the dock can scratch the paint at best and dent the fibreglass or aluminium boat. To avoid damage, use bumpers. These are protective gear made from foam or rubber or a combination of other materials. They attach to the sides of your boat and act as a buffer between your boat and the dock. The number of bumpers you’ll need depends on the size of your boat. The bigger the boat, the bigger the bumpers should be.

Ropes: To tie your boat, you’ll need sturdy lines of rope. Ensure you have a sufficient line available and keep an extra set of ropes on hand in case your primary set gets lost or damaged. The preferred type of rope for boating is nylon rope as this strong and flexible. Plus, they are also cheap and widely available.

Tying the Boat to the Dock

Prepare the Boat for Tying

Before docking your boat, run through a mental checklist of everything you need to tie up your boat. Make sure your boat cleats are secured to your boat. You should do this before you get underway. Have your dock lines already tied to your boat’s cleats. Ensure the ropes are organized and not tangled, as untangling ropes while docking can be time-consuming and unsafe. Then, make sure you drop your bumpers down before docking so they’re ready to absorb the impact of docking. As you approach the dock, be sure to assess the state of the dock itself. Ask yourself whether it looks safe. Ensure the dock’s cleats or pilings are secure and can withstand your boat’s weight.

Set Up the Dock Lines

Dock lines refer to the angle at which you’ll tie the ropes to the dock from the boat. Generally, there are three dock lines used to tie up a boat, each with a layout that serves a specific purpose. The three main dock lines used when tying one side of the boat to a dock are the bowline, the spring line (positioned somewhere between the bow and stern of the boat), and the stern line.

Tie the Dock Lines

Once you’ve settled on which dock lines to use and you have the ropes set up for tying, toss them to the dock. As you prepare your lines or when you throw your lines to the dock for tying, be very careful not to let the rope fall into the water, as it can get caught in your propeller or obstructions under the water’s surface.

Always start by tossing your spring line to someone on the dock. That way, they can adjust the position of the boat and hold it in place while you follow the remaining steps.

The first line to tie to the dock is the bow line. Tie the bow line of the boat to one of the dock cleats that’s ahead of the bow. Tie the spring line to the dock at an angle away from the bow and toward the stern, securing it to a cleat closest to the stern. Tie the stern line to a dock cleat that’s behind the stern. Make sure every line should be tied at a non-right angle from the boat to the dock. Having every line angled allows the boat to move with the waves.