LARSON Bass - Docking

OPERATING THE BOAT
© 2003-2018 Ken Cook Co.
SECTION
7
Bass l 7 - 17
DOCKING
Practice leaving and approaching the dock to become familiar with the procedures.
Helpful guidelines when departing from the dock:
• Make sure you have sufficient space to maneuver the boat away from the
dock, other boats and any other obstacles that may hinder your departure.
• Always allow sufficient clearance to the stern for the engine to clear any
obstructions.
• Be aware of other boat traffic, wind and water conditions before departing.
• Make sure the engine is started and you have boat movement under
control before casting off any mooring lines.
• Always proceed slowly when departing from a dock.
Helpful guidelines when docking:
• Make sure you have sufficient space to maneuver your boat around the
dock, other boats and any other obstacles that may hinder your approach.
• Be aware of other boat traffic, wind and water conditions on your
approach.
• Approach from a direction against the wind or current.
• When possible, approach slowly from a 45-degree angle and then steer
parallel to the dock.
• Have fenders, dock lines and assistance ready.
Personal Injury Hazard: Never use your hand, arm or
any other part of your body to attempt to keep the boat from hitting the dock.
The boat could push against the dock, causing severe injury.
• If possible, throw a mooring line to a person on the dock and have that
person secure the bow. With the bow secure, swing the stern in with the
engine or pull it in using a boat hook or the stern line.
• Tie off the bow and then the stern.
• Use bow and stern dock lines, as well as spring lines, for additional
security.
• Use fenders to protect the boat from damage.
• Never attach a dock line to a point or part of the boat that is not designed
to withstand the stress and the weight of the boat.
• If planning on docking the boat for a long period of time, use chafing
protectors on the lines to protect the boat’s finish.