How To Tie Up A Boat 9 Steps With Pictures

There are 9 possible dock lines on a boat, however, you should only use 3-4 lines at once to tie up the boat. Using too many dock lines can cause the ropes to become tangled and actually make the boat less secure. If you’re working with a crew, be sure to give each person clear instructions about which line to hold and when to move from the boat to the dock. [2] X Expert Source Nitzan LevySailing Instructor Expert Interview. 24 April 2020.

Make sure the dock lines touch both sides of the dock so the boat stays in place. Be very careful not to let the ropes fall into the water, because they can get caught in the prop. [4] X Expert Source Nitzan LevySailing Instructor Expert Interview. 24 April 2020.

A good rule of them is to always make sure the stern, bow, and spring lines are attached at all times when you tie up the boat, as they are the most secure lines. You then add a breast line if you’d like once the other 3-4 lines are secure, but this is not required.

Use simple cleat knots to secure all the dock lines for a quick, easy way to tie up the boat. If you have someone helping you hold the lines and they’re not comfortable tying knots, be sure they know not to let go of the rope until you can come and tie a knot for them. That way, the boat won’t slide out of the slip. [7] X Expert Source Nitzan LevySailing Instructor Expert Interview. 24 April 2020.

You should have a nice, tight figure 8 shape on the cleats when you form a complex cleat knot. Use a complex cleat knot for all the dock lines, if you decide to use it.

Make sure you use the clove knot for all 3-4 dock lines so the boat is tied securely to the piling.

If your boat does not have cleats, you can buy them at your local boating store or online and attach them to your boat, making sure they’re mounted using thru-bolts with backing plates. Simply using screws to secure the cleat to the deck invites failure when the cleat comes under strain.

Pilings are also sometimes used if you plan to dock your boat for several weeks or months, as they can keep it secure for a long period of time.

You can find fenders at your local boating store or online. If you decide to use fenders, attach them to your boat using the ties on the fenders. Leave them on, hanging inside the boat, until it is time to dock. Then, place them on the outside of the boat before you set up the dock lines.