Blog

What is the best way to cast off if the wind or current direction is away from the dock?

What is the best way to cast off if the wind or current direction is away from the dock?

Casting Off With Wind or Current Away From the Dock

  1. Cast off the bow and stern lines.
  2. Use an oar or boat hook to keep the boat clear of the dock. Let the wind or current carry the boat away from the dock.
  3. Once there is sufficient clearance, shift into forward gear and slowly leave the area.

When the wind is blowing towards a dock which line should you cast off first?

Wind or current is pushing your boat toward the dock (extra planning) Cast off all lines except an after bow spring line. This line will keep you from moving forward and allow the stern to pivot away from the dock. You may want to use a fender forward to cushion the bow of the boat against the dock.

What should you do while leaving a dock if the wind or current pushes you away from the dock?

When the wind or current is pushing your boat away from the dock the procedure is simple.

  1. Cast off lines and pull in fenders as the wind blows you away.
  2. When clear and safely away from the dock and other boats, shift to forward and depart at idle speed.

How do you approach a dock when the wind or current is pushing you away from the dock?

Docking With Wind or Current Away From the Dock

  1. Approach the dock slowly at a sharp angle (about 40 degrees).
  2. Use reverse to stop when close to the dock. Secure the bow line.
  3. Put the boat in forward gear briefly, and slowly turn the steering wheel hard away from the dock—this will swing in the stern.

How do you cast off a boat with wind?

Casting Off With Wind or Current Toward the Dock

  1. Cast off the stern line. Move and secure the bow line to a mid-boat position on the dock.
  2. Put the boat into forward gear briefly, and turn the steering wheel hard toward the dock. Increase speed slowly until the stern is well clear of the dock.
  3. Cast off the bow line.

How do you dock a boat with no wind or current?

If there is no wind or current:

  1. Approach the dock slowly at a narrow angle (about 20 degrees).
  2. When you’re close enough, have a passenger step on shore and secure the bow line.
  3. Swing the stern in with a line or boat hook, and secure it.