Docking & Tying Up without the Drama

I’ve lost count of how many weekends Karen and I spent on the bridge of our sportfish watching docking mishaps, or walking marina docks and marveling at the creative ways people found to tie up their boats. While we may be on a center console these days, I’ve seen enough docking situations over the years to know that it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few tips to keep docking simple, drama-free, and maybe even keep the peace between you and your partner.

Take it slow. As a general rule, forget the throttle exists during docking maneuvers. Years ago, a licensed captain gave me a piece of advice I still pass along: “It’s okay to kiss the pilings, but it’s not okay to smack them.” Keep your hands and fingers clear—that’s what the rub rail is for. And finally, ditch the boat hook. When the captain positions the boat properly from the helm, the mate should be able to simply lift the dock line off the piling by hand.

Getting the boat into position is only half the battle. What you do next can determine whether docking goes smoothly or turns chaotic. When backing into a slip, set the forward spring line first. It’s the most important line to get secured. A boat can safely move from side to side, but you don’t want it sliding backward into the dock. Securing the forward spring stabilizes the boat immediately and gives you time to set the remaining lines.

There are a few different ways to rig your dock lines. Some captains pre-set their lines with the eye on the boat cleat. While convenient, this doesn’t give you much flexibility when dealing with strong winds or unusual tides. Securing the eye loops to the pilings instead allows you to adjust the tension from the boat’s cleats. Once you have your lines set the way you like them, mark the cleat position with colored electrical tape. Using a distinct color for your spring lines can make things even easier. Another practical option is to use pre-measured loops on the boat for the bow and forward spring lines while keeping the stern lines fully adjustable.

So, how many lines do you actually need? Six is the standard: two bow lines, a forward spring, an aft spring, and two stern lines. Unless your dock configuration calls for something different, six is usually plenty. You’ll often see boats wrapped in eight, ten, or even twelve lines, but extra rigging won’t make up for proper technique. And how tight should those lines be?

Tight is the answer. On floating docks, this is a no-brainer. Even on fixed docks, you want your boat tied snugly at mid-tide. Quality dock lines have enough stretch to accommodate tidal changes while keeping the boat from moving excessively. Keeping your lines snug is especially important when the wind picks up. The wind can create a pendulum effect, causing the boat to swing back and forth and repeatedly slam against the pilings.

Docking doesn’t have to be intimidating—or stressful. With the right setup, good communication, and a calm approach, getting in and out of your slip can become just another routine part of boating. I hope these tips make your time on the water a little easier—and your docking a lot less dramatic.

Until next time, fair winds!

By: Dave Trostle Published and revised10/1/2026