BOATsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Just like parking your car in a busy parking lot, docking your boat at a busy marina presents opportunities for your boat to get damaged. Additionally, the weather conditions will have an effect on your docking procedure—wind and current in particular.

To cast off or to return to the dock safely, consider these four factors:

1. The direction of the wind and/or current—is it with or against your direction of travel?
2. The size of your boat and space at the dock—is there enough room for you to dock safely?
3. The depth of the water—make sure the docking area is deep enough for your boat’s waterline draft.
4. The amount of traffic in the area. Are there other boats or swimmers around?