9 Things to Remember When Tying Up Your Boat to a Dock

Tying a boat to a dock securely involves using lines and cleats to hold your boat in place. Here’s a general breakdown of the process:

Before you dock:

• Fenders: Make sure your fenders are deployed along the sides of your boat to cushion any bumps against the dock.

Lines and Cleats:

• Your boat will likely have cleats (short horns for tying lines) at the bow (front) and stern (back) and possibly midship (middle). The dock will also have cleats or bollards (posts for tying lines).
• You’ll typically use three lines:
  • Bow line: Ties the front of the boat to the dock cleat ahead of the bow.
  • Stern line: Ties the back of the boat to the dock cleat behind the stern.
  • Spring line: Provides diagonal tension to prevent the boat from moving forward or backward. This is the most crucial line.

Tying the Lines (Cleat Hitch):

1. Loop the dock line around the base of a cleat on the dock.
2. Bring the working end of the line up over the top of the cleat.
3. Wrap the line around the opposite cleat horn.
4. Bring the line back down under the first cleat horn, creating a second loop around the base.
5. Pull the working end of the line tight to secure it.

Docking the Boat:

1. Approach the dock slowly and at an angle.
2. Have someone on the dock: Ideally, have someone on the dock to catch your lines and help you maneuver the boat into position.
3. Secure the lines in order:
   • Tie the bow line first to the cleat ahead of the bow.
   • Tie the spring line diagonally from a cleat near the stern to a cleat further forward on the dock (angled away from the bow). This prevents fore and aft movement.
   • Tie the stern line to the cleat behind the stern.
4. Cleat knots: There are variations on the cleat hitch, like the complex cleat knot, which offers extra security for longer stays. You can find videos demonstrating these knots online.

Additional Tips:

• Use lines of appropriate length and strength for your boat size.
• Inspect your lines and cleats for any wear and tear before docking.
• Consider wind and current conditions when positioning your boat.
• Do not tie your lines to railings or anything other than designated cleats.