See full version: Dock Bumpers and Fenders: Protecting your Boat from the Dock
We can’t all be perfect when it comes to docking. Even experienced boaters can face conditions that make docking safely a challenge. While it is important to have a full set of fenders on your boat, it is equally important to have bumpers on your dock. Dock fenders protect your boat (and the dock) from impact and can even help you guide your vessel into its slip. This article is a guide to the common dock fenders available and their usage.
Dock Wheels are wonderful things. They serve the dual-duty of fending your boat off the dock and assisting it into the slip. They usually come in two configurations, corner mount and side mount. At minimum install one on the corner of your dock, but even better install another along the side. If you have a full slip, install one on each corner and one on each side. On a windy day you’ll be thankful to be able to roll your boat into the slip.
Pilings add complication to docking your boat. There are several ways of dealing with pilings. It’s a good idea to have fender boards on the boat to use when you are out and about, but if the piling is in your own slip, you’ll likely want a more permanent bumper on the piling itself. Strap-on piling bumpers that wrap around pilings can serve this purpose. Good ol’ tires can be used as well by dropping them over the top of a piling and down to the dock. Pile enough tires like this to make a full bumper. here
Many modern boats now come with joystick controls, and this new technology makes docking a breeze. But what if you have a more modest craft with a single inboard engine and no bow or stern thrusters? Docking is more difficult for sure. But once you master the controls, you'll feel like a rock star. more
Two flies in the ointment are wind and current, which can upset an otherwise perfect docking maneuver. When wind or current is from the side, it will either push you too close to or too far from the dock. These additional challenges are why you need to practice and get comfortable with your boat so that you can dock in most any condition. If conditions are bad enough, and it looks like you really can't get into your slip, seek alternative dockage until conditions improve. here
If your boat has a prop that rotates in the other direction, you'll often find that tying up to port may be the preferred option. That said, even at idle speeds a single-screw boat will tend to favor turning one way or the other, and this can be used to advantage when docking and maneuvering at slow speeds. [links]
ShoreMaster Aluminum Decking Choices
For many traditionalists, wood decking such as red cedar or IPE hardwood is the only way to go when it comes to decking for docks. This is because these types of woods contain natural oils and tannins to resist rot, decay and insects without having to be pre-treated with potentially dangerous or harmful chemicals. Plus, many dock owners like the look and feel of a natural wood decking on their dock. It is important to note that wood decking will require more maintenance than aluminum or composite decking. A general recommendation is to power wash your wood decking annually and apply a coat of finish or stain every three to four years to keep it looking great. When choosing wood decking, it’s important to consider that natural wood decking can absorb the sun’s rays and become warm to the touch on especially hot days, on the flip side, wood decking will generally feel nice and warm even on cool days with plenty of sunshine. more
ShoreMaster’s white painted aluminum decking will add years of worry free, maintenance free enjoyment to your lake living experience. Because it’s manufactured from aluminum, it will never rot, twist, or warp, and you’ll never have to worry about applying stain or finish to keep it looking great. Powder coated in brilliant white, you’ll get a clean, modern looking surface that stays cool to the touch even on warm summer days. Our aluminum panels are treaded to provide you with a safe, slip resistant surface that is as comfortable, as it is beautiful.
Long ago, ShoreMaster realized that not all dock decking is created equal depending on how you intend to use your dock. That’s why today, ShoreMaster offers the widest range of decking choices among all dock manufacturers in the industry, and ShoreMaster decking is regarded one of the highest quality decking options available today.
When it comes to upgrading an existing dock system, or purchasing a new one, there is no more important choice to the dock owner than the decking. When it comes to dock decking, more choices are definitely better than fewer. We all know that docks are used for varying reasons, as well as some common ones such as providing access to a boat or pontoon, or fishing and swimming. Docks are also used for work, special events, and relaxation. Not all dock decking is created equal, and not all dock manufacturers have as many decking choices as ShoreMaster.
“Not All Dock Manufacturers Have As Many Decking Choices As ShoreMaster”
First, get your lines ready and attached to cleats on the correct side of the boat well before starting the docking process. You’ll want to approach the dock slowly, and you might need to alternate between neutral and minimal forward throttle to maintain that steady and slow forward motion. However, don’t spend so much time in neutral that the tide or wind starts to dictate your heading. Remember, a boat without thrust also has little to no steering, so you’ll want to maintain just enough thrust to allow you to keep control of the boat. [links]
Rowland’s expert approach to docking revolves around judicious use of thrust and steering, and picking the correct line for your turn. [links]
Unless, of course, you know how to do it. And the best way to become proficient at just about anything is through competent instruction and a little practice. In this short video, Mercury Pro Team member Tom Rowland will show you how to ease your boat up to a dock that’s positioned perpendicular to your direction of travel. That is, for example, a dock that runs east and west and you’re approaching it from the north. more
Rowland is co-host of the “Saltwater Experience” TV show, not to mention a legendary guide and angler. He’s also docked more boats than he can count in virtually every marina configuration and weather condition imaginable, so he knows more than a little bit about how to do it safely and gently every single time. more
As you approach the dock at a 90-degree angle, you’ll need to start making your turn a little earlier than you probably imagine, as Rowland demonstrates in the video. The goal is to put the bow of the boat into position at the dock with your last bit of forward momentum. If you’ve timed it right, you’ll drift the last several feet in neutral, and the rub rail will just “kiss” the dock as the boat stops. To pull the stern in, simply turn the steering wheel fairly hard toward the dock and apply just a little reverse thrust for a couple of seconds. That will stop any forward movement and pull the aft end of the boat to the dock. Then – after making certain that the boat is out of gear – attach your midship line to the dock and secure the boat.