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There is nothing better than spending the day on the water in Pembroke Pines, FL, unfortunately, at some point you’ll have to dock the boat, which is a commonly dreaded task for almost all boaters. Regardless of the size of your boat, the wind or the current, it is the close-quarter maneuvering that requires patience and calmness. The good news, there are a few tricks to help make docking safer and easier. Here are a few tips from McCormick Insurance Inc. to help make docking safe and easy.
Approach at a Safe Speed
It is extremely important that you never approach the dock at rate of speed that you want to hit it. Some people like to play around by shifting and throttle, but if the best boater can misjudge the drift and distance or stall the engine, which only leaves the boat, stalled until it regains momentum. The safest way to approach the dock is a slow, steady speed and always be alert to your surroundings.
Keep Arms and Legs Inside the vessel
It is critical that you warn your passengers to keep their legs and arms inside the boat and away from any points of pinching between the dock and the boat. The safest move is to have suspended fenders in place in case the boat lands harder than expected. Arms and legs outside the boat are at risk of serious injury, especially should you hit the dock hard or if there is any debris alongside the dock.
Gauge the Wind
The wind is a primary enemy of boaters, especially when docking. It’s important to gauge the wind force and the direction before heading into the dock; this will help you determine whether you can overcome it or benefit from it. For instance, docking is often easier when the wind is pushing in the direction of the pier. It’s also best to approach a mooring against the current, so always gauge the current when docking; the momentum and direction determine the safest approach.
Remember there’s only one captain on the boat, so don’t get overwhelmed with passengers interfering with your docking plans. Always have a clear plan and prepare all passengers for the landing. Experience and knowledge are key to a fun and safe boating, so always be mindful of surroundings and make sure all passengers wear life jackets.
Residents of Pembroke Pines, FL that are interested in learning more information about boat insurance or upgrading their policy should contact McCormick Insurance Inc.