Docks and Docking Skills - resources for cruising sailors

Checklists for Going Sailing

[Site]

By Geoff Kuenning

For those who like checklists, compare yours with these extensive equipment and procedure lists for anchoring, docking, or mooring, departure or arrival, on daysailing, overnight, or long-distance trips.

[Geoff Kuenning, Claremont, CA, USA]
- Read the mooring checklist

Fit To Be Tied

[Offline]

Brief How-To

Four pages of photos of how NOT to secure your boat to a dock or pilings, with commentary on security and chafing gear.

[Practical Sailor, 1 July 2003]
- Preview the Practical Sailor back issue

How To Do Key Things

[Site]

Personal resource list By Bill Dietrich

Extensive grab bag of checklists for sending distress calls, abandoning ship, contacting important people, dealing with medical emergencies, a fouled propeller, dead batteries, and dozens of other difficult situations.

[Bill Dietrich, USA]
- Thoughts on docking problems

The Particulars of Rafting Up

[Article]

Brief How-To By Mark Matthews
The Particulars of Rafting Up

Brief tips on how to moor alongside without damaging your or your host′s vessel and how to know when rafting is not appropriate, with suggestions for making yourself a cooperative and welcome neighbor.

[SailNet, 21 May 2003]
- Rafting technique

The Mechanics of Mooring

[Article]

Brief How-To By Mark Matthews
The Mechanics of Mooring

The advantages and risks of picking up a guest mooring. How to handle the approach, pick up the mooring, and make fast.

[SailNet, 20 May 2002]
- Mooring advice for yachts

Smart Maneuvers Around a Dock

[Offline]

Brief How-To By Dick Everitt

Diagram-laden advice on using spring lines to turn, stop, or maneuver when docking and leaving the dock or turning sharply off a mooring. 1 page.

[Sail Magazine, October 2001]
- Order the Sail Magazine back issue

Maneuvering Under Power

[Article]

Brief How-To By Mark Matthews
Maneuvering Under Power

Docking suggestions for determining tidal current, checking traffic, clearing up lines and fenders, and controlling the boat when backing.

[SailNet, 7 March 2003]
- Read the docking tips

Building a Mahogany Boathook

[Site]

"A boring, lousy aluminum or plastic boathook, as commonly seen, is not a pleasing aesthetic addition" to your boat, according to the author who gives instructions on making one that will beautify your boat. Photos

[Timothy Lackey, North Yarmouth, ME, USA]
- Tips on making your own boathook

Creative Cruising Solutions

[Article]

Brief How-To By Sue & Larry
Creative Cruising Solutions

Make your own stowable rubrail for docking, a hanging seat in the companionway, a container for storing and moving chain, and refrigerator temperature alarm.

[SailNet, 30 December 2002]
- Anchor chain caddy