Volvo Penta – 10 Tips
Docking a boat requires careful consideration and execution to ensure a safe and successful result. The following tips outline the key steps to follow when approaching and securing your vessel to a dock.
PREPARE YOUR BOAT: Before approaching the dock, prepare your boat by ensuring that your fenders are set, your lines are properly rigged, and your equipment is stowed away. This will help you avoid any last-minute distractions or delays when boat docking.
APPROACH GRADUALLY AND AT AN ANGLE: Approach the dock gradually and at a slight angle. This approach will enable you to maintain control of your boat with brief bursts of power, while minimizing any potential damage to your boat or the dock.
KEEP A WATCHFUL EYE ON THE WIND AND CURRENT: Always keep an eye on the wind and current and adjust your approach accordingly. Aim towards the wind and allow the current to assist you in the docking process.
PROCEED SLOWLY AND PLAN AHEAD: Proceed slowly, take your time to strategize your docking process, and always plan a couple of steps ahead. Rushing the docking process can result in accidents or damage to your boat.
USE YOUR SENSES: Keep an eye on your surroundings and use your senses to help guide your approach. Listen for the sound of water rushing past the hull of the docking boat, or feel the boat’s movement in response to the wind and current.
KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE: Maintain a safe distance from other boats, obstacles and the dock itself. This will give you plenty of room to maneuver and avoid collisions.
HAVE A BACKUP PLAN: Always have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. Know your escape routes, have extra lines ready, and be prepared to abort the docking if necessary.
SECURE YOUR BOAT AFTER DOCKING: Once your boat is in the desired position, fasten it with mooring lines. When leaving your boat unattended, always double-check that the mooring lines are securely fastened to prevent any accidents or damage.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: Docking a boat can be challenging and boat docking techniques vary. Therefore, it’s essential to practice in different weather and water conditions to develop your boat docking skills and gain confidence. Practice will help you anticipate potential issues, understand your boat’s capabilities, and perfect your docking technique. With time and practice, you will master the art of docking your boat safely and efficiently.
The industry’s first fully integrated assisted docking
system elevates the boating experience; taking
some of the stress out of docking by automating
the driver’s intentions and compensating for wind
and current, giving the captain more control.
HOW TO DOCK A BOAT WITH VOLVO PENTA ASSISTED DOCKING
With the Assisted Docking system, you can perform boat docking smoothly and securely, regardless of the circumstances, whether you are docking a twin-engine boat or docking a single engine boat. Experience the seamless combination of state-of-the-art technology and 100+ years of innovative marine expertise, all in the palm of your hand.
ENGAGE VOLVO PENTA ASSISTED DOCKING: As you get closer to the dock, enable the Volvo Penta Assisted Docking system. The intuitive Assisted Docking feature employs GPS and advanced sensors to determine the boat’s position, speed and direction, making docking safe and easy.
STEER WITH CONFIDENCE USING JOYSTICK DOCKING: With the user-friendly Volvo Penta joystick, direct your vessel effortlessly towards the dock. The Assisted Docking system automatically counteracts wind and current, allowing you to concentrate on accuracy and control.
With Volvo Penta Assisted Docking, mastering the art of boat docking becomes an empowering part of your marine experience. You can dock with ease, knowing that you have the expertise and integrated technology of Volvo Penta guiding your every move.
www.volvopenta.com/marine for more details.
Published in print July-September 2023
