Pontoons
Docking is an important skill for anyone with a boat or jet ski to keep themselves and their passengers safe. Learning how to line up your boat with modular pontoons takes some practice, just like with any other dock. Our modular floating docks can be set up in any shape to fit your location. The exciting and unique design helps keep your boat out of the water, protecting it from weeds, barnacles and other debris when your not using it. This is possible because some modules have a curved shape that your boat or jet ski can safely drive up and onto.
The process of docking a boat at a pontoon is recognised as being a tough task – so here are 5 tips and tricks that can help to make it easier!
1. Always put safety first
When preparing to dock be sure to look around and make sure there are no obstacles or hazards that will prevent you from docking. Keep an eye on other boats, lines or pontoons that could disrupt you. This approach not only enhances the safety of your manoeuvre but also ensures a smoother and more efficient docking experience overall.
Once docked, be sure to check your footing as you get out of the boat. Water movements when entering or exiting the boat can make it tricky to balance. One thing that can help is adding marine carpet to the areas of the pontoon you walk on the most. The marine carpet adds another layer of slip resistance and as a bonus can extend the life of your pontoon by keeping it protected from everyday wear and tear.
2. Come up with a plan
When driving a boat, you need to be aware of how it handles particularly in tough weather or tidal conditions. Make a habit of noting the direction of wind and intensity of current and observe how these can affect your boat.
The more comfortable you become with how your boat reacts to different environments the more confident you will become when it comes to planning how to safely dock at floating pontoons.
3. Keep control when driving up to the dock
When driving up to the floating dock, reduce your speed and move at a controlled pace. When slowing down consider outside factors such as current, other boats and weather conditions that could affect your boat, jet skis or even the docks movements.
If you need to move closer, apply short bursts of power rather than of steady power – and remember, never approach the dock faster than you are willing to hit it. Aim to approach the pontoon at a shallow angle to minimise risk of collision.
4. Don't be afraid to stop and start over
It’s important to remember that mastering the art of docking takes practice and patience. If you find yourself struggling to reach the pontoon or conditions are less than ideal don’t be afraid to stop, reverse and circle around to try again from a better speed or angle. Sometimes all it takes is a moment to reassess the situation. As we’ve said, always put safety first.
5. Leave room for movement
Your dock can’t just be tied tight. Leaving sufficient slack in the docking lines to accommodate changes in water level is important, especially in tidal areas. Movement can also occur with changes in current, wind levels or from other boats within the vicinity.
Periodically check the lines and adjust as needed to maintain the right amount of tension to keep your boat or jet ski safe on the floating dock.
By mastering these pontoon docking tips and techniques you will be able to confidently navigate into and out of modular docking situations, while also ensuring the boat is safe and secured no matter the environment it’s in. Remaining calm and aware of your surroundings can make all the difference and keep the docking process enjoyable, smooth and stress-free.
