NAUTICAL
KNOWLEDGE
Okoboji Lake Temp: --°F

CORE COURSE • HANDS-ON TRAINING

Docking 101

The most important skill in boating—broken into simple, repeatable steps you’ll use every time you approach a dock.

  • Control speed, angle, and momentum.
  • Understand pivot points and wind handling.
  • Assign clear roles to your crew.
  • Approach confidently—even in tight slips.
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Training on West Lake Okoboji. Other Iowa Great Lakes by request.

ABOUT THIS COURSE

Calm, predictable docking instead of guesswork.

Most boating stress shows up at the dock, not out in the middle of the lake. Docking 101 focuses on real-world approaches you’ll actually use: tight slips, cross-wind landings, busy weekends, and returning home at the end of the day.

  • Planning your approach before you turn into the marina.
  • Using slow speed, neutral, and momentum instead of constant throttle.
  • Choosing the safest angle based on wind and current.
  • Using short, deliberate gear shifts instead of “parking-lot steering.”
  • Giving each crew member a simple, clear job so nobody guesses.

STEP-BY-STEP VISUALS

Docking 101 diagrams you’ll see in class.

These nine diagrams mirror what we practice on the water. When you look at the page, you’ll recognize the exact approaches and maneuvers from your session.

Boat anatomy and docking reference points
1. Bow, stern, beam, cleats, and pivot point—what you’ll use during every approach.
Boat pivot point diagram
2. How the boat actually turns around its pivot point instead of the steering wheel.
Wind and current effect on docking
3. Reading wind direction and deciding whether to let it help or fight it.
30 to 45 degree docking approach diagram
4. Standard 30–45° approach that gives you time and control, not panic.
Transition to neutral and momentum bleed-off
5. Shifting to neutral early and letting momentum bleed off instead of riding the throttle.
Final alignment alongside the dock
6. Using short forward/reverse bumps to slide gently alongside the dock.
Side-tie and slip entry docking diagram
7. Entering slips and side-ties without over-steering or over-correcting.
Docking crew roles and line handling
8. Assigning bow, mid-ship, and stern jobs so everyone knows exactly what to do.
Securing the boat with lines and cleats
9. Final tie-off: cleat hitches, spring lines, and how to leave the boat stable overnight.

AFTER THIS CLASS

What you’ll be able to do confidently.

Plan every approach

Look at wind, traffic, and dock layout and choose a plan before you turn.

Use slow, deliberate control

Stop riding the throttle; use neutral and small gear shifts to stay in charge.

Handle slips & tight spaces

Bring the boat into slips and busy marinas without white-knuckle steering.

Lead your crew

Give your crew clear, simple jobs so docking feels like a routine, not chaos.

Ready to stop dreading the dock? Start with Docking 101.

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