How to Avoid Common Mishaps When Docking Your Boat
As seasoned boaters, the team at Poly Lift Boat Lifts understands the thrill of boating at the Lake of the Ozarks. As such, we also understand the problems and concerns of owning and caring for a boat, as well as the passengers on it. In this week's blog, we're going to cover some of the most common docking errors and how you can avoid them. Follow these simple rules to ensure a safe and fun boating experience for you and your crew.
Keep it Steady
While is can be tempting to show off your boating expertise. It's advised to keep a slow and steady approach when docking your boat to avoid any unnecessary damage. One false move misjudging distance, drift and vector, or stalling the engine at shifting points can ruin a great time out on the water. Never approach a dock any faster than you want to hit it.
Talk to your Crew
While you may be hitting the water with a boat full of inexperienced boaters, that doesn't mean they can't be of value when it comes to navigating launching and docking. Communicate your plan launching and docking and clearly delegate any tasks you might need them to perform. Having a few extra hands on deck to release bumpers and tie off lines can help significantly.
All Hands & Feet Inside the Boat Until Fully Docked
Always instruct your passengers to remain inside the boat until docking is complete and the boat is secure. The force of leaping off the boat can misdirect its trajectory, which could lead to a grievous accident... and not only for the boat. Passengers can fall short into the water from the increased distance from the leap and boat becoming misdirected. Add the need for the boat to correct itself with the use of propellers and you can see where this could end badly.
Passengers are NOT Fenders!
Never allow a passenger or bystanders to attempt to stop forward motion while docking. This is one slip away from having an ambulance ride to your nearest hospital to reattach limbs or repair bones. While you may want to avoid any potential gelcoat scratches, trust us, they're much cheaper and easier to fix than your body and hospital bills.
Count on Poly Lift to Protect Your Boat & Your Experience!
Poly Lift Boat Lifts is always here to protect your boat, but we're also here to help enhance your boating experience. When it comes to boating at the Lake of the Ozarks, knowledge and exercising safety practices is always essential to keeping the boating fun going. By following these rules and the rules of the water, you and your crew will have a blast and avoid any boating pitfalls or unpleasant experiences while out on the water. With that being said, if you're looking for ways to protect your boat once docked, we have the best boat lifts at the Lake of the Ozarks to keep it secure from the elements as well.
www.PolyLift.com
Poly Lift® Sunrise Beach
17163 N. State Hwy. 5
Sunrise Beach, MO 65079
573-374-6545
Poly Lift® Osage Beach
3864 Osage Beach Pkwy
Osage Beach, MO 65065
573-693-9277
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