9 Steps How to Tie up a Boat (Complete With Pictures)

How to Tie up a Boat - Experienced boaters know the importance of keeping a boat moored, also known as docking, when not in use. If a boat is left unsecured, it can rock back and forth in the water, which can result in scratches and damage. It can also drift away in stormy weather or a rough tide. To moor a boat at the dock, first obtain the proper mooring equipment. Then set up the dock lines, which are the ropes that attach your boat to the dock. Secure the dock lines with strong boat knots to keep the boat in place.

• Choosing Proper Docking Gear
  

1. Check that your boat has cleats on all sides. Cleats are T-shaped metal fittings that are usually placed on the sides of the boat, close to the edge. There will also be cleats on the sides of the dock. The dock lines on the boat must be attached to the cleats on the dock to hold the boat in place. Most boats have bow, stern and side cleats for docking.

If your boat doesn't have cleats, you can purchase them from your local boat shop or online and attach them to your boat, making sure they are mounted with thru-bolts with backing plates. Simply using bolts to attach the cleat to the deck will result in failure when the cleat is loaded.

2. Use pilings when there are no cleats on the dock. Stakes are long pieces of wood or metal fitted with a cleat. They are often attached to a pier or dock. You must use mooring lines and knots to secure your boat to a post.

Stakes are also sometimes used when you plan to moor your boat for several weeks or months as they can hold it securely for a long period of time.

3. Get fenders to protect your boat from scratches and damage. Fenders are usually made of foam or inflatable rubber. They attach to the front and sides of your boat to keep it from bumping into the pier or dock. They are ideal when mooring your boat in a busy dock or want to protect sidewalls from damage when moored.

You can find fenders at your local boat store or online.

If you decide to use fenders, use the cable ties to attach them to the fenders on your boat. Leave them hanging in the boat until it's time to dock. Then place them on the outside of the boat before setting up the dock lines.

• Setting up the dock lines

4. Use the bow line, stern line and forward jump line for a short stop. Loop the rope through the stern line at the back of the boat, on the side farthest from the dock. Then attach the front quarter spring line, which is the line on the front right side of the boat. Finally, secure the bow line, which is the line at the very top of the boat. Run the rope through the cleats on the boat to the cleats on the dock to set up the lines.

There are 9 possible mooring lines on a boat, however you should only use 3-4 lines at a time to moor the boat. Using too many mooring lines can cause the lines to become tangled and make the boat less safe.

When working with a crew, be sure to give each person clear instructions on which line to hold and when to get from the boat to the dock.

5. Tie the boat with 2 bow lines and 2 stern lines for a longer stop. Start by attaching the 2 stern lines to the stern of the boat. Cross the lines so that they attach to the cleats on either side of the dock. Then attach the 2 bow lines to the front of the boat by threading them into the cleats on either side of the dock.

Make sure the dock lines touch both sides of the dock to keep the boat in place.

Be very careful not to let the ropes fall into the water as they may get caught in the support.

6. Avoid using chest lines alone to tie down the boat as they are not secure. Chest lines are on the left side of the boat. They are short lines that stretch straight from the boat to the dock. Although they require the least amount of rope to set up, they are not safe lines for mooring the boat as they are too short. They also restrict the vertical movement of the boat, making it unstable when getting on and off the boat.

A good rule is to always ensure that the stern, bow and jump lines are always attached when mooring the boat as these are the safest lines. Then add a bust line once the other 3-4 lines are secure if you wish, but this is not required.

• Securing the dock lines

7. Use a simple cleat knot to attach the mooring lines. The cleat knot or cleat hook is the most commonly used knot for securing dock lines. Begin by slipping the loop on the rope through the cleat, under the top of the cleat. Then wrap the loop over the arms of the cleat and gently pull on the slack rope to tighten.

Use simple cleat knots to secure all dock lines for quick and easy boat mooring.

If you have someone helping you hold the lines and they're not comfortable tying knots, make sure they know not to let go of the rope until you come and tie a knot for them can bind. So the boat does not slip out of the slide.

8. Try a complex stud knot for a secure tie. A complex cleat knot is another option if you really want to secure the mooring lines, although this takes more time than a simple cleat knot. Begin by looping the leash once around the bottom of the cleat. Then slide the leash over the top of the cleat and wrap it around the opposite side of the cleat. Lift it over the top of the cleat and place it under the first arm to form a figure 8 shape. Make a small underhand loop and place it over the first arm. Pull the end of the rope to secure the knot.

You should have a nice tight figure 8 shape on the studs as you form a complex stud knot. Use a complex cleat knot for all mooring lines if you choose to do so.

9. Use a clove knot when docking to a stake. A clove knot or clove knot should only be used when attaching mooring lines to a stake rather than a dock. First, wrap the loose end of the line around the post or hook the stake. Then cross the line once over yourself and loop the loose end around the post again. Tuck the loose end under the wrap you just made and pull on the loose end of the line to tighten the knot.

Be sure to use the clove knot for every 3-4 mooring lines so the boat is securely tied to the stake.