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You are here: Home / Archives for docking

Making Your Own Fender Boards in 2 Easy Steps

December 29, 2010 By Tom Leave a Comment

The best way to protect a boat that is rubbing on pilings at the dock is with a fender board. A fender board is simply a piece of wood hung outside of two fenders which are hung off the side of a boat. The board rubs up and down on the pilings, and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Boating Equipment Tagged With: fenderboards, docking

Tying Boats to Docks Using Springlines

April 15, 2010 By Tom 7 Comments

This boat is making good use of spring lines to keep the boat in place at the dock.When a boat is docked where the tide will go up and down, there are several ways to ensure that dock lines remain relatively tight and the boat does not move … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Boat Handling Tagged With: docking, springlines

Dock Lines

March 31, 2010 By Tom Leave a Comment

Dock lines should be replaced as needed when they show signs of wear.

 Here's a guideline for the diameter sizes appropriate for different boat sizes:Length of Boat Recommended Diameter of Dock LineUp to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Boating Equipment Tagged With: docking, dock lines

Docking Outboard-Powered Small Sailboats

February 27, 2010 By Tom Leave a Comment

An outboard engine may look a little funny hanging off the back of a sailboat, but it can offer extra maneuverability that is impossible with inboard engines. Inboard engines are prone to "prop walk" at slow speeds, because the shaft is usually … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Boat Handling, Sailing Tagged With: sailboats, small boats, outboard, docking

How to Dock an Outboard or Sterndrive Powerboat in 3 Easy Pictures

April 8, 2009 By Tom 6 Comments

In the images below, the red arrow on the boat is a speed vector, indicating the speed and direction of movement of the boat1. Approach the dock at an angle, then shift into neutral2. Turn the engine hard over toward the dock, then … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Boat Handling, Powerboating Tagged With: small boats, docking

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  • BOTE Aero Rover Inflatable SUP MicroSkiffs!
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About Tom

Starting with the little two-person inflatable raft I had as my very first boat, I have always loved the freedom and the feeling of being out on the water. With my father's help, I added a hard plywood floor to that little inflatable, and that was the beginning of a long chain of boats I have owned, loved, maintained, modified, fixed, enjoyed, and scared myself to death on over the past few decades. [Read More …]

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  • Boat Building (5)
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    • Dinghies (4)
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  • General (37)
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    • Sailboat Reviews (7)

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