There are plenty of things to look out for when you are out on the water. It is crucial to know how to dock your boat correctly. As you are approaching, you will have to keep the tides in mind. They can make it more difficult to complete the task.
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Understanding the Different Types of Tides
Tides are affected by the placement of the moon and the sun in relation to the Earth. The strength and direction of the wind can have an impact on tides by increasing the currents. If the wind is blowing inward, then incoming tides usually are higher. They are smaller and may arrive later than predicted if winds are blowing outward.
You may have heard the term tidal height. To put it simply, the tidal height is the vertical distance that the water rises or falls. The tidal range is the difference between the height of high and low tides.
A current is the speed of the water when it moves from low to high or high to low. It is important to know the time regarding tides since it does not coincide with the annual calendar. A lunar day, or tidal day, is 24 hours and 50 minutes long. It takes roughly six hours and 12.5 minutes for a tide to move from high to low or vice versa. Lunar days follow the moon phases, which take 29.5 days to complete.
How to Dock at High Tide
A high tide is when the water reaches the highest point, making it the easiest time to dock. But, if your dock isn't tall enough, the high water level can make docking more difficult. Coastal areas experience two high tides every lunar day and it will move to its furthest extent onto the shoreline. Some people also call it high water.
To safely dock at high tide, it is essential to review tide charts in advance. Approach the dock slowly and position your boat parallel to it, deploying fenders to avoid damage. Ensure that mooring lines are prepared, communicate effectively with your crew, and secure the boat once it is docked.
How to Dock at Low Tide
A low tide is the opposite of a high tide. It is when the water reaches its lowest level. More area of the shoreline gets exposed, and docked boats may end up stuck in the sand.
When docking at low tide, approach the dock slowly and be aware of any underwater debris and your surrounding water level to avoid running aground. Position the boat carefully to ensure it remains afloat and secure, as the water may recede further after you dock.
How to Dock During Incoming Tide
Also called a rising tide, an incoming tide is when the water is approaching the shoreline as the tide moves from low to high.
When docking during an incoming tide, it's important to keep an eye on water level changes, as you secure your boat. Regularly check your lines to ensure your boat remains safely docked as the tide rises.
How to Dock During Outgoing Tide
Sometimes called an ebb current, the outgoing tide is when the water moves away from the shoreline. The water will lower as the tide transitions from high to low.
If the current is pushing your boat away from the dock, try approaching at a sharp angle. Use reverse to slow down as you get close. Once you're near, shift into forward gear and turn the steering wheel hard away from the dock to swing the stern in.
How to Dock During Slack Tide
A slack tide is the short period between the incoming and outgoing tides, when the current is at its weakest point, and the water appears to be at a standstill. This makes slack tide the easiest and most ideal time to dock your boat. You should be able to follow your standard docking protocol without issue, so long as your dock and boat lift are the appropriate height for your marine environment.
How to Dock During Spring Tide
Regardless of the name, spring tides have nothing to do with the season. They occur when the sun and the moon line up with the Earth. The tides are stronger throughout this time, and you may notice that there is a greater difference between the water levels during the high and low tides.
Spring tides will happen twice a year during a full and new moon. On the off chance that you find yourself docking during a spring tide, use long spring lines that allow for enough up and down movements as the tide changes.
How to Dock During Neap Tides
A neap tide will happen when the sun and the moon create a right angle. You will see a half-moon, the first and third quarters, when they are aligned this way. The sun and moon's gravitational pulls will be at odds with each other. As a result, the tides will be weaker.
A neap tide occurs every two weeks. If you're docking into the current, use your engine to push forward. However, if you're cross-current, head a little bit upstream from your dock to line your boat up.
Docking with the Tides in Mind
When you prepare to dock your boat, make sure to keep the tides in mind. The wind and currents can make a difference. The best time to dock is during a slack tide. The minimal water movement is ideal for boaters, as long as the winds are not too strong.
A low tide may moor your boat before you have a chance to reach the correct docking area. A high tide also will prevent you from reaching the place where you need to dock. Whether you are a new boater or a seasoned cruiser, it is necessary to use a tide table. A tide table lists the predicted times of high and low tides for each day of the week.
The only way to improve at docking your boat is by practicing. But you can make the process easier with a custom dock that is built to suit your marine environment. Our marine construction experts at Duncan Seawall can help build a custom dock for your waterfront that makes docking as easy as possible. Download our Complete Guide to Docks to learn more about how to start designing a custom dock today!
