When you are 1 to 1.5 boat lengths from the dock, what should you do to align parallel to the dock?

When you are 1 to 1.5 boat lengths from the dock, what should you do to align parallel to the dock?

• A. Continue straight toward the dock.
• B. Turn wheel toward the dock to push bow into the dock.
• C. Make a tight turn with wheel away from dock so you are parallel.
• D. Apply full throttle to reduce headway.

Answer: (C)

The idea is to start a controlled turn away from the dock to set up a parallel alignment. When you’re about 1 to 1.5 boat lengths out, a tight turn away from the dock begins rotating the boat so it can settle parallel to the slips rather than trying to drive straight in or push toward the dock. Keep the headway light and make small steering and throttle adjustments to maintain control as you progressively move alongside the dock. Full throttling or turning toward the dock would increase the risk of contact, while continuing straight won’t help you line up parallel.

The idea is to start a controlled turn away from the dock to set up a parallel alignment. When you’re about 1 to 1.5 boat lengths out, a tight turn away from the dock begins rotating the boat so it can settle parallel to the slips rather than trying to drive straight in or push toward the dock. Keep the headway light and make small steering and throttle adjustments to maintain control as you progressively move alongside the dock. Full throttling or turning toward the dock would increase the risk of contact, while continuing straight won’t help you line up parallel.