Configure the conditions, then take the helm.
About The Boat Docker
Docking is the part of boating that makes experienced skippers nervous, and it's the one you can't really practice without risking the boat, the dock or someone's fingers. The Boat Docker gives you a power boat, a marina and whatever wind and current you choose, so you can learn how your boat really behaves before you're doing it for real.
Set up a boat like yours: twin inboards or a single I/O, integrated or separate controls, from 5 to 60 tons, with or without bow and stern thrusters. Then add wind, current and gusts, and bring it in. Rig fenders and run lines to the cleats to finish a dock. Scoring rewards a clean, centered, well-secured dock with no contact, plus a bonus for tougher conditions, and 100 points in five minutes is a pass.
Five habits of good dockers
- Go only as fast as you're willing to hit the dock. Short bursts of power, then let the boat drift.
- Work out the wind and current first. Approach from where they'll help you, not push you off.
- Use the engines to steer at low speed. On twins, splitting the shifters turns the boat far better than the wheel does.
- Get fenders out before you need them, on the side you're docking.
- Secure a line early, then work the boat in against it.
Start with the Standard Dock in calm water, then work up through the mooring buoys, moving boats, man overboard and fishing scenarios. Turn Timer & Scoring off for Practice Mode if you'd rather learn without the clock.