Q&A for How to Tie up a Boat

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Question

What mistakes do you see people making when they tie up a boat?

Nitzan Levy
Sailing Instructor
Captain Nitzan Levy is a Sailor, Social Entrepreneur, and the Founder of Sailors NYC, a recreational sailors’ club based in Jersey City, New Jersey that specializes in cruising boats and a variety of community programs. Capt. Levy has over 20 years of sailing experience and has sailed in many places around the world including: the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, The Caribbean, and the Indian Ocean. Capt. Levy is a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Master of vessels up to 50 Tons with Auxiliary Sail and Assistance Towing Endorsements. Capt. Levy is also a NauticEd Level V Captain Rank Chief Instructor, an American National Standards Assessor, an SLC instructor, an ASA (American Sailing Association) Certified Instructor Bareboat Chartering, and an Israeli licensed skipper on Boats for International Voyages.

Nitzan Levy

Sailing Instructor

Expert Answer

The main mistake is not coordinating with your crew. On a sailboat, you have at least one more crew with you, and you need to give very clear instructions pre-docking so that each and every person on the boat knows what their responsibility is, what line they're holding onto, when they should get off the boat and onto the dock, and what you expect them to do once they get off the boat. Also, if they aren't experienced at tying knots, make sure they know not to let go of the rope until you come and tie the knot. If the rope falls in the water, it could get caught in the prop, causing the boat to lose steerage.

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Question

Will I cause damage to my fiberglass if I bump it into a wooden berth or dock? I personally think I'm not causing damage but my wife seems to think I'm being reckless.

Community Answer

It depends on how hard it hits and how long it continues to rub. Don't do it. It is reckless and your boat won't like it.

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Question

What are the metal projections on the side of the boat that are used to connect to the boat called?

Community Answer

The tie downs are called cleats.

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Question

What is the term for mooring one boat to another one which is moored to a pontoon?

Aloha27

Community Answer

The term is called "rafting off" whether it be one boat or more.

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Question

Should the rope be put on the stern or bow first?

Community Answer

It makes no difference. First, position the boat on the dock so that a piling of fender will insure the stern cannot get under the dock with either a change in the tide or rough water. More important in salt wter with tidal fluxuations. A calm, fresh water lake requires less "springing" and concern about the boat getting under the dock. In a fresh water lake, generally just a bow and stern line are needed for short stops. Overnighting and long term dockage are more safely secured with additional lines.

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