How To Handle Dock Lines Like A Seasoned Crew Member | BoatUS

In this video, Lenny Rudow, BoatUS contributing editor, shares valuable tips on how to be a good crew member when handling lines at a dock. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, learning how to assist your skipper in docking the boat safely and efficiently is crucial to a successful day out on the water. Lenny covers everything from basic line handling techniques to communication strategies between the crew and captain. Join us and learn how to be an asset on deck during your next visit to a gas dock or berth. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more boating tips and tricks!
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[@luxorbill269]

My wife would agree with you about the yelling. Good advise. Living in Oregon and boating into Newport OR off of ocean, I'd love to see one of these help channels do a docking with 20-25 knot cross winds and being blown into or off of docks. These videos are always shot when no one else is around and dead wind.

[@boatus]

We get it, Bill. And you aren't the first to request that. To be honest, we are somewhat at the mercy of the weather the day we are shooting, which is scheduled weeks or months in advance. And we tend to use our "rain dates" if the weather isn't safe or cooperative. Plus there are an infinite number of combinations of wind and current and boat types. Our videos tend to focus on the basic technique(s), and it's up to the owner to learn how his/her specific boat handles in different situations. We will, however, try to expand our content to show some less-than-ideal situations when they're available. Thanks for watching and for your feedback/suggestions. We really appreciate it!

[@YIKES615]

Can’t get enough of these videos. Although I have been boating for many years I still consider myself a beginner. These videos almost always are taped in perfect conditions. This one, calm, no wind, no apparent current. Can anybody direct me to any videos where these same techniques are illustrated in heavy winds or rough seas? Decision making is far more critical in those situations. Thanks Tim

[@boatus]

Thanks for the feedback, Tim. We hear that a lot. The reality is that we plan our videos months in advance, including scheduling the shooting day because we have to coordinate the schedules of at least three people. We're at the mercy of whatever the conditions are on the day we're shooting. That said, the basic techniques are the basic techniques. Yes, you'll have to figure out how to work with less-than-perfect situations, but there's no possible way to show every possible combination of factors. If we have the opportunity to show how to handle a situation that's not ideal, we will.

[@CharleneLancaster-f9v]

Great advice thanks for the tips on how to communicate with your crew members!

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching Charlene. We hope this helps save some marriages, too! 😂

[@BellavistaPEI]

As always, great advise Lenny! Thanks!!

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Tom!

[@jimmcgraw7398]

Even if one does not wear a PFD at all times when underway, wearing one when line handling is prudent.

[@boatus]

You are so right, Jim. I'm not sure why we didn't catch that at the time. We normally show everyone wearing life jackets whenever we're filming on a moving boat. Thanks for the reminder. It's an important one!

[@bobbeckstead8340]

Prudent for some - unnecessary for some. Too many of you Karens ignore the range of capabilities across people and insist on enforcing according to the lowest common denominator.

[@rjkern123]

What a great reminder, thank you.

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Robert. It's easy for the skipper to get stressed during docking, so we hope to save some marriages and friendships!

[@SoundzAlive1]

Ok but you should have shown cleating a stern line and spring. André

[@boatus]

Thanks for the feedback, André. This one is about how to be a good deckhand, but we'll add yours to the list for future consideration.

[@Mrwallhouse]

Agreed, like which comes first. Actually I prefer a midship cleat first because unlike a bow tie first it won’t spin the stern out. Also heading to the dock 1/ up current or if little or none then 2/ up wind is critical to avoid a typical “wild-eyed wife on the bow rescue type” docking sequence.

[@bobbeckstead8340]

t@@Mrwallhouse Depends on the boat - some have windage forward, others aft. Sometimes current has greater influence than wind. You have to know how your boat behaves in various conditions and how to handle it.

[@bobbeckstead8340]

A bit overly pedantic and not very realistic. One of the discourtesies exhibited by some boaters is that they are too tight-assed (Karen) about protocols when they aren't necessary.

[@boatus]

We hear you, Bob. And if you have crew aboard who already knows your preferences, this is unnecessary. But if you're a guest aboard someone's boat, (or you have guests aboard who want to "help"), it's better to err on the side of more communication. For example, when I get on Lenny's boat, I will always ask him what he wants/needs me to do -- or wait for his instructions. I would never make assumptions because it could be dangerous.