The “Docking Your Single Outboard-Introductory” downloadable pdf Lesson has 120 pages with 140 diagrams of proven, detailed, step-by-step instructions for handling and docking a Single Outboard Bow First–in your slip and at a gas dock.
Doug teaches:
- Why it’s not your fault docking is so difficult
- How your Outboard handles in open water exercises
- Doug’s “KEY” to handling a Single Outboard
- What to expect as you use the wheel, shift and throttle
- How to outsmart the wind/current/fairway momentum
- How to recover from screw-ups
- Doug’s FLIPP Line™ procedure to simplify docking
- What not to do and why
- How to dock bow first in 4 different winds with left approach tying port and starboard sides
- How to dock bow first in 4 different winds with right approach tying port and starboard sides
- All 16 scenarios are complete and independent instructions
- How to dock with a wind in a boat lift
- How to parallel dock at a gas dock/restaurant dock
- An easy approach to a dock bow first–no fear, no guessing, no hoping for the best, no jumping, no injuries, no boat hook. No shouting and no swearing–just good teamwork
- How to dock easily and safely–even in front of an audience!
Once you know how your boat was meant to be handled, boat docking is EASY. It’s just a matter of practicing Doug’s techniques specific to your single outboard boat.
When you have mastered docking bow first (usually takes several weeks or a full season), you will be ready for “Docking Your Single Outboard–ADVANCED” to learn stern first docking and many more neat docking maneuvers covered in great detail over 230 pages.“Hey, we got to use some of the tips and advice at the lake today! Flipp worked like a charm and we had a great day! Thanks! “
Mike Ritter, Knoxville, TN
“Your Boat Docking e-Lesson on Docking a Single Outboard was excellent! Once the weather warms up, I fully intend on practicing – and buying more of your books.”
—Troy, AB
Thank you so much for the lesson. The lessons have been very helpful in making our boating much more enjoyable and I really enjoy the website. Thanks again for your time, great service and very useful information.
David Proffitt, WA
“I dock my boat in an area with very strong currents and shifting winds. While I am getting better with practice after reading the introductory book, I am looking forward to learning more from the advanced copy.
Hope I didn’t bore you, but wanted to say thanks and let you know that what you are doing is saving not only boats, but also lives.
Keep up the good work! Boating knowledge allows you to live and fish another day and to come home safely to your loved ones. Your work is important! Thanks again and tight lines.”
Bill Pollok, VA
As popular as Outboards are, they’re also the most difficult to dock!
Simple Step-by-Step Instructions on how to Dock Your Outboard Bow First–Both in your slip and at a gas dock.
Learn how your outboard motor handles your boat, when docking–illustrated with easy to follow diagrams.- Doug starts with open water exercises in the Boat Docking Lesson, so you learn how your drive system works.
- When finished your open water exercises, you will know what to expect as you use the wheel, throttle and shift.
- Then, it’s easy to approach a dock and dock bow first–no fear, no guessing, no hoping for the best, no jumping, no injuries, no boat hook. No shouting and no swearing–just good team work.
- Our FLIPP Line™ Procedure, will make docking and securing your boat a simple easy procedure.
- Dock your boat easily and safely with a complete understanding of what to do and how to do it–especially in front of an audience
Once you know how your boat was meant to be handled, boat docking is EASY. It’s just a matter of practicing the techniques specific to your single outboard boat.
When you have mastered docking bow first (usually takes several weeks or a full season), you will be ready for “Docking Your Single Outboard–ADVANCED” to learn stern first docking and many more neat docking maneuvers.
Let Doug Show You the EASY Way…
Doug Dawson is a 5th generation boat industry expert who knows the design characteristics of all boats and drive systems. Doug has driven, demonstrated, tested, reviewed and handled every type of boat and drive system and knows how to teach others with easy-to-follow boat docking instructions.
Learn your boat’s unique dance moves and be able to waltz smoothly as one, right up to your dock.
Dock your Single Outboard Boat powered by an Evinrude, Force, Honda, Johnson, Mariner, Mercury, Suzuki, Tohatsu, Yamaha or other motor with confidence. There are many boats with a single outboard including:
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Get Direct Access To One Of The World’s Leading Experts On Docking!
Remember, you have a 100% Money Back Guarantee.
Happy Boating!
Doug Dawson
P.S. You can spend your summer being frustrated and nervous docking your boat with everyone watching, and even worse, damaging your boat….or get this Boat Docking Lesson “Docking Your Single Outboard” and be able to put on a show like a pro and be the talk of the dock!
Dear Brenda and Doug:
So cool that you We’re the ones who actually did the review on this boat almost 25 years ago! Things come full circle.
Thanks for the details on the hull and what happened to the molds with World Class Catamarans. I got the boat last year and the engine died right away, and I’m just re-powering it, so I haven’t had a chance to use it on the Mississippi much yet really. Researching what I could about it, I think it may be my favorite boat ever.Like a lot of us I enjoy learning the history about my boat!
I had already checked out your website and had already decided to get the book on docking the boat, so will be sure to get the pontoon version. And even though I’m an Eagle Scout and thought I knew in my knots well, I’ve already also decided to order the book on knots! It sounds like you’ve developed a lot of great resources!
Peace and Love, Tom Schreiber
Brenda, “Nice job by you and Doug, I really like your common sense approach to handling a boat with easy time for the first mate.” Thanks again.
Bill, ‘a fan’.
Y’all are the best! Downloaded it, saved it, printed it–now all we have to do is master it! Thank you so much.
Natalie Redyk
For trailered boats, make sure the drain plug is on your checklist! It wasn’t on mine and I mistakenly expected that the shop who summerized and delivered my boat had installed it. They didn’t, and I didn’t check for it, and didn’t realize it wasn’t there ’till I got back to my backyard dock and saw the water coming up thru the ski well. I’m now known as “soggy-boy” after falling off the boat into the lake while trying to install the plug from above; would have been a lot easier on the launch ramp! Fortunately, nothing was damaged but my pride . . . Cheers
Dave Keyser, Soggy-boy
Thanks! Always great to receive your monthly newsletter. Well done and appreciated! keeep up the super good work…..
Mel
Mary recently asked:
“Is it safe to use the swim platform to stand on while backing into a slip?”
“There’s a sign on our boat that warns not to stand on the swim platform while the motors are operating.”
Great question, Mary—and one that deserves more than a simple yes or no. What’s obvious to seasoned boaters isn’t always obvious to those just getting their sea legs, and we love that you asked. In fact, we’ve decided to expand our FLIPP Line docking procedure (see pages 17 and 37 in our docking lessons) to help others who might be wondering the same thing.
Safety First, Always
When docking, the Captain’s first job is to assess the situation and choose the safest place for the First Mate to be—and the safest method for them to use. That decision depends on:
- Weather and water conditions
- Type and size of swim platform
- Height difference between boat and dock
- Agility of the First Mate
- Ability of the Captain, First Mate, and crew
And let’s not forget: the Captain must always be gentle with the throttle—forward or reverse—especially when the First Mate is on the swim platform. Keeping the crew safe is priority number one.
The Goal of Docking
A successful boat docking means bringing the boat in smoothly and securing it without:
- Yelling
- Swearing
- Jumping
- Boat hooks
- Bionics
- Dock helpers
- Guesswork
- Or public embarrassment
And most importantly—without putting the First Mate at risk.
Where Should the First Mate Be?
In most cases, the safest spot is in the cockpit, using our FLIPP Line Stay-Aboard Procedure. But depending on your boat and whether the dock is fixed or floating, you might need to adjust. That’s where our FLIPP Line Step-Off Procedure comes in.
What about the bow? On many mini-cruisers, the side decks are too narrow to even get there. And if you do have bow access, the deck is often sloped and slippery when wet. Add low rails and awkward angles, and you’ve got a recipe for a First Mate doing a not-so-graceful swan dive.
Power Boats are shaped like a triangle; so, when the Captain brings the bow of a smaller boat in close enough to the dock to tie the line, it is difficult to judge how much slack to leave, so that when pulling the stern to the dock, it doesn’t bind in the middle—holding the stern several feet from the dock. On a larger cruiser, the bow is so much higher than a floating dock, that the First Mate can’t reach the 3’ – 6’ distance to tie to the dock.
And jumping? Just don’t! We never recommend jumping from the boat with a line. Too many things can go wrong—and suddenly you’re not docking, you’re rescuing.
The Swim Platform: Friend or Foe?
Swim platforms vary wildly:
- Narrow and awkward
- Wide and spacious (some up to 6 feet!)
- Split with outboard motors
- With or without
- Some with handholds transom gates that make sitting easier
In calm conditions, a wide platform with good handholds might be usable. But in wind or rough water? It’s a no-go. The platform becomes narrower with the extra gear and movement required, Sometimes, on some boats, visibility drops, and your footing can become slick.
If the Captain determines the swim platform is the best option, here’s what we recommend:
- One hand for safety, one for the job
- Use a handrail, cleat, or something solid to hang on
- If both hands are needed, use a safety tether around the waist secured to the stern rail or stanchion
- Stand with feet apart and knees bent for better balance
- Use hand signals, voice-activated headsets, or another communication method so the Captain knows the First Mate is safe
Every Boat Is Different
Our FLIPP Line Docking Procedure works effectively across almost all boat types, but docking is never one-size-fits-all. The Captain and First Mate must make decisions based on:
- Their boat’s layout
- The docking situation
- Weather and water conditions
- Marina design
- Their own abilities
So, Mary, thank you for asking a question that helps all boaters dock smarter and safer. We’re here to put the “ing” into boating—and take the guesswork out of docking.
Ready to Dock Like a Pro?
If this post helped you rethink your docking strategy—or saved your First Mate from an unexpected swim—pass it on! Share it with your boating crew, dock neighbors, or that friend who still thinks yelling is part of the docking process.
Want more tips that make boating
- smoother,
- safer,
- and lots more fun?
Check out our FLIPP Line Docking Lessons
Explore our collection of 30 boating books designed to put the “ING” into boating without the Drama
Stay aboard. Stay safe. And keep enjoying boating.
Check out Dawsons Docking Lessons.
- Click on the following links.
- Choose your boat type or drive system
- Then, click on the book covers for detailed information for each.
Power Boat Docking
Sailboat Docking
Pontoon Docking
Houseboat Docking
Why You Should Never “Park” a Boat Like a Car
Picture this: You’ve had a beautiful day on the water. The sun is setting, the marina is busy, and you’re easing toward your slip. Suddenly, the wind gusts, the current tugs your bow, and your car instincts kick in—you pull into reverse like you would hit the brakes in your car. But instead of stopping straight, your boat goes sideways… straight toward your neighbor’s gleaming new cruiser.
Sound familiar?
That’s your Car Brain betraying you. And it’s time to ditch it and replace with your Boat Brain.
Park a Car vs. Dock a Boat
Cars and boats live in completely different worlds:
- Cars stop when you brake
- Boats never really stop—they drift.
- Cars pivot around their tires.
- Boats pivot in constantly shifting places, depending on hull design and drive system.
- Cars drive on predictable, solid ground.
- Boats drive on invisible “roads” made of current, wind, and waves.
Trying to “park” a boat the way you park a car is like trying to walk a cat on a leash—it just won’t behave the way you expect.
Why Nautical Terms Matter
Here’s a simple shift in mindset that makes a big difference:
- Stop thinking and saying “park.”
- Start thinking and saying “dock.”
When you think “dock,” your brain automatically prepares for wind, current, and pivot points.
Using nautical terms isn’t about sounding salty—it’s about switching on your Boat Brain, so you approach docking with skill and confidence instead of frustration.
Using the correct terminology isn’t just about sounding like a seasoned boater, it helps you think like one.
What Boaters Are (and Aren’t) Taught
In Canada, getting a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) doesn’t require proving you can actually handle a boat. You just answer questions, pass a test, and you’re good to go. Docking? That’s on you.
And here’s the kicker: most docking advice floating around today is decades out of date. Sailboats haven’t changed much, but modern powerboats certainly have. Their drive systems demand new techniques—and if you try to dock today’s boats with yesterday’s methods, you’re setting yourself up for stress, shouting, and maybe even a costly crunch.
Your Car Brain Won’t Work—But Your Boat Brain Can
Docking doesn’t need to be stressful. With the right instructions, you can learn exactly how your boat responds to the wheel, shift(s), and throttle(s).
You’ll know what to expect—no guesswork, no yelling, no last-minute lunges with a boat hook.
It’s a skill, like driving a car—but with the right step-by-step system, it’s faster to learn and more predictable than you might think.
From an Expert Who has Seen It All
Doug Dawson, 5th generation in the marine business, lived his childhood at the family marina. He served as president of the Ontario Marina Operators Association, to testing ~700 boats and writing reviews for Power Boating Canada and Canadian Yachting Magazines, He has spent a lifetime teaching boaters how to enjoy the water safely and confidently.
Together with his wife Brenda, they have written hundreds of blogs, authored dozens of books and guides that thousands of boaters worldwide are using to enjoy boating more and mastering docking—no yelling, no swearing, no dock helpers required.
Final Thought: Speak Nautical, Dock Confidently
Next time you’re out, shift your mindset:
- Ditch the car brain.
- Switch to your boat brain.
- Think in nautical terms.
- Follow Doug Dawson’s proven docking techniques
and you’ll find yourself idling into your slip with calm confidence.
Because when you stop trying to park your boat and start learning how to dock it, everything changes—for the better.
Get Started
Are you ready to explore Better Way Docking Lessons—downloadable, videos and lessons for every drive system, packed with diagrams, photos, and step-by-step instructions.
Join thousands of boaters who have mastered docking with confidence!
Powerboat Docking – click on the book covers for details
Pontoon Docking – click on the book covers for more details
Houseboat Docking – click on the book covers for more details
Sailboat Docking – click on the book covers for more details
Are you plugged in wrong?
For powerboats or sailboats that use 110V shore power, shore cords are your lifeline when docked. But while plugging into the pedestal may seem routine, the risks of improper cord use are far from trivial. From tripping hazards to the silent killer known as Electric Shock Drowning, unsafe handling can put your boat, your guests, and even nearby swimmers in danger.
Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or just getting comfortable at the marina, this guide breaks down best practices for shore cord safety—with real-life examples to make the lessons stick.
Why You Should Never Use a Household Extension Cord
Let’s start with the obvious: use only marine-approved shore cords. Domestic extension cords are not designed for wet environments. Picture this: a weekend boater pulls out a spare orange cord from the garage and strings it along the dock to save a few bucks. It’s frayed and not grounded properly. One summer storm later, there’s a short circuit and the pedestal trips—or worse, someone gets electrocuted.
Always use marine-grade shore cords. Anything else is asking for trouble—and most marinas will refuse to let you plug in.
Which End to Plug In First (It’s Not What You Think)
You wouldn’t connect a running water hose to your boat first, right? The same applies to power. When arriving at the dock:
When arriving:
- Plug in the boat end first
- Then plug into the dock pedestal
This order ensures the cord isn’t live while you’re handling it, reducing the risk of electric shock. A fellow boater once told me how he accidentally dropped the live boat end of the cord into the water when he was connecting the cord to the transom—thankfully, the breaker tripped, but not before he got a nasty jolt.
When leaving:
- Unplug the dock end first
- Then unplug the boat end
It’s just like shutting off a water faucet before disconnecting the hose—keeping the system “dry” before pulling away. And whatever you do, never leave a live cord lying across the dock. It could turn into a real-life hazard in seconds.
Real Dock Hazards You Might Not Think About
Loose cords lying across the dock are a major tripping hazard. I watched a man leap from his boat only to land on a shore cord—it rolled out from under his foot like slipping on marbles, and down he went. It wasn’t graceful, and it could’ve been much worse had he hit his head.
Best practices to avoid this:
- Coil extra length loosely around the pedestal.
- Keep cords off walkways and out of the water.
- Don’t jam cords in dock hinges—the pinch points can shred the insulation, exposing live wires.
Floating docks move. Their fingers shift in the wind. A cord crammed into the hinge can become damaged over time—eventually turning the dock into a live electrical hazard. Yikes.
If you are just visiting for a short time, lay the cord along the edge of the dock where nobody will step on it. If you have to lay it across the dock push it down between the dock boards.
Tips for Long-Term Docking
For boaters who are staying for a few weeks or the whole season, make your shore cord setup clean, safe, and out of sight:
- Suspend cords below dock surfaces using zip ties, S hooks, or bent coat hangers.
- Avoid the hinged area between dock and finger dock.
- Join dual cords with tape or zip ties to reduce clutter (some folks even run them through a nylon sleeve for a slick look).
One cruiser I met at the marina had a setup so neat you’d think it was professionally rigged. His cords were suspended under the dock with shrink wrap ties, running cleanly to the boat. Not only did it look sharp—it prevented tripping and kept curious hands away.
Support the Weight—Don’t Hang From the Plug
Heavy cords shouldn’t dangle from the connector on your boat. That weight can strain the fitting over time, cracking it or loosening the seal.
- Loop the cord through a railing
- Or tie it off with a short piece of line
Supporting the weight keeps your connection stable and your fitting intact—another small detail that adds up to long-term safety.
Final Checks Before You Power Up
- Inspect cords regularly for cracks, splits, or fraying
- Replace damaged cords immediately—don’t wait until someone gets shocked
- Use a bungee cord if kids or other boaters are unplugging you—this sends the message: “Leave it alone!”
Final Thought: Safety Starts With the Shore Cord
Shore cords might seem like a minor part of boating, but when misused, they can become lethal. A little awareness and a few smart habits can prevent electric shock drowning, serious injury, and costly damage to your boat.
Before you cast off again or settle in for another sunny season at the marina, take a few minutes to review your shore cord setup. It might just save a life—including your own.
See Also:
How Kids Learn to Steer Straight—and Why You Should Too
It was one of those sparkling summer afternoons on the lake. The kind where the water glistens like glass. Captain Dad was at the helm with his junior crew lined up to take turns steering the family’s boat.
Then came the cry from the youngest:
“Daaad! There’s a snake behind our boat!”
Sure enough, a wavy trail twisted behind the boat—zig-zagging like a runaway garden hose. But it wasn’t a snake. It was the boat’s wake, mirroring every turn and overcorrection at the wheel.
The Wiggly Wake Mystery
Boats aren’t like cars. They respond slowly and keep turning long after you’ve moved the wheel. That delay makes it tempting to keep adjusting…and adjusting further again. Before you know it, you’re carving a path that resembles a snake’s trail.
Captain Dad explained:
“If you steer like you’re playing a racing video game, the boat dances all over the water.”
Captain Dad’s Tips for Straighter Steering
To help his crew ditch the snake trail, Dad shared some tried-and-true steering wisdom in kid-friendly terms:
- Go easy: Small turns have big impact–don’t jerk the wheel.
- Be patient: Wait a moment before reacting; the boat needs time to respond.
- Use the horizon: Pick a landmark near where you want to go. Steer to keep that landmark above the piece of black tape that I put on the front deck that is directly ahead of the wheel.
- Loosen up: A light grip improves control. You’ve got to just turn the wheel a little bit–no full turns.
Dad said. “You’ve got to just turn the wheel a little bit—no full turns.”
The Junior Captains Improve
One by one, the kids tried again—this time with Captain Dad’s advice in mind. Each child found their rhythm. Their trail straightened out. Confidence soared.
“Hey look! No more snake!”
“I’m steering straight!”
“It’s like magic!”
The snake was gone, replaced by a sleek trail worthy of a postcard.
Pass It On: Don’t Keep It a Secret
Captain Dad had one more lesson:
“When you learn something cool—especially something that makes boating safer —and more enjoyable—don’t keep it to yourself.”
Share it with friends. Teach your cousins. Pass it along at camp or on the dock.
Because once a kid knows how to steer straight, they’re not just better boaters—they’re teachers too.
Final Thoughts
Boating is more than a ride—it’s a floating classroom. And a wiggly wake is just a teaching moment in disguise. With a little guidance, a dose of practice, and a splash of fun, the journey from chaotic curves to confident captains becomes a memory that sticks.
So next time someone spots that “snake” behind their boat—smile. You’re about to steer them straight.
See also:
The Anchor Locker on the bow of your boat is a compartment that is designed to store and protect your anchor rode (line/rope) and chain.
When not in use, the locker keeps everything untangled and ready for instant use, when you arrive at your anchorage or for deploying in an emergency.
Anchor lockers get hot and wet with little or no ventilation causing hidden problems……..
On most boats, the drain isn’t at the lowest point (for some unexplainable reason), but rather above the lowest point, allowing water to accumulate.
With boating season just beginning, now is the perfect time to check your anchor line—it might be sitting in leftover water from your last trip, soaking up grime.
When you haul your anchor, you feed the dripping wet anchor rode and chain, that are quite often covered with guck and gunge from the anchorage, into the hot, wet, unventilated anchor locker creating a nasty shallow swamp!
Your anchor rode marinates in this wet, hot gucky swamp; until it becomes a gucky, slimy, slippery mess, expediting its demise—not what you want to find when you arrive at your next anchorage.
How do you drain the swamp?
Well, my friend Bob arrived the other day in his 24′ cruiser. He is an enthusiastic boater who is continually working on his boat to keep it in top-notch shape. As we sipped on a beer at the dock sharing boating stories and adventures, Bob explained his current issue with his boat. “There is a swamp in the bottom of my anchor locker” exclaimed Bob quite disturbed that somehow he had missed it. “How do I drain that swamp?” continued Bob. A long brain-storming session followed and resulted in a plan to solve the problem. “Let’s get at her” Bob explained as he sprang to his feet.
We started by emptying his anchor locker and scrubbing the gunge off the anchor rode and chain with a mild biodegradable boat soap. Then, we spread it out to dry. The next challenge was to clean the anchor locker itself. Again, using mild soap and a light bleach, we rid the locker of the yucky swamp and odour.
To prevent the rode from marinating again in the future, after another anchorage; we decided to install some deck tiles from the local hardware store.
They are 12″ square soft plastic grates designed for use around pools, decks, porches, garages, laundry rooms and cold cellars.
The antifungal design of the deck tile, prevents the growth of fungus and other nasties, leaving your anchor rode “high and able to dry”, so it is ready for use the next time.
We snapped them together and trimmed the soft plastic with scissors to fit the anchor locker floor.
This would keep his anchor rode above the water, because the deck tiles are filled with drain holes and have dozens of tiny legs creating a dry deck well above the anchor locker drain hole. The water could drain out of the rode and run between the plastic legs of the deck tile.
The squares were around $3.50 each, which is a small price to pay to prolong the use of your valuable anchor rode and eliminate or greatly reduce cleaning time.
Bob cruised off the next day wearing a huge smile, knowing that his anchor locker and contents were clean and protected.
He was confident that his anchor and rode would be dry and ready, when he arrived at his planned anchorage.
A neglected anchor locker can lead to moldy, smelly, and weakened gear–something no boater wants to deal with, when dropping anchor at their next favourite spot. By taking a little time to clean, dry, and ventilate your locker and anchor rode, you can avoid unnecessary hassle and extend the life of your equipment.
Bob’s simple fix of using plastic deck tiles proved to be an easy and effective way to keep the locker dry and the rode ready for action. So, before the season gets underway, take a moment to check your anchor locker–you never know what swampy surprise might be lurking inside.
To learn more about caring for your anchor locker, see “The Oft Forgotten Anchor Locker” article.
See related e-Lessons:
Learn from a Fifth-Generation Expert.
Docking a boat is one of those essential skills every boater dreams of mastering. Whether you’re new to the water or a seasoned captain, nailing the perfect docking can be both a thrill and a challenge. That’s where we come in.
Meet Doug Dawson, a fifth-generation boating expert who grew up on the water and has spent a lifetime mastering the art of docking all types of recreational boats. From powerboats to sailboats, Doug has seen it all—and now, he’s sharing his expertise with the world.
At Boating With Dawsons, we’ve transformed Doug’s decades of experience into easy-to-follow downloadable docking lessons, designed to make boating more enjoyable and stress-free. Whether you’re struggling with windy conditions, tight spaces, or simply building your confidence, Doug’s step-by-step approach will have you docking like a pro in no time.
Why Learn Doug’s Docking Techniques?
Ready to take the helm and dock with ease?
Visit the following websites today to explore our courses and start your journey to becoming a docking master!
www.PowerBoatDocking.com
www.SailboatDocking.com
www.PontoonDocking.com
www.HouseboatDocking.com
