Easy, autonomous and smart: how to dock a boat in a revolutionary way!
Mooring is one of the most delicate maneuvers of navigation. In fact, landing in the port and docking are procedures that require a lot of attention and experience, because a moment of distraction or uncertainty could cause even very serious damage.
Furthermore, these operations become even more complicated if done alone, that is, without an assistant on the dock or someone experienced on board.
If you are a novice captain, or want to learn mooring techniques, you are in the right place. In this article we will explain how to moor a boat safely and how to do it in a smart way with Moorsimply, a revolutionary tool for mooring in complete autonomy and safety.
How many types of mooring are there? 3 very popular methods to do it
To know how to moor a boat it is essential to know that there are different ways to secure a boat to the dock or pier. The type of mooring must be chosen based on some factors such as:
- weather conditions
- Port structure and availability
- characteristics of the boat
- shipowner's needs
Based on these factors, you can decide how to moor. We reiterate that this is an operation that requires, in any case, maximum attention and care. The main types of mooring are three. Here they are explained in a synthetic but exhaustive way:
- Stern mooring. This is certainly the most common method. It is practiced by approaching the dock with the stern, and then securing the boat with ropes and traps. It is quite difficult to practice, especially in the presence of a crosswind and in the absence of other boats moored alongside. The boat, however, will be ready to go out: in this sense, it is the most comfortable of the mooring techniques.
- Bow mooring. It is also called “French mooring” and is performed by approaching the dock with the bow. In unfavorable weather conditions it is the most recommended maneuver, but it is not very practical when you have to access the boat and when you have to leave the port. Sometimes it is used for a question of privacy, as the rear area of the boat is not visible from the dock.
- English mooring. This type requires the boat to be positioned with its side close to the dock. It may not be practical because it takes up much more space near the dock, but it is very convenient for boarding. With this type of mooring it is important to use a large number of fenders to avoid possible damage to the boat.
How to dock a boat flawlessly: 5 preliminary operations
After having seen what the most common types of mooring are, let's see specifically how to moor a boat and what are the key steps not to be overlooked:
- Check the weather conditions. Before starting the docking maneuvers, it is important to make sure that the weather conditions are optimal, paying particular attention to the wind direction.
- Set up the fender. This is an essential tool to avoid any unexpected events when you approach the dock. It is best to remember to set it up before you get close to the dock, a few hundred meters away, even if you will have to adjust its height later.
- Sistema il parabordo. È uno strumento indispensabile per non incorrere in imprevisti quando ti avvicini al molo. È meglio ricordarsi di posizionarlo prima di arrivare in prossimità della banchina, a qualche centinaio di metri da essa, anche se poi dovrai regolarne l’altezza.
- Keep the ropes handy. To moor flawlessly, it is very important to keep the ropes handy, remembering that they must be coiled (i.e. gathered in bundles, duglie), so that they can be thrown onto the dock and tied to the bollard.
- Set the anchor. If the dock is not equipped with a dead weight, set the anchor so that you can use it quickly and without problems at the right time.
After preparing the ropes, the anchor, and positioning the fenders, it is time to perform the mooring maneuver. This operation, as we have seen, is very delicate and must be carried out calmly and without procrastination.
To moor a boat correctly and safely, you need two people and possibly an assistant on the dock. Unless you are equipped with a practical and smart tool that can facilitate the maneuver and act as a docking assistant.
How to moor your boat easily and safely with Moorsimply
In this guide we have seen how to moor a boat and what types of mooring can be practiced. As we have mentioned, to perform these maneuvers safely you need at least two people, assisted by an assistant from land. Unless there is an assisted mooring device that allows you to perform the maneuvers autonomously, safely and smartly.
The solution exists and it is called Moorsimply, a device equipped with a mechanical mooring arm, which can be operated remotely, which facilitates the maneuver and makes what we have described in this article much simpler.
Moorsimply is a smart tool that gives you the ropes and releases them, thanks to a very intuitive device with cleats operated by a practical remote control. In this way, the maneuvers will be faster and safer and you will not have to wait for the arrival of an assistant to guide you in the maneuvers: you can do it independently!
If you want to have news and curiosities about the world of navigation, follow the TikTok channel of Moorismply: you will find video tutorials that will explain how to make the most of your remote-controlled docking assistant.
If you want more information about Moorsimply contact us or come and visit us at the Salone Nutico in Genoa from 21 to 26 September.
