How to moor a boat in 4 simple steps
Mooring a boat safely is a core skill when taking a boat for anyone navigating waterways. But, if you are new to boating, mooring can seem a bit daunting at first, as it’s the same feeling as learning how to park a car for the first time. But with a bit of practice, it becomes second nature.
This simple 4-step guide will help you learn how to safely and securely moor a boat, and show you the best knots for mooring .
1. Choose your mooring spot carefully
When choosing a mooring spot, avoid placing your boat too close to locks and bridges to avoid collisions.
As you approach your chosen spot, look out for hidden dangers like tree stumps or submerged rocks that could damage your hull.
You also need to keep in mind that water levels can change significantly on some waterways, sometimes rising or falling by several feet. This is especially important if you plan to moor overnight.
If you’re on a river, always moor facing upstream, with the bow (front of the boat) pointed into the current, even if you need to turn around to do so.
2. Prepare yourself and your crew for mooring
Prepare yourself and your crew well in advance and ensure that every crewmember knows what their jobs will be. Have a crew member prepared to step off at the front of the boat and work quickly to fasten the bow line to a mooring ring.
3. Slow your boat down for the perfect manoeuvre
Slow your boat down almost to a stop while you approach close to where you want to moor. All your manoeuvres should be carried out as slowly as possible to ensure you have plenty of time to make adjustments to your approach.
Mooring parallel to the quay/bank
To moor parallel alongside the quay or bank, place a crew member at mooring lines at the front and the back of the boat.
Approach your chosen mooring spot slowly and keep the bow into the wind or the current; the boat should form an angle of around 45° with the bank.
When the boat is around two or three metres from the bank or quay put the boat into reverse to slow down. And, as the bow touches, let a crew member jump ashore to and make fast the bow (be careful here as jumping off two enthusiastically can push the boat back away from the bank or quay!).
The stern (or rear of the boat) can then be pulled in by hand.
Mooring perpendicular to the quay / bank
Be careful, as this manoeuvre can be difficult if there is a strong wind or current.
Come forward as close as possible to the place where you wish to moor. Before turning to line yourself parallel with the mooring spot (taking into account any drift that may occur from the wind or current).
Then reverse straight into the spot of your choosing.
It is often helpful to let a crew member off to assist with this manoeuvre.
4. The knot
When securing your boat there are several easy to use knots that will allow you to secure your boat safely in most conditions.
The round turn and two half hitches
This is a useful and popular boating knot that is ideal for mooring a boat and is easy to untie. It’s made of two steps:
First step: ‘Round Turn’, two passes of the tail around a dock post or mooring ring will take the initial strain while you complete the knot. You can also add one or two extra ‘turns’ if you have a large boat or if a strong wind is blowing. These turns allow you to control the boat.
Second step: Add two ‘Half hitches’ to form a clove hitch around the section of rope taking the tension. If you want to, you can also add more half hitches too make your knot more secure or to use up any excess line.
All you need to do for this knot is simply pass the line in a figure of eight around the cleat. The last loop can be reversed in order to block the rope.
The clove hitch
This knot is particularly useful if you want to moor to a tree or a post. It is two reversed half hitches, with an extremely strong hold.
Alternative: Mooring hooks
You can also use mooring hooks to moor your boat, but be careful: The ropes will need to be relatively tight so that any change of the water level will not cause excessive slack in the rope.
Ready to discover Europe & Canada’s waterways by boat?
No need to worry if you don’t feel ready to moor a boat just yet. When you rent one of our canal or river boats, our team will be there to take care of you. They’ll show you everything you need to know before you set off on your adventure.
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