Which sequence correctly describes the docking procedure?

• A. Keep the boat in forward gear until touching the dock; Then shut off engine.
• B. With the motor in reverse, approach the dock; Then put in idle and force the boat toward the dock.
• C. With the motor at idle speed, bring the boat parallel to the side of the dock you wish to use; Once almost into position, put the motor in reverse and give it only enough throttle to reverse the direction away from striking the dock; Put the boat in neutral and turn the motor off; Ensure the bumpers are at the correct height and on the correct side of the vessel.
• D. Push off with the bumper until the hull rests; Then cut engine and leave.

Answer: (C)

Docking safely relies on a controlled, gentle approach and a careful set-down that protects the hull. Start with the boat kept in gear at idle while you approach parallel to the side of the dock on the side you’ll use. This gives you steady handling and clear visibility of clearance. When you’re almost in position, shift to reverse and apply only enough throttle to slowly move away from the dock, not push toward it. This measured back‑off cushions any contact and reduces the chance of hull or prop damage. Put the transmission in neutral and turn the engine off to secure the boat. Finally, place the bumpers (fenders) at the correct height and on the correct side to absorb contact and protect the vessel and dock.

The other approaches risk damage or loss of control: driving forward into the dock can cause a hard impact; forcing the boat toward the dock with reverse thrust is unsafe and may cause a collision; and simply pushing off after resting against the hull without a controlled, staged approach increases the chance of damage or drift.