Docking my new Z3

[chpthril]

A You looking for a solution for a temporary docking or will the boat be left in the water tied up to a dock when not in use. If the later, then you need a lift, but I dont see that working with how you describe the docking setup. If just for temporary docking, good fenders and proper mooring technique is all that needs to protect it. Maybe even one of those dock skirts (dont know what they are rally called) to cover the side of the dock as an added layer of protection.

Here is what I was referring to, to attach to the dock

http://www.wholesalemarine.com/pc/K-...at+Fender.html

For extended tie-up, I would use a spring line method as opposed to just coming straight off the cleat to the dock at the front and back.

[Ewok]

Whether your new to boating or not, this is a great read:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1588167445

[scoot18]

We just purchased our lake lot and I have no pictures at this time but from what I understand they there is only the dock on one side. Basically two boats pull into one slip and one tie's off on the left and the other boat tie's off on the right.

Is your dock in a high traffic area where there will be alot of rough water and wakes coming towards it? If so, if possible it would be best to dock the boat facing out towards the water, not pulling in facing the bank or opposite of the wake direction.

With the dock set up you mentioned, there may be a singular or possibly two pilings/poles in the center as an additional mooring point(s). Hope that you do, as this will make a much easier docking scenario.

If there is a center piling, tie off to the dock and moor to the center piling from the other side of the boat. Set/tie the ropes so that the boat is centered in the slip and ropes will not permit the boat to completely reach the dock or the center piling, in either direction. Once you have this down, I would recommend to make those mooring lines permanent for this spot, leave them on the dock and there are ready for mooring and will be exactly the same every time you pull in. To get it set up right will take some time to get just right the first time, but once it's done it's done. It will make it a breeze to dock and tie up every time after that. The right length of the bungee type mooring lines makes quick work of this set up.

If there is no center piling/pole, use good quality bumpers on the dock side of the boat, try to ensure that the bumpers are well centered to the rub rail and will not under any circumstance be able to go above the deck level of the dock. Use the cross mooring technique, front rope to rear cleat and rear rope to front cleat.

I've had to dock at some pretty sketchy docks in both of these set ups and over time have developed a good set up for either one. I have not incured any damage to the side of my tige during any of these, and some of them were in rough water and very poor dock conditions, cleats and loose boards etc. But as mentioned above I spend the time to get a good solid set up (If it is a mulitple day stay) at the beginning, and keep my ropes on the dock, so I only have to work the puzzule once.

Hope this helps.

[Wakeman22]

I use these. They work great and my boat never toughes the dock. However we get crazy wind sometimes so I don't always sleep well at night.

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/prod...g&merchID=4005

[gcsuper]

Sounds like you have just a dock and not a slip, right ? We used to keep a boat in a similar situation on weekends. I would pull up to the dock and back up so the bow is out. We tied a rope to a starboard cleat, then with a long rope on shore pulled it tight with an angle away from the dock and secured it to a tree. The boat on the other side of the dock did the same thing only in a different direction.

[Brianinpdx]

Trav - there's a lot of different products out there to help you keep your boat unscathed. The main difference between the Exile balls and the ones Ewok posted are the material and width of protection. Many guys use the standard type he pictured and they do work giving you a 4"-6" cushion. The Exile balls are inflated to 12-16" when used. And then can be deflated for easy storage (read take up no space). Most guys use a 12V pump and inflate them in about 10 seconds. The biggest advantage I've seen with the Exile balls is you literally can jam them anyplace and they offer you 3-4x the protection.

You'll see a lot of guys using these doing boat to boat tie-ups etc. If you want something fast and flexible, the Ball style is primo. If you want something, permanent, I'd look at the dock skirts. Cheers!

-Brian

[konajay]

The Exile balls look like the way to go. I'm going to pick up a few of those.

[majestic]

Mine have held up great

[halfwatt]

I love my Exile bumpers- highly recommend them

[trudelle]

I live on Lake of the Ozarks and it is real rough water. If we end up docking other then our lift we just use the Fenders and tie to the dock. I use one fender at the front cleat, one at the rear cleat and use a fender on the side of the window using the Fender Tender. Our friends use 4 bungees to center the boat in the slip.

[Travism]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I will order some Exile balls right away !

Appreciate all the help from this forum.

Travis.