Captain's Guides

Practical answers to the questions boaters ask most, from the same teaching behind DockWise's docking grades.

• How Windy Is Too Windy to Dock? Wind Limits by Boat Size

  The wind bands DockWise uses to grade docking (calm, moderate, fresh, strong), how boat size changes the picture, and the 5 signs to go around.

• How to Dock a Boat in Wind, Step by Step

  Captain Rob's step-by-step approach for docking in wind: read the wind, set up, approach, secure the working lines first, and know when to go around.

• Twin vs Single Engine Docking: What Changes at the Dock

  How a single engine, twin engines and a bow or stern thruster change docking, and how DockWise accounts for each in its grades.

• The Easiest Boats to Dock, From Real Handling Ratings

  Which boats are easiest to dock, ranked only from DockWise handling ratings that Captain Rob has reviewed, plus what makes a boat easy to handle.

• Is Owning a Boat Worth It? Questions to Answer First

  Before you buy, look honestly at your helm experience, the boat and the marina. Captain Rob's questions to answer, and a free Readiness Assessment.

• How to Choose a Marina for Your Boat and Your Skills

  Compare docking difficulty and marina quality separately, then check the slip, depth, fairway and wind. Captain Rob's guide to choosing a marina.

• Great Lakes Slip Costs: What Drives the Price

  What affects the cost of a Great Lakes boat slip and what to ask each marina. DockWise doesn't publish price figures it hasn't verified.

• Boat Show Buyer Checklist: Questions Before You Buy

  Take this checklist to the boat show: questions about your experience, the boat's handling and where you'll keep it, from Captain Rob.