Anchoring & Docking: A Practical Guide to Boat Handling in Every Situation

Whether you are dropping anchor in a quiet cove or threading into a crowded marina, Anchoring & Docking gives you the knowledge, techniques, and confidence to handle your boat safely in every situation.

Written by an experienced mariner with decades of hands-on boat handling in conditions ranging from calm harbors to storm anchorages, this book covers every aspect of anchoring and docking in clear, practical language. With 7 detailed figures, 4 reference tables, 14 Key Takeaways sections, 3 quick-reference checklists, and a scope calculation chart, this is the complete reference for recreational boaters at every skill level.

Inside you will find anchor types compared including fluke, plow, Bruce, mushroom, and Delta designs, with sizing charts and recommendations for every bottom type. The book covers the complete anchoring procedure step by step from selecting an anchorage by reading chart symbols to calculating scope ratios, setting and verifying your anchor under power, using two anchors for storm protection, and retrieving stuck or fouled anchors.

Docking fundamentals are covered for every condition including understanding wind and current effects on your approach, the basic docking technique, stern-in docking, spring line docking, crosswind approaches, and departing the dock safely. Prop walk is explained in detail and how to use it to your advantage.

The dock lines chapter covers the complete four-line configuration with bow, stern, forward spring, and after spring lines. You will learn how to choose and size nylon dock lines, tie essential knots every boater must know including cleat hitch, bowline, and round turn with two half hitches, throw a heaving line accurately, and maintain your lines to double their lifespan.

Mediterranean mooring is covered from start to finish with calculating anchor drop points, backing into tight spaces between boats, managing anchor rode and stern lines simultaneously, and departing without fouling your neighbors. The book also covers anchoring in challenging conditions including storm anchoring with maximum scope and two-anchor configurations, tidal water techniques, night anchoring with proper lights and alarm systems, and what to do when your anchor drags.

Additional chapters cover fender selection, sizing, and deployment, single-handed docking and anchoring with the midship spring technique, mooring balls and permanent moorings, rafting up alongside other boats with proper line configuration and fender placement, and lock, bridge, and confined waterway transit procedures.

The safety chapter covers line handling rules that prevent serious injuries, marina and anchorage etiquette, VHF communication for docking, teaching new crew members, engine failure and grounding response, and when to call for professional help.

The appendix includes three quick-reference checklists for Pre-Departure Equipment Check, Anchoring Step-by-Step, and Docking Arrival Procedure, a Scope Quick-Reference calculation table, a 29-term glossary, and 12 curated resources and recommended reading entries.

From your first anchorage to your tightest marina slip, this is the only guide you need to handle your boat with skill and confidence.