Tips for Docking Your Pontoon

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Tips for Docking Your Pontoon
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Practice Makes Perfect
There are several tips you can practice to make
docking a pontoon easier. While getting the hang
of docking, you should keep fenders hanging off
the sides of your pontoon to avoid getting
scratches from the dock. The following tips
include techniques to follow while docking as
well as things to practice in the open water as
you get the feel of your pontoon to prevent
docking mishaps.
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Approach at an Angle
Approach the dock at an angle and straighten the
pontoon as you get close while aiming for a
particular spot on the dock. It isnt likely that
youll ever be able to line up straight to the
dock so the angled approach is crucial.
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Go Slow

• Approach the dock as slowly as possible. To do
  this, spend most of your time approaching while
  in neutral and only shift into gear every few
  seconds to get going ever so slightly. Executing
  the sharp turn for docking slowly minimizes
  skidding.

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Use Reverse
Once youre in your space and your front end is
close to the dock you need to knock the engine
into reverse. This stops you from continuing to
move forward and hitting the front of the dock.
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Turning Circle
It is important to know the amount of space your
pontoon needs to complete a turn. This takes
practice with turns of various sharpness, at
different speeds, and if possible, in varying
currents. Using a point of reference while in the
open water helps with gaining a feel of your
turning circle.
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Carry
Understanding your carry means understanding how
far and with how much force your pontoon coasts
once you shift into neutral. Boat speed, wind
speed, and the current will all impact carry so
you should be aware of all three when docking.
Practice shifting into neutral under different
conditions while out on the open water.
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Kick
Kick is the sideways movement on the stern after
shifting into gear and it can cause problems when
reverse thrust is applied while docking. Kick
varies with RPM and the direction of the props
rotation. Keeping RPM in mind, focusing on the
rudder, drive, and gear case position before
shifting. Using a point of reference while in the
open water helps with gaining a feel of your kick.
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Practice, Practice, Practice
It is important to remember that every boat
handles differently so it will take time to learn
the ins and outs of your pontoon. Elements such
as wind, currents, waves, and surrounding boat
traffic will come into play and you cant fully
predict how your pontoon will respond until
youve handled every particular combination of
elements.
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Contact Us

• Manitou is the leading manufacturer of pontoon
  boats. There are styles and boat sizes to
  accommodate everyones interest, from those who
  want to sun and fish to those who want to show
  off speed. Once you choose your function of the
  pontoon, you can choose your floor plan and
  color. Manitou has the perfect pontoon for you
  and your family!

800-999-9788 http//www.manitoupontoonboats.com/
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Summary

• Docking your pontoon can be a stressful end to a
  fun excursion when you havent had much
  experience. It is important to remember to go
  slowly, approach at an angle, and use reverse to
  finish off the docking process. While out in the
  open water, practice moves to understand your
  turning circle, carry, and kick. With a bit of
  practice, youll quickly gain confidence with
  docking.