Master the art of boat Parking

Full disclosure, I wrote this piece two weeks ago, but was holding off on publishing it until I could get some video and photos to better illustrate some of the things I'm talking about.  However, it has basically rained for all of the last two weeks, so you're just going to have to let my words fill your imagination.

Everyone loves to go out to the bar/restaurant on the lake by boat.  One thing that can be terrifying to boat owners is docking it, even with experience.  It seems simple enough in theory, but then you have that first windy day with only one slot open at the lake bar and you’ve got to pull in next to another, much nicer boat than yours. That is when things get really real.  Another terrible moment in boat parking is when you have a large crowd either on your boat, the boat you’re parking next to, or on/around the dock that you’re parking at.  Everyone’s got an opinion, that’s for damn sure, and if you don’t nail that docking job, judgments will be made and opinions formed, and you can go from King of the Lake to Lake Jester just like that.  I’ve seen (and probably (definitely) participated in) instantaneous arguments, heated exchanges, and questioning of marriages, friendships, relationships, and religion over intense boat docking conditions.  In fact, this past weekend I witnessed and participated in all of the above, which leads me to this post.  Plain and simple, parking/docking/tying up your boat is difficult and can be extremely stressful.  For the non-laker, it might seem like it’s basically the same as parking your car.  Well, since you’re here reading about the lake life, you’re probably aware that it most definitely is not the same as the road, parking space, and/or curb don’t move while you’re doing it, but the boat, the water, the dock, and the people do.  Also, no brakes.  Here are my top tips for parking your boat confidently, effectively, and safely, so you can park like a boss (NSFW language) and Rule The Lake!

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