Marinas and public access for boats are fitted with either slips, docks, or a combination of the two. Slips and docks are found on both salt and fresh bodies of water through Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Despite both serving the purpose of securing watercraft, they are unique, but both require the hull to be lined with fenders. Here is the difference between a boat slip and a boat dock.
What Is A Boat Slip
Slips are unique to docks because of how the operator enters the space when securing a boat.
A slip contains only one opening, which allows the boat access to the parking space. Slips are surrounded by a dock structure on the rear, left, and right sides. Access to a slip is only allowable by one of four sides.
When imagining a slip, consider it a space in which a boat is tightly nestled between the framework of docks. The watercraft must carefully back into or drive bow into a narrow space and tie the boat off on the port and starboard side.
What Is A Boat Dock
A dock, unlike a slip, offers boaters a multitude of options when it comes to approaching or departing.
Docks are exposed on three ends, the front, back, and the face, otherwise considered the dock’s length.
Rather than approaching a single confined opening, boaters, when docking, have a vast number of options for driving to the dock. Docks are most frequently utilized by large vessels or those securing for short periods.
What Are The Challenges Of A Boat Slip
Operators face challenges daily when securing a vessel at a marina, no matter where you are boating.
The primary cause of concern when approaching a slip is the width of the opening in which the boat must enter.
Boaters backing or driving bow into a slip face the risk of impacting the dock because it lines three of four sides of the vessel.
Factors that further complicate the situation include heavy winds or strong currents, which quickly sets the boat out of position.
Never rush to enter a slip space as the damage occurs from accidental strikes between the boat and the dock.
What Are The Challenges Of A Boat Dock
One of the significant benefits of approaching a dock versus a slip is the ability to drive towards the structure from multiple angles.
Rather than entering a confined area, the operator has options. However, despite the lengthy space, challenges are present.
Docks are congested with fellow boaters, whether at a marina, restaurant, or other areas. When approaching, operators are tasked with parallel parking between the bow and stern of other boaters. You must be skilled at maneuvering to avoid striking the watercraft ahead or behind.
A second obstacle boaters face when securing to a dock is lining the vessel up with cleats. There must be enough clits and properly spaced cleats to secure the watercraft correctly.
How Do You Approach A Boat Slip
When approaching a boat slip, the driver has the option to pull bow forward or back into the space.
We recommend reversing the vessel into the opening instead of driving straight forward. To prepare before backing, take note of the direction of the wind and current. Understand that the wind and current will push you where it is moving.
Align the boat downwind and down current while back into the slip to maximize control. Slowly drive the vessel into the slip. When needed, pull forward and realign. Deploy fenders on both sides of the vessel.
We recommend the Sailortenx Boat Fender 4 Pack to keep the sides of your vessel free of scratches and dings when entering the space.
How Do You Approach A Boat Dock
The best method to approaching a dock is highly dependent on the situation at hand and, most importantly, congestion.
When a dock is highly congested, you must first determine if the vessel length fits in the available spaces.
If limited space is available, we recommend backing the boat between the bow and stern of two other vessels. Proceed slowly to avoid making contact with the vessel forward or aft.
You may be lucky and find the space wide open. In this situation, drive the boat in against the wind or current in a forward motion. Allow the wind and current to push you towards the dock.
Now You Know The Difference Between A Boat Slip Vs. Boat Dock
When storing a boat at a marina, you are most likely secured to a boat slip versus a boat dock. However, you primarily encounter boat docks when visiting waterfront restaurants, fuel docks, or other areas. Check out these safety precautions when fueling your boat. Be prepared to position the boat in either situation to avoid causing damage to your vessel, the marina, or other watercraft.
