How to Dock Your Jet Ski on a Pontoon

Pontoon docks are a low-cost, efficient way to set up a dock for smaller watercraft. Because they're light, they are easy to transport. Docks have cleats and non-slip walking surfaces. Jet skis come in different makes and models, but all feature some type of cleat, D-ring, or fastening point for a rope. Tying up a jet ski personal watercraft is simple, provided you are familiar with the knots involved and have a length of rope (called "line" in nautical applications).

Things You'll Need

  • 5 feet of line
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Instructions

    • 1

      Attach one end of the line to your jet ski using a bowline knot. The bowline is a knot used to make a static loop in the end of a line. Review the bowline at the Animated Knots and Boat Safe websites.

    • 2

      Measure the amount of line you have left so that the jet ski is snug against the pontoon dock, but not so tight that the line looks stressed. If a wave could cause the line to go taut, let it out a little more; if the jet ski is floating away and bumping back into the dock, make the line a bit tighter.

    • 3

      Tie the line to the cleat with a cleat hitch. A cleat is a metal or wooden attachment to the dock that has two protrusions on either side, called arms or wings. Use boat fenders or bumpers and spring lines to protect your jet ski.