How to Tie a Boat to a Pier

The pillars that support the walkway of a pier can provide an ideal place to moor a boat. Bear in mind, however, that some piers may be private property. Seek permission to moor your boat if coming ashore for extended periods of time. Do not moor to any pier with pillars spaced wide enough for the boat to move underneath it. A rising tide can do a lot of damage to a boat crushed against the walkway for a pier.

Things You'll Need

  • 1/2-inch nylon, 3-strand line
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare the nylon line that will be used to tie the boat. It's length will depend on the length of time the boat will be moored and the tidal range of the water body. Note that boaters commonly refer to rope as line. Ensure one end of it is tied securely to the boat's bow. Ask a crew member who knows how to tie a rolling hitch or a rolling bend to hold the other end.

    • 2

      Make a note of the wind direction. If the wind is strong, factor in its effects on the boat's movement when the engine is turned off.

    • 3

      Approach the pier very slowly. Select a downwind support to tie the boat to and come alongside it. If the boat still has too much forward motion to bring it to a standstill, briefly put the engine into reverse.

    • 4

      Tie the knot above the high-tide line of the chosen post. The high-tide line is noticeable by the sudden absence of seaweed, barnacles, mussels and other sea-life. Securing the line below the high-tide line may result in the boat owner trying to undo a knot submerged beneath several feet of seawater.