"...will help (my wife and I) come to grips with the intricacies of boat docking. The style of the writing is wonderful and the examples quite useful." - -- John B., Michigan
"Any boater - well, almost any - can handle his boat reasonably well in open waters. The real crunch comes when he or she has to bring the craft into a pier or wharf. Boat Docking may be a small volume, but it contains a wealth of information on docking and undocking a boat. "Detailed procedures covering a wide variety of situations are followed by a thorough explanation of the forces and effects of wind, current, and propeller action - even experienced skippers can learn from this book." (Elbert S. "Mack" Maloney, USMC, Col. (Ret.), editor and author of Chapman Piloting) -- Elbert S. "Mack" Maloney, USMC, Col. (Ret.), editor and author
"Any boater - well, almost any - can handle his boat reasonably well in open waters. The real crunch comes when he or she has to bring the craft into a pier or wharf. Boat Docking may be a small volume, but it contains a wealth of information on docking and undocking a boat.
"Detailed procedures covering a wide variety of situations are followed by a thorough explanation of the forces and effects of wind, current, and propeller action - even experienced skippers can learn from this book."
-- Elbert S. Maloney, Chapman Piloting and Seamanship
"Charles - received your book late last week. WOW. Some of the techniques you have outlined I have known, but you do such a fantastic job in explaining the physics behind why they work or won't work. As an addition, your section on tie ups with respect to docking I found invaluable... Thank you, Charles, for taking the time to implant your wisdom and experience for those of us who need it." -- John H., Colorado
"I am impressed with the scope of the book - I don't know of another with this treatment at the same level." -- Tim Ridge, New Zealand, Boat Books Ltd.
"I heartily recommend picking up a copy of this book. You'll be able to thrill the 'dockwatchers' (you know the ones I mean) with your handling prowess and become the envy of everyone in your marina... It is really very well written. You have a way of making 'obtuse' concepts understandable, and explaining why boats behave as they might." Bob F., Missouri -- Bob F., Missouri
"I really like it! ... I am quite impressed. It is very well put together. Very attractive format and excellent graphics ... I like the whole premise of the book ... I think your book hits the mark." -- Wayne M. Hope, NavAid computer program, Alberta
"I would have sent this message sooner but I could not put the book down. Your book is definitely a winner... The way you have explained the many factors and procedures is a real enjoyable learning experience." - -- Jack H., West Virginia
"I'm one of your satisfied "Boat Docking" users and I've recommended it to several of my boating friends. ... Great book - great topic - well written!" - -- Al M., California
"Not only is it how to but it explains a lot of why the boat handles the way it does in given situations. Nice job. I particularly like the sense of humor it was written with... I'm on my second read and... I've learned a lot from it." - -- Eric S., California
Here's what Charles has to say about writing Boat Docking: What a thrill and a joy it was for me to rediscover boating in early adulthood, and how discouraging, then, not to be able to dock the blessed boat (or at least, not consistently)! It was soon apparent that I was not alone! So, armed with my background in the sciences, I set about to see what I could learn about close quarters boat handling, and was somewhat surprised when, as the years went by, I realized that I was writing a book! The research has taken many paths. Foremost among them were i) experimentation, and ii) verbal advice from experienced, accomplished boaters. There have also been the excellent Power Squadron courses, as well as untold hours of reading many of the conventional (and "un-") text sources on small craft handling.
The distillation that has resulted is not, to my knowledge, reproduced elsewhere. This book is tightly focused only on slow-speed handling of small craft, and as such it is very complete and thorough. It has an excellent balance of technical analysis and practical boat-docking recipes.
About the Author
Charles T. Low, the author of Boat Docking, is a recreational boater in the world famous Thousand Islands of the St. Lawrence River. He, with family and friends, spends most of his summer vacation, weekends, and many evenings, on the water. Charles likes the beauty and tranquility of the islands, and also enjoys boating - an excellent match of process and product! Charles writes: "What a thrill and a joy it was for me to rediscover boating in early adulthood, and how discouraging, then, not to be able to dock the blessed boat (or at least, not consistently)! It was soon apparent that I was not alone! So, armed with my background in the sciences, I set about to see what I could learn about close quarters boat handling, and out of that grew Boat Docking!"
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Boat Docking's Conclusion - What you need now is to put lots of water under the bridge. Your progress will be faster as you spend time on your boat, operating it in diverse conditions. Examine others' handling and mishandling of their vessels. This book will make more and more sense to you as you refer back to it, comparing it with your own experiences on the water. Landlubbers wonder why we even bother, if the whole topic of docking a boat is so involved. For boaters, the attraction of the water is visceral and defies logical explanation. It's like love. And like love, a little skill and attention to close quarters maneuvering joyfully enhances the whole relationship. If you're going to do it, do it well. Learn the mechanics, and then practise them until they are a part of you. Be careful. Take it at your own pace. Be easy on yourself, but always push for just a little better performance. There are many facets to skilful, courteous boat operation. Learn how to dock your boat well, and many of your skills will carry over to other aspects of small craft handling. You will not only gain personal gratification and social accolades, but you will also increase safety to persons and property. I hope that you have had an enjoyable voyage. Now, ready your lines and fenders, and prepare to bring her in to dock.
