Choosing the right anchor and following some basic guidelines will help you keep your boat in place for better fishing or more fun at the sandbar.
Freshwater Boating Basics
Look around you. From rivers and streams to lakes and reservoirs, odds are you don’t have to go far to find a body of water worth exploring. And nothing adds to the adventure quite like exploring in your own boat. Our Freshwater Boating Basics series covers all the essentials you need to know to confidently begin your boating journey. Now, let’s get boating!
Operation & Navigation
Basic Operation
Let’s get started! This video lays the boating groundwork with basic terminology and an overview of controls.
Trim, Tilt & Trim Tabs
Little adjustments to the trim and trim tabs can make a big difference in efficiency and the smoothness of your ride.
Basic Navigation
Understanding buoys, channel markers and other navigational aids is part of mastering the rules of the road on waterways, which is vital for safe navigation.
Anchoring & Docking
Anchoring Your Boat
Docking Your Boat
When it comes to docking, practice (and coaching) makes perfect. Our tips simplify the process, making docking easier in just about any conditions.
Tying Up a Boat
From quick, secure cleat hitches to perfectly placed spring lines, these tips will have you tying up your boat like a pro.
Trailering & Launching
Stowing Gear
Short of buying a bigger boat, we’ll help you fit everything you must have plus everything you want to have along for fishing, tow sports and more.
Towing Your Boat
A trailerable boat is your ticket to explore waters near and far. Let us show you how to get to and from the water safely and with ease.
At the Ramp
Great days on the water can begin at the ramp. Learn the easy steps to ready, launch and load your boat like a seasoned pro.
Safety & Weather
First Aid
Plan for the best. Prepare for the worst. A simple first-aid kit and some basic know-how will give you the peace of mind to explore.
Safety
The first step in any great boating adventure is outfitting yourself with the supplies and knowledge you need to get out and back safely.
Weather
Weather can be unpredictable, but you can trust our experts to help you navigate whatever conditions Mother Nature gives you.
Electronics
We believe in better boating through smarter technology. These helpful devices actually make it easier to disconnect and enjoy the outdoors.
Prepare for the Water
Be First-Aid Ready
A well-stocked first-aid kit can be your ounce of prevention and your pound of cure. Stored in a waterproof container, it could prevent minor incidents from derailing your entire boating adventure.
Keep it Dry
Dry bags are invaluable for protecting important items on board your boat. Use them to store extra clothes, electronics, important paperwork and more.
Grab Your Gear
Don’t forget your essentials: spare clothes, communication devices, headlamps with extra batteries, water, sun protection, personal flotation devices (PFDs) and any safety equipment required for where you boat.
More Education & Inspiration
Subscribe and Receive Our Digital Guidebook
We’re all about making boating even easier. When you subscribe to receive Mercury emails, we’ll send the latest news, tips and more straight to your inbox, starting with our new Digital Guidebook. It includes helpful boating checklists to get your on-water adventures started off right.
Explore the Mercury Dockline
The Mercury Dockline blog is the place to learn, explore and enjoy all things boating. Get expert advice to help you enjoy your favorite on-water activities and hear incredible stories about conservation, adventure and more. You can even sign up to have the latest Dockline stories and videos sent directly to your inbox.