A system for docking a boat under substantial power in calm or rough seas includes
a modified trailer platform having goalposts that guide the boat onto the platform.
An elastic harness is attached to either side of the trailer platform and is positioned
to interface the V-shaped bow of the vessel. A latch on the bow snags the harness
as the vessel is being docked. The latch has a spring-biased and weighted cam that
moves to an open position upon the harness contacting the cam and that then rotates
to a closed position once the harness passes the cam. The harness then enters a
hook formed by the latch and the closed position of the cam retains the harness
in the hook. The expandable and retractable harness dissipates the kinetic energy
of the docking vessel and assists in bringing the vessel to a rest.
