Entry 1 Current acts on the hull, not just the surface
Unlike wind, which mostly acts on whatever is above the waterline, current pushes against the entire submerged hull, which means a boat with a deep keel or large underwater profile can be affected by current far more than its visible size above water would suggest.
Entry 2 Approaching against the current, generally
Approaching a dock heading into the current, rather than with it, generally gives more control, because engine power is working against the current rather than being added to it — a following current can make a boat feel like it has far less stopping power than expected.
Entry 3 Current can reverse during a single stay
In tidal areas, current direction can reverse entirely between arrival and departure a few hours later. A line setup and approach that worked perfectly on arrival may need to be rethought for a departure into a now-opposite current.
Entry 4 Questions people ask
How do I know if current is running in a marina basin?
Watch moored boats for a consistent lean or alignment, look for ripple patterns around pilings, or simply check local tide and current tables before arriving.
Is current or wind usually the bigger factor in docking?
It depends on the boat and the location — a boat with a lot of hull underwater is often more affected by current, while one with a lot of surface above water is often more affected by wind.