Abstract: A watercraft docking system for use with watercraft facilitates unassisted docking of the watercraft by preventing the watercraft from engaging the dock at either approach or departure. A simple reconfiguration of the watercraft docking system allows the watercraft to remain affixed to the dock while still reacting to external forces, such as wind, waves, and other phenomena. Accordingly, an individual can fully operate a recreational watercraft without the aid of another individual while reducing or eliminating the risk of potential damage resulting from contact between the watercraft and the dock.