Advice

I’d start by not acting like you’re stranded on an island butt naked.

Nothin wrong with walkin around yer boat givin the jewels some breathin room. If someone’s gonna raft up and violate yer space without announcing, it’s their problem.

It’s called Rafting and is not really okay without asking first, and that depends on where you are as well. In some boating communities it is considered completely unacceptable. There are exceptions:

With Explicit Permission–You should always ask the owner of the boat already at the dock before tying up to them. Most boaters are social and will welcome you if you ask politely and show you have proper gear.

Mandatory Rafting Docks–In some crowded harbors or specific marinas, “rafting up” is mandatory or a condition of mooring when space is limited.

Emergencies–In a genuine emergency—such as mechanical failure, medical crisis, or dangerous weather—you are generally allowed to tie up wherever necessary to ensure safety.

Invitation Indicators–Some boaters leave their fenders hanging on the “outside” (the side not facing the dock) as a signal that they are open to others rafting up.