I dock stern in to a slip where the dock is at my stern. Can't open the swim la. Tdder to get off as I'm coming in since it would be crushed as I approach dock. With wind, I need to do this quickly, and sometimes single handed. Has anyone found a good way to get off the stern and onto the dock to tie up, without stumbling around (or over) the rail. Thanks, I'd love any ideas or suggestions.
stern into slip--can't get off to tie stern lines
- Thread starter MikePK
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Hi Mike,
I too am stern to. I don't know how you're set up, but in my case I have a finger to port and a post to starboard. As I back in, I wait until my stern is about 4-5 feet from the dock, then stop her with a forward thrust. This now gives me plenty of time (and distance from the dock) to drop my swim ladder and use it as a gangplank. I do also have two large fenders attached to the dock. Even with changes in wind direction, the more practice you take, the easier it gets. Not to mention that you will find what works best for you under different circumstances. The key is STAY CALM, DON'T RUSH and THINK OF WHAT YOU WANT TO DO NEXT BEFORE YOU DO IT!! It also never hurts to have someone standing by on the dock............just in case.
Happy Sailing..
I too am stern to. I don't know how you're set up, but in my case I have a finger to port and a post to starboard. As I back in, I wait until my stern is about 4-5 feet from the dock, then stop her with a forward thrust. This now gives me plenty of time (and distance from the dock) to drop my swim ladder and use it as a gangplank. I do also have two large fenders attached to the dock. Even with changes in wind direction, the more practice you take, the easier it gets. Not to mention that you will find what works best for you under different circumstances. The key is STAY CALM, DON'T RUSH and THINK OF WHAT YOU WANT TO DO NEXT BEFORE YOU DO IT!! It also never hurts to have someone standing by on the dock............just in case.
Happy Sailing..
I back in as well. The first lines to go on are my aft spring lines then I can leave the boat in reverse and it will remain where I need it without touching the dock.
Why are you not attaching you aft lines to the dock, then when you come in you can use your boat hook to pull them to the boat and cleat them off. This is a lot easier then trying to jump to the dock to set your lines.
Why are you not attaching you aft lines to the dock, then when you come in you can use your boat hook to pull them to the boat and cleat them off. This is a lot easier then trying to jump to the dock to set your lines.
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