Wondering what the majority think about docking. I've had people suggest I back my Hunter 420 in stern first rather that pulling the bow in first. Any comments on which is better?
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Better to back your sailboat in?
- Thread starter captmaddog
- Start date
- Jul 21, 2013
- 333
You could pull in bow first, back out, turn around and park stern first if the is dock traffic to deal with.
But either orientation of parking, you will encounter dock traffic.
I prefer backing in.
But either orientation of parking, you will encounter dock traffic.
I prefer backing in.
I suspect JSG is referring to foot traffic on the dock, after docking.
We generally dock bow in, preferring privacy in the cockpit. We also like our neighbors across the fairway better than those on the other side of the dock...:-D
We've always pulled in bow first, for the ease of docking, privacy, and a nicer view than looking at the parking lot. In New Jersey this was pretty commonplace, but since moving down to Maryland we're literally the only boat in the marina bow-in (despite the docks being perfectly suited for it). I don't know if there are geographic trends like this elsewhere, but it makes for some funny exchanges when people ask why we're doing that.
I go bow in, simply because it's the easiest way for me to get into the slip. Reverse on mine is pretty limited to straight lines only. So it's easier to just walk the boat out and push the bow out when leaving, than it is to try to swing the stern around and then get in from there upon entry.
How about prevailing winds? In our marina, there tends to be either a strong southerly or northerly wind. I find that backing into a strong wind within the confines of our docks can make a world of difference. My boat has a high freeboard and I find that the wind can play havock with the bow at low speeds. Thus, backing in reduces the impact of the wind. On the other hand, backing in the slip with a strong wind from the bow can be a real PITA.
People walking by on the dock also get a view down into the cabin.
If you are stern-to, most boats can not be "steered" until the stern is out of the slip. Bow-in, you can start steering as soon as the stern is backed out of the slip. Which way is "better" is what is best for YOU.
If you are stern-to, most boats can not be "steered" until the stern is out of the slip. Bow-in, you can start steering as soon as the stern is backed out of the slip. Which way is "better" is what is best for YOU.
There is no 'better'.. it all boils down to personal preference, skill and conditions. Each boat/captain/situation is unique. It has been my experience that in most places I've either lived at or visited, about half pull in bow first, half stern first. I preferred backing in. My shore power hookup was towards the rear of the boat and it made it easier to hook up. It also made it easier to load/unload supplies, and easier to leave the slip when I was pulling out. My neighbor preferred bow first because his outboard made getting in close difficult, making the boat stick too far out into the harbor. Whatever works for you is what is best.
Cheers,
Brad
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I guess it mostly depends on whether you have a floating dock and want the convenience of using a walk through transom. Others might consider the privacy of not having the cockpit facing the dock. There is also the consideration of the location of the shorepower inlet, the cable length and the location of the power pedestal. If you have high winds or strong currents at the time of arrival it might be easier to dock bow first. I would say practice both ways and then choose how you are going to do it depending on the circumstances. There is no right or wrong way, just personal preferences
We've done "stern in" up til now, but now I'm starting to rethink that. To me, it seems it would be easier to dock bow in, and backing out would require no precision maneuvering. Also, we've changed slips and have a full length finger pier now, which is better for "bow in".
I'm stern in because it's easier to get on/off the boat using the "gate" in the lifeline at the short finger pier. Not on a floating dock.
We have something else to consider that pretty much makes that choice for us. With davits, solar panels and a dingly hanging off those said davits there is a lot to catch up on a a dock piling or stray line that makes backing in a pain. We happen to enjoy our gorgeous view of the river so we park bow in. Watching the sunset sitting on the back deck, watching the boats drift by, and generally zoning out to the rest of the world while watching life on the river with drink in hand. Either direction...you're on a sailboat and probably enjoying whatever you're doing.
Thanks for the input. Now I'm even more confused than ever!! Not really. As a novice on this size boat, (went from a 26 to a 42), I like the fact that the Hunter sits so high that you can't really see down into the salon from our floating dock and it is easier to step on the transom and up into the helm from the dock. looks like I'll be trying both ways with different winds and see what works best for me. Thanks for the input and I look forward to more conversations among the best group of folks there is - our sailing community.
"I like the fact that the Hunter sits so high that you can't really see down into the salon"
That's a very good point, and it applies to the '80's H37 an H40, either of which is my "some day" boat.
That's a very good point, and it applies to the '80's H37 an H40, either of which is my "some day" boat.