Docking in a slip

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Alohomora

Alohomora

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May 10, 2009
1
Hunter H 27, 2006 Erie, PA
Richie50 said:
I will be moving off a mooring and into a slip. I need advice on how to dock, as I have never done this before. What is necessary and how to tie up? The slip is in a very protected area from the current and possibly the wind. See attached photo. The only slip coming available is seen on the right with a 28 foot Searay in it.

I just picked up a couple extra fenders and 110 feet on line from a consignment shop. All looks virtually new.

What else is needed? Any recommend literature is also welcomed.

Thanks,

Richie
Click to expand
Try a little book called Boat Docking by Charles T. Low, a terrific review of how and why. Every time I have trouble (who doesn't?) I go back to it. I have no relationship with the author or publisher, just appreciate sound and understandable advice.
 
Rob38

Rob38

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Jan 22, 2008
31
Hunter 38 Severna Park MD
Richie,
I'm sure you'll enjoy a slip (hopefully with a hose and electric) in contrast to a mooring ball. Lots of good advice from others already posted.

I'd include learning all you can about "spring lines". There are many good articles on the web regarding spring lines and how to use them -- just google it.

Rob38
 
tailwind

tailwind

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Jan 22, 2008
53
Macgregor 21 MN
Looks like you might need a fender board since you only have posts to dock against. The fenders will roll off the posts like the one the current tenant is using. The fender board will straddle the posts. Hang it from the dock at the appropriate height.
 
A

Alan23153

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May 21, 2004
24
Hunter 31_83-87 Milford, CT
When my kids were little (12, 10, 6, now 21, 19, 15) and we'd dock our boat. I told them the same thing my father told me when I was 13. "There are two ways to dock a boat. 1. is come in as the summer blockbuster that everyone is talking about or 2. come in as the summer B movie that no one remembers." The B movie is always the way to go. Practice and when you think you are going slow ...go slower. I never rush a docking, no matter who needs to "go to the bathroom fast"!!
 
A

Antidote

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May 1, 2013
2
Mirage 35 Windsor Ontario
Move her as slow as possible, once you begin to move put the engine in neutral, if backing in, turn around to face the direction of travel, have all lines cleated and free, use your engine as a break, I prefer to move the boat at a speed no faster than two people sauntering along talking. Line the boat up a good distance from the well or dock or pier and plan how the wind will effect the boat's course, then compensate. If it looks like things are going bad, stop back up and try again. You don't win prizes for being the fastest guy to dock his boat. You can usually spot those winners by the scrapes and scratches on their hulls and/or their bent bow pulpits. Have fun and stay cool.
 
W

Winkfish

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Jul 28, 2010
914
Boston Whaler Montauk New Orleans
Man, work must be slow for you people!! How many posts can we make saying "Go slow, use spring lines"? ;-)
 
R

RTSKI

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Nov 5, 2012
24
Oday 19 Ridgway
Looks like a pretty narrow slip and it appears there is a tide. Spring lines appear required. Take a look at David Siedman's "The Complete Sailor" for how to attach spring lines to allow your boat vertical movement with the tide with minimal lateral movement, and how to rig a fender board.
 
H

Happy Daze

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Apr 20, 2013
28
Hunter 25.5 PORT ARTHUR
One slip I had had a line tied in an X fashion at the shore side. Kind of like a car wash. you pulled in and it guided you right to the middle. I have a Ranger 26-2 and steer with the outboard more than the rudder. To get more vertical movement don't tie your lines to your boat right next to the piling. NEVER TRY TO STOP THE BOAT WITH YOUR FOOT!! I had a friend crush and lose his foot doing that. Backing in may be easier after a while if there's no wind or tide. Don't worry about what others at the dock think of your docking!
 
D

dgilmer

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Nov 14, 2012
2
catalina 25 SW Florda
docking advice

One thing I didn't see is mention of reversing with motor.

find a calm, wide open space and practice reversing. Learn about your props prop walk. Learn how to use prop walk to your advantage. Learn how much way you need to steer in reverse.

As mentioned earlier, reverse can slow you down, use it, BUT know what that prop walk will do to your speed and direction.

most of all, have fun
 
B

bmorr

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Apr 5, 2009
81
Hunter 26 Pueblo Lake CO
Pay attention to the wind, and adjust accordingly. I have had better landings with a fairly sharp turn into the slip. In the beginning put some friends on the dock to catch you and practice. At our dock (South Shore Pueblo West CO) folks are good about being available to help.
 
Richie50

Richie50

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Oct 4, 2010
161
76 Catalina 22 Three Mile Harbor, East Hampton, NY
Thank you all for your responses I've received a oad of information. I appreciate everyone's input and the links to different websites. I will look into the books mentioned. I've gotten more information than I thought I would have, thanks again for your help. Practice practice practice, go slow... Got it.
 
H

Happy Daze

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Apr 20, 2013
28
Hunter 25.5 PORT ARTHUR
Notice how the power boat has his stern lines crossed? It is the same principle as spring lines except crossways.
 
M

mpraizner

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May 30, 2009
2
ODAY 34 Punta Gorda, FL (Burnt Store)
Docking tip

I tied a large fender side ways in between pilings on both sides of the slip to catch the boat before reaching the closed end of the slip. This protects the bow. I also, attach three fenders to each side of the boats (spread out) to protect the sides (abeam) of the boat.
 
Doc_holiday

Doc_holiday

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Nov 19, 2011
1,489
MacGregor 26S Hampton, VA
My only other tidbit would be that it has been easier, at least in my experience, it's easier to back in, than it is to back out.
 
B

Benny17441

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May 24, 2004
7,164
CC 30 South Florida
Docking has been defined as a controlled crash. So go ahead and hit the dock but softly. When tying up don't forget about tidal changes. Leave some slack in the bow and stern lines and keep the boat in place with the use of spring lines.
 
Stu Jackson

Stu Jackson

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Feb 26, 2004
22,984
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Help me understand the "logic"

Doc_holiday said:
My only other tidbit would be that it has been easier, at least in my experience, it's easier to back in, than it is to back out.
Click to expand
If it's hard to back out, how can it be "easier" back IN?

Either you learn to back your boat up, regardless of which direction it's facing, or you don't.

Really, could you please explain this to us?
 
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