Hi.. Last year I single handed a lot but I was using a mooring, which makes it easy to secure the boat when alone. This year my 26S in in a marina using fingerdocks with no piles. In order to tie the boat one has to jump on the deck. I am looking for tips when docking single handed. I am planning to tie a line between the bow and stern cleat that I will have in hand when jumping from the boat on the dock. My dilema is from where to jump??? the cockpit?? or from near the chainplates?? Would like to hear your experiences. Cheers Ben
- Status
Hi.. Last year I single handed a lot but I was using a mooring, which makes it easy to secure the boat when alone. This year my 26S in in a marina using fingerdocks with no piles. In order to tie the boat one has to jump on the deck. I am looking for tips when docking single handed. I am planning to tie a line between the bow and stern cleat that I will have in hand when jumping from the boat on the dock. My dilema is from where to jump??? the cockpit?? or from near the chainplates?? Would like to hear your experiences. Cheers Ben
Ben some advice
Ben, don't know about your prevailing winds but they will affect your docking. I suggest you leave the dock lines on the dock. You can put foam floats on them and leave them in the water or you can throw them on the dock if permitted. Suggest you have a line holder or two attached to the dock. One in the rear for the stern line and one near the chainplates for the bow line. I would also have a line from the stern cleat (dock side) to a cleat midships to prevent the boat from heading into the dock major, not the finger. Coming in I assume you are under power and the dock has a vinyl rub strip or more. You'll want to come in and stop while grabbing the stern line with a boat hook. Stay on the boat if you can and drop a preformed line over the stern cleat. Pick up the midship line or bow line from the dock hanger with the boat hook. Grab the line and use the boat hook to hold to the dock while attach the bow or spring line, either one. This will all depend on the wind and waves as well as their direction but I suggest staying on the boat until you get one or two lines on. Otherwise she might get away from you. Then tie on the other bow line and a bra line if you think you'll need one to the opposite side of the dock finger from the main dock. Hope this is understandable. Steve P. PS, I single hand a 30' compac of around 7K lbs under many adverse conditions. Wind is the real enemy and if you jump before you have line on you may need to go swimming, or explain to your slipmate why your paint is on his boat.
It gets easier the more you do it.
Ben, don't know about your prevailing winds but they will affect your docking. I suggest you leave the dock lines on the dock. You can put foam floats on them and leave them in the water or you can throw them on the dock if permitted. Suggest you have a line holder or two attached to the dock. One in the rear for the stern line and one near the chainplates for the bow line. I would also have a line from the stern cleat (dock side) to a cleat midships to prevent the boat from heading into the dock major, not the finger. Coming in I assume you are under power and the dock has a vinyl rub strip or more. You'll want to come in and stop while grabbing the stern line with a boat hook. Stay on the boat if you can and drop a preformed line over the stern cleat. Pick up the midship line or bow line from the dock hanger with the boat hook. Grab the line and use the boat hook to hold to the dock while attach the bow or spring line, either one. This will all depend on the wind and waves as well as their direction but I suggest staying on the boat until you get one or two lines on. Otherwise she might get away from you. Then tie on the other bow line and a bra line if you think you'll need one to the opposite side of the dock finger from the main dock. Hope this is understandable. Steve P. PS, I single hand a 30' compac of around 7K lbs under many adverse conditions. Wind is the real enemy and if you jump before you have line on you may need to go swimming, or explain to your slipmate why your paint is on his boat.
It gets easier the more you do it.Ben some advice
Ben, don't know about your prevailing winds but they will affect your docking. I suggest you leave the dock lines on the dock. You can put foam floats on them and leave them in the water or you can throw them on the dock if permitted. Suggest you have a line holder or two attached to the dock. One in the rear for the stern line and one near the chainplates for the bow line. I would also have a line from the stern cleat (dock side) to a cleat midships to prevent the boat from heading into the dock major, not the finger. Coming in I assume you are under power and the dock has a vinyl rub strip or more. You'll want to come in and stop while grabbing the stern line with a boat hook. Stay on the boat if you can and drop a preformed line over the stern cleat. Pick up the midship line or bow line from the dock hanger with the boat hook. Grab the line and use the boat hook to hold to the dock while attach the bow or spring line, either one. This will all depend on the wind and waves as well as their direction but I suggest staying on the boat until you get one or two lines on. Otherwise she might get away from you. Then tie on the other bow line and a bra line if you think you'll need one to the opposite side of the dock finger from the main dock. Hope this is understandable. Steve P. PS, I single hand a 30' compac of around 7K lbs under many adverse conditions. Wind is the real enemy and if you jump before you have line on you may need to go swimming, or explain to your slipmate why your paint is on his boat. It gets easier the more you do it.
Ben, don't know about your prevailing winds but they will affect your docking. I suggest you leave the dock lines on the dock. You can put foam floats on them and leave them in the water or you can throw them on the dock if permitted. Suggest you have a line holder or two attached to the dock. One in the rear for the stern line and one near the chainplates for the bow line. I would also have a line from the stern cleat (dock side) to a cleat midships to prevent the boat from heading into the dock major, not the finger. Coming in I assume you are under power and the dock has a vinyl rub strip or more. You'll want to come in and stop while grabbing the stern line with a boat hook. Stay on the boat if you can and drop a preformed line over the stern cleat. Pick up the midship line or bow line from the dock hanger with the boat hook. Grab the line and use the boat hook to hold to the dock while attach the bow or spring line, either one. This will all depend on the wind and waves as well as their direction but I suggest staying on the boat until you get one or two lines on. Otherwise she might get away from you. Then tie on the other bow line and a bra line if you think you'll need one to the opposite side of the dock finger from the main dock. Hope this is understandable. Steve P. PS, I single hand a 30' compac of around 7K lbs under many adverse conditions. Wind is the real enemy and if you jump before you have line on you may need to go swimming, or explain to your slipmate why your paint is on his boat.
It gets easier the more you do it.Need Clarification
Thanks for the good advice. I would appreciate more explanation about this "I would also have a line from the stern cleat (dock side) to a cleat midships to prevent the boat from heading into the dock major, not the finger" Thanks again Ben
Thanks for the good advice. I would appreciate more explanation about this "I would also have a line from the stern cleat (dock side) to a cleat midships to prevent the boat from heading into the dock major, not the finger" Thanks again Ben
Need Clarification
Thanks for the good advice. I would appreciate more explanation about this "I would also have a line from the stern cleat (dock side) to a cleat midships to prevent the boat from heading into the dock major, not the finger" Thanks again Ben
Thanks for the good advice. I would appreciate more explanation about this "I would also have a line from the stern cleat (dock side) to a cleat midships to prevent the boat from heading into the dock major, not the finger" Thanks again Ben
Hi Ben
Yes, I should have used the words Dock Major, you are correct the way you state this. It's all pretty straightforward, I just write too much. I've jumped off the boat and been very happy to have my long adjustable boat hook in my hand. That's why I've changed my approach a little bit and stay on the boat unless the wind and weather are pretty calm. The Mac is pretty light so it should be easy to hold unless the wind is gusting strongly. I suspect you're already an old hand at this. It's like flying, every time you land is a good one Steve P.
Yes, I should have used the words Dock Major, you are correct the way you state this. It's all pretty straightforward, I just write too much. I've jumped off the boat and been very happy to have my long adjustable boat hook in my hand. That's why I've changed my approach a little bit and stay on the boat unless the wind and weather are pretty calm. The Mac is pretty light so it should be easy to hold unless the wind is gusting strongly. I suspect you're already an old hand at this. It's like flying, every time you land is a good one
Steve P.Hi Ben
Yes, I should have used the words Dock Major, you are correct the way you state this. It's all pretty straightforward, I just write too much. I've jumped off the boat and been very happy to have my long adjustable boat hook in my hand. That's why I've changed my approach a little bit and stay on the boat unless the wind and weather are pretty calm. The Mac is pretty light so it should be easy to hold unless the wind is gusting strongly. I suspect you're already an old hand at this. It's like flying, every time you land is a good one Steve P.
Yes, I should have used the words Dock Major, you are correct the way you state this. It's all pretty straightforward, I just write too much. I've jumped off the boat and been very happy to have my long adjustable boat hook in my hand. That's why I've changed my approach a little bit and stay on the boat unless the wind and weather are pretty calm. The Mac is pretty light so it should be easy to hold unless the wind is gusting strongly. I suspect you're already an old hand at this. It's like flying, every time you land is a good one
Steve P.The no sweat way
I leave the lines on the dock where they can be retrieved with the boat hook at leisure. At leisure because I made a V shaped bridle to contain the boat once it enters the berth between the fingers. The bridle is tied up 2 ft above the water so the bow can't ride up over it. I have old used fenders tied to the sides of the fingers, never hang them from the boat. That way, upon entering at idle speed or less I put the gear in neutral and coast into the bridle. It doesn't matter which way the wind is blowing, the stern will be forced over to one side or the other, where I pickup the line and cleat it. It a head wind is strong and pushing the boat back out I just put the boatin gear at idle speed to hold it against the bridle while I pickup the two stern lines. Once those are secure I can kill the engine, pull over to the finger I want, cleat it tight against the dock mounted fender. I go forward and pickup the two bow lies, and center the bow in the berth. When leaving the boat, I step off easily to the near side, let the line out so the stern is centered, then adjust the other stern line from teh dock, then attach the two spring lines. All done, and no hazardous jumping, or boat scratches. Been doing it this way for over 30 years and it's worked every time.
I leave the lines on the dock where they can be retrieved with the boat hook at leisure. At leisure because I made a V shaped bridle to contain the boat once it enters the berth between the fingers. The bridle is tied up 2 ft above the water so the bow can't ride up over it. I have old used fenders tied to the sides of the fingers, never hang them from the boat. That way, upon entering at idle speed or less I put the gear in neutral and coast into the bridle. It doesn't matter which way the wind is blowing, the stern will be forced over to one side or the other, where I pickup the line and cleat it. It a head wind is strong and pushing the boat back out I just put the boatin gear at idle speed to hold it against the bridle while I pickup the two stern lines. Once those are secure I can kill the engine, pull over to the finger I want, cleat it tight against the dock mounted fender. I go forward and pickup the two bow lies, and center the bow in the berth. When leaving the boat, I step off easily to the near side, let the line out so the stern is centered, then adjust the other stern line from teh dock, then attach the two spring lines. All done, and no hazardous jumping, or boat scratches. Been doing it this way for over 30 years and it's worked every time.
The no sweat way
I leave the lines on the dock where they can be retrieved with the boat hook at leisure. At leisure because I made a V shaped bridle to contain the boat once it enters the berth between the fingers. The bridle is tied up 2 ft above the water so the bow can't ride up over it. I have old used fenders tied to the sides of the fingers, never hang them from the boat. That way, upon entering at idle speed or less I put the gear in neutral and coast into the bridle. It doesn't matter which way the wind is blowing, the stern will be forced over to one side or the other, where I pickup the line and cleat it. It a head wind is strong and pushing the boat back out I just put the boatin gear at idle speed to hold it against the bridle while I pickup the two stern lines. Once those are secure I can kill the engine, pull over to the finger I want, cleat it tight against the dock mounted fender. I go forward and pickup the two bow lies, and center the bow in the berth. When leaving the boat, I step off easily to the near side, let the line out so the stern is centered, then adjust the other stern line from teh dock, then attach the two spring lines. All done, and no hazardous jumping, or boat scratches. Been doing it this way for over 30 years and it's worked every time.
I leave the lines on the dock where they can be retrieved with the boat hook at leisure. At leisure because I made a V shaped bridle to contain the boat once it enters the berth between the fingers. The bridle is tied up 2 ft above the water so the bow can't ride up over it. I have old used fenders tied to the sides of the fingers, never hang them from the boat. That way, upon entering at idle speed or less I put the gear in neutral and coast into the bridle. It doesn't matter which way the wind is blowing, the stern will be forced over to one side or the other, where I pickup the line and cleat it. It a head wind is strong and pushing the boat back out I just put the boatin gear at idle speed to hold it against the bridle while I pickup the two stern lines. Once those are secure I can kill the engine, pull over to the finger I want, cleat it tight against the dock mounted fender. I go forward and pickup the two bow lies, and center the bow in the berth. When leaving the boat, I step off easily to the near side, let the line out so the stern is centered, then adjust the other stern line from teh dock, then attach the two spring lines. All done, and no hazardous jumping, or boat scratches. Been doing it this way for over 30 years and it's worked every time.
V shaped bridle
Hi sailor, what is the setup of the V shaped bridle? How is it secured between the two fingers without affecting the neighbor? Thanks B.
Hi sailor, what is the setup of the V shaped bridle? How is it secured between the two fingers without affecting the neighbor? Thanks B.
V shaped bridle
Hi sailor, what is the setup of the V shaped bridle? How is it secured between the two fingers without affecting the neighbor? Thanks B.
Hi sailor, what is the setup of the V shaped bridle? How is it secured between the two fingers without affecting the neighbor? Thanks B.
docking
I dock in a wet slip where I leave most of my dock lines.... but this sounds very similar to docking at the ramp. for this I put my fenders in position before I hit the channel. (decide which side I want) typically I want to be blown into the dock... I have a 100' line on the bow, running to the cockpit. and a 25' on the stern. I run the boat into the dock where the fenders are. (all at 1knt or less speed) I get off the dock with the bow line, and secure the bow... since the wind is pushing me into the dock the stern will come in naturally. I guess if the winds were unpredictable, Id use a line attached to the cabin winch (spring) and just use that to secure the boat. since its midship. the fenders are the key... I 2) have 8" diameter taylor made brand. (big) also, fwiw I never (rarely) use reverse, I'll do 360's (spin around) if the approach is no good. best of luck
I dock in a wet slip where I leave most of my dock lines.... but this sounds very similar to docking at the ramp. for this I put my fenders in position before I hit the channel. (decide which side I want) typically I want to be blown into the dock... I have a 100' line on the bow, running to the cockpit. and a 25' on the stern. I run the boat into the dock where the fenders are. (all at 1knt or less speed) I get off the dock with the bow line, and secure the bow... since the wind is pushing me into the dock the stern will come in naturally. I guess if the winds were unpredictable, Id use a line attached to the cabin winch (spring) and just use that to secure the boat. since its midship. the fenders are the key... I 2) have 8" diameter taylor made brand. (big) also, fwiw I never (rarely) use reverse, I'll do 360's (spin around) if the approach is no good. best of luck
Docking
Ben; You've gotten some good advice. Wind and current are the big variables. I usually like to step on to the dock with a line attached to a midship stanchion. This avoids having to rush from the bow to the stern or vice versa. Keep it slow and practice, practice, practice Good luck, David
Ben; You've gotten some good advice. Wind and current are the big variables. I usually like to step on to the dock with a line attached to a midship stanchion. This avoids having to rush from the bow to the stern or vice versa. Keep it slow and practice, practice, practice Good luck, David
Night Sailor- A few questions
Night Sailor, I too am interested in your bridle dimensions. How far from the back of the slip is the point of the V? Where do you attach it? How big? The whole length of the slip? Thanks
Night Sailor, I too am interested in your bridle dimensions. How far from the back of the slip is the point of the V? Where do you attach it? How big? The whole length of the slip? Thanks
another tip
I have a bridle (didn't know what it was called before) setup in my slip too. Another helpful addition is those plastic wheel thingies installed horizontally on the corners of the slip fingers. Just in case you don't get lined up while approaching the slip
I have a bridle (didn't know what it was called before) setup in my slip too. Another helpful addition is those plastic wheel thingies installed horizontally on the corners of the slip fingers. Just in case you don't get lined up while approaching the slip
on TV last night...
... the old salt on Latitudes and Attitudes showed a single handed docking technique. He approached the dock slowly, backing down as needed, with a spring line attached to his rear cleat on the side where he'll meet the dock. If the dock has no edge padding use fenders. As he approached the outermost dock cleat he leaned out and wrapped the spring line aruond the dock cleat, snugged it enough to allow the bow to push into the dock, and tied it off to his cleat. He did this with the engine at idle or very slow, which is what pushes the bow into the dock with the stern cleated. In this condition with the engine on, it holds the bow in snug against the dock allowing him to get on the dock to secure the bow. Looked easy when he did it. 8*) Ed
... the old salt on Latitudes and Attitudes showed a single handed docking technique. He approached the dock slowly, backing down as needed, with a spring line attached to his rear cleat on the side where he'll meet the dock. If the dock has no edge padding use fenders. As he approached the outermost dock cleat he leaned out and wrapped the spring line aruond the dock cleat, snugged it enough to allow the bow to push into the dock, and tied it off to his cleat. He did this with the engine at idle or very slow, which is what pushes the bow into the dock with the stern cleated. In this condition with the engine on, it holds the bow in snug against the dock allowing him to get on the dock to secure the bow. Looked easy when he did it. 8*) Ed
Single hand docking
Thank you for sharing your insights. I learned a lot from this forum. I solo a lot and created this new trick to dock single handed. The cleat on the slip is ahead of the stern of my boat so I can't use the motor to hold the bow in. That will push the nose onto the dock. I tied the bitter ends of a bow line and the stern line with a knot. When the boat is moving very slowly (dead stop) alongside the slip I get on the slip and tie the stern line to the cleat while maintaining some pull on the bow line. If I fumble I won't loose the bow line. After the stern line is secured, I can take my time to secure the bow and the spring lines. I've done this many times even in high wind. I also mounted a pair of old fenders horizontally on the slip instead of hanging on the rail of the boat. That way I don't have to mess around with them when returning to the dock. Actually I never have to leave the cockpit while sailing. My sail ties also secured in a slip off way that I can pull on the bitter end while in the cockpit. Just safety. Only Man-over-board. Woman doesn't?
Thank you for sharing your insights. I learned a lot from this forum. I solo a lot and created this new trick to dock single handed. The cleat on the slip is ahead of the stern of my boat so I can't use the motor to hold the bow in. That will push the nose onto the dock. I tied the bitter ends of a bow line and the stern line with a knot. When the boat is moving very slowly (dead stop) alongside the slip I get on the slip and tie the stern line to the cleat while maintaining some pull on the bow line. If I fumble I won't loose the bow line. After the stern line is secured, I can take my time to secure the bow and the spring lines. I've done this many times even in high wind. I also mounted a pair of old fenders horizontally on the slip instead of hanging on the rail of the boat. That way I don't have to mess around with them when returning to the dock. Actually I never have to leave the cockpit while sailing. My sail ties also secured in a slip off way that I can pull on the bitter end while in the cockpit. Just safety. Only Man-over-board. Woman doesn't?
- Status