lol I know I am a newbie at this but does everyone else have as much problem docking and if so I can just imagine ...trying to sail the 26 footer instead of the o day sailer
- Status
Annie..something to remember!
When approaching your slip, do so under power and slowly. Make 90 degree turns if the slip has another boat that is shared with. And remember...Don't point the boat. A boat steers from the stern, not the bow (like a car).
When approaching your slip, do so under power and slowly. Make 90 degree turns if the slip has another boat that is shared with. And remember...Don't point the boat. A boat steers from the stern, not the bow (like a car).
Docking is
a challange for everybody at some point. When I first started sailing, it must have been comical to watch us leave and return to the slip. However, once I understood the way the boat reacts things have gotten much better. There will always be a day when things do not go as planned, but once you get a feel for the boat, you can get through the bad times. I find it is important to have an exact plan before the manuver and to have everybody in their place when approaching or leaving the slip. Practice in open area...I like a mooring feild as there are plenty of points to practice with....just don't get tangled up! Good Luck and do not get discouraged! Greg
a challange for everybody at some point. When I first started sailing, it must have been comical to watch us leave and return to the slip. However, once I understood the way the boat reacts things have gotten much better. There will always be a day when things do not go as planned, but once you get a feel for the boat, you can get through the bad times. I find it is important to have an exact plan before the manuver and to have everybody in their place when approaching or leaving the slip. Practice in open area...I like a mooring feild as there are plenty of points to practice with....just don't get tangled up! Good Luck and do not get discouraged! Greg
- Jan 22, 2008
- 519
common errors
For me a commom error was having too much way (speed) on, then trying to apply reverse thrust. As you will find out, this induces a phenomenon of prop walk, (which will want to move the stern of your boat to the left), another factor to contend with. I learned to practice on days where there was little wind, little current, and I would try to determine when to cut the motor from dead slow to just arrive at the dock. The only factor I had to contend with then, was the steering. Once I got that down pat I started to do the same with a bit of wind, until I learned to compensate for that as well. Have your fenders out on the dock as well as on your boat, so that you can limit the negative impact of your learning curve. Make a few attempts in varying conditions. It won't take long to figure out the nature of your boat. As mentioned previously, throw out a fender in open water and practice nosing up to it, or coming alongside. Its great Crew Over Board practice anyhow!
For me a commom error was having too much way (speed) on, then trying to apply reverse thrust. As you will find out, this induces a phenomenon of prop walk, (which will want to move the stern of your boat to the left), another factor to contend with. I learned to practice on days where there was little wind, little current, and I would try to determine when to cut the motor from dead slow to just arrive at the dock. The only factor I had to contend with then, was the steering. Once I got that down pat I started to do the same with a bit of wind, until I learned to compensate for that as well. Have your fenders out on the dock as well as on your boat, so that you can limit the negative impact of your learning curve. Make a few attempts in varying conditions. It won't take long to figure out the nature of your boat. As mentioned previously, throw out a fender in open water and practice nosing up to it, or coming alongside. Its great Crew Over Board practice anyhow!
depends on the conditions.
Annie: It is relatively easy to dock when there is no wind or current to contend with. Add these factors and it can make a rough landing for even the most seasoned boater (power boats included). If you are not contending with these elements, you need to be sure that you are aligned with slip. Maintain enough speed to keep the boat on course and understand how much reverse thrust your engine has to slow or stop your vessel. If you have an outboard engine make sure that it is also straight so it does not make your approach any more daunting than it already is. With some practice you will get it. If you are fighting some of mother natures elements, you just need to learn to deal with them (I know that they can be very difficult for me to deal with).
Annie: It is relatively easy to dock when there is no wind or current to contend with. Add these factors and it can make a rough landing for even the most seasoned boater (power boats included). If you are not contending with these elements, you need to be sure that you are aligned with slip. Maintain enough speed to keep the boat on course and understand how much reverse thrust your engine has to slow or stop your vessel. If you have an outboard engine make sure that it is also straight so it does not make your approach any more daunting than it already is. With some practice you will get it. If you are fighting some of mother natures elements, you just need to learn to deal with them (I know that they can be very difficult for me to deal with).
Have your lines available
An easy to grab line has saved many a lousy docking (I know; lots of them have been mine!) If possible, hang your spring lines up on a pole or a piling at shoulder level at the edge of the dock; getting even one line aboard makes everything much easier. When its windy, you can use an attached line as pivot point to bring the bow or stern into the dock.
An easy to grab line has saved many a lousy docking (I know; lots of them have been mine!) If possible, hang your spring lines up on a pole or a piling at shoulder level at the edge of the dock; getting even one line aboard makes everything much easier. When its windy, you can use an attached line as pivot point to bring the bow or stern into the dock.
You are not alone
Many new boaters, or non boaters, thinks docking is like parking a car. Well, for us boaters, we have to add wind, current, and steering in the back. Even many of us seasoned boaters still run into the dock sometimes. ouch! Too many people come in to the dock way too hot. They should be slowing down to a crawl. And since we are all sailors here, we know sailboats are much heavier then a power boat. With all that weight, it takes a while to slow down, and difficult to stop on a dime. When close to the dock, I think the best dock line to use first is the midship dockline. It will pull the side of the boat towards the dock, and once cleated, the short scope will act as a spring line. If you use the bow line, then the stern will swing out, and if you use the stern line, the bow will swing out. Also if you toss the bow line to someone on the dock, and they pull on it, they will often end up increasing the forward speed of the boat, or the stern will swing out and hit the neighbor's boat. If you toss them the midship line, they are only going to pull the middle of the boat towards the middle cleat on the dock. Have fun boating, and it will take time to learn the docking part.
Many new boaters, or non boaters, thinks docking is like parking a car. Well, for us boaters, we have to add wind, current, and steering in the back. Even many of us seasoned boaters still run into the dock sometimes. ouch! Too many people come in to the dock way too hot. They should be slowing down to a crawl. And since we are all sailors here, we know sailboats are much heavier then a power boat. With all that weight, it takes a while to slow down, and difficult to stop on a dime. When close to the dock, I think the best dock line to use first is the midship dockline. It will pull the side of the boat towards the dock, and once cleated, the short scope will act as a spring line. If you use the bow line, then the stern will swing out, and if you use the stern line, the bow will swing out. Also if you toss the bow line to someone on the dock, and they pull on it, they will often end up increasing the forward speed of the boat, or the stern will swing out and hit the neighbor's boat. If you toss them the midship line, they are only going to pull the middle of the boat towards the middle cleat on the dock. Have fun boating, and it will take time to learn the docking part.
More Tips
If you have a choice dock on the up wind side of the dock (weather side). also I have a long line that I tie off on the stern cleat and the bow cleat. when I step off on the dock I have this line in my hand. I can control both the bow and the stern. Like everyone else says, practice is the way to go, I practice on Mondays when everything is quiet. I will pick a dock and shoot a few landings and be on my way. Annie you have the right attitude, get a little help. You should watch those power boaters try to dock. They over steer use too much power and knock people off of there seats. Back up an have to try it several more times before they get in.
If you have a choice dock on the up wind side of the dock (weather side). also I have a long line that I tie off on the stern cleat and the bow cleat. when I step off on the dock I have this line in my hand. I can control both the bow and the stern. Like everyone else says, practice is the way to go, I practice on Mondays when everything is quiet. I will pick a dock and shoot a few landings and be on my way. Annie you have the right attitude, get a little help. You should watch those power boaters try to dock. They over steer use too much power and knock people off of there seats. Back up an have to try it several more times before they get in.
Don't give up
My husband and I were terrible when we first started. We always joked about being dock entertainment for others. We would end up being diagonal over 2 slips (no boat next to us thankfully). Others finally would come to help us when they saw us coming, encouraging us cuz they went thro the same thing when they started out. We have finally settled into a routine - slow but not too slow. About 200 yards out I put the motor at the slowest speed. About 25 yards out, I put it into neutral and we just glide up to the dock. My husband is on the outside of the lifelines at the side shrouds waiting to step onto the dock. That usually works if it isn't really, really windy. If the wind is going to hit us broadside as we turn into our slip, I wait a little longer to put it into neutral. And sometimes I have to be ready to put it into forward again just for a short time to give it a little momentum. But not too much. Give it time. You will learn what works best for you boat and slip.
My husband and I were terrible when we first started. We always joked about being dock entertainment for others. We would end up being diagonal over 2 slips (no boat next to us thankfully). Others finally would come to help us when they saw us coming, encouraging us cuz they went thro the same thing when they started out. We have finally settled into a routine - slow but not too slow. About 200 yards out I put the motor at the slowest speed. About 25 yards out, I put it into neutral and we just glide up to the dock. My husband is on the outside of the lifelines at the side shrouds waiting to step onto the dock. That usually works if it isn't really, really windy. If the wind is going to hit us broadside as we turn into our slip, I wait a little longer to put it into neutral. And sometimes I have to be ready to put it into forward again just for a short time to give it a little momentum. But not too much. Give it time. You will learn what works best for you boat and slip.
We have all been there.
Annie, We have all been there. In fact my girlfriend claims it's the hardest part of sailing. I agree with many of the comments and it really does take practice and knowledge of your boat. Another tip, that might make life a little easier is to take a line from the poles at the dock and run them back to the dock. Put one on each side of the boat and make them about chest high during low tide. That way we you get a little of the boat into the slip you can use these lines to pull the boat back into the slip. So you new goal would be just to get the boat a little into the slip and use the lines you added to the dock to pull yourself in. Just as all the others have stated, slow down.. it can not be stressed enough that you want to put the boat in neutral and bring her in very slowly. Hope this helps.. And we all promise it will become easier.. -Andrew
Annie, We have all been there. In fact my girlfriend claims it's the hardest part of sailing. I agree with many of the comments and it really does take practice and knowledge of your boat. Another tip, that might make life a little easier is to take a line from the poles at the dock and run them back to the dock. Put one on each side of the boat and make them about chest high during low tide. That way we you get a little of the boat into the slip you can use these lines to pull the boat back into the slip. So you new goal would be just to get the boat a little into the slip and use the lines you added to the dock to pull yourself in. Just as all the others have stated, slow down.. it can not be stressed enough that you want to put the boat in neutral and bring her in very slowly. Hope this helps.. And we all promise it will become easier.. -Andrew
Dock Dancing
Annie, can you describe more specifically what problems you're having? Everyone is shooting in the dark, and necessarily making assumptions about your particular situation. Of particular help would be information about: 1) What type of "dock" are you using: pilings? a floating finger slip? Single-wide? Double-wide? If a double-wide slip, is yours the right or left space, and is there a boat you share the double with? 2) If it's a finger-slip, do you turn to the right or to the left to enter it from the fairway? 3) What are the prevaling current and/or wind condittions when approaching: against current, wind on the port when entering, or some other combination? Is current not a big factor? 4) How many crew do you have to help you? Single-handing calls for different strategies and tactics than multi-handing. Then, given your situation, what particular problems arise? Tiller, or wheel? If you give us a clearer picture, you'll get much more helpful responses.
Fair Winds, Jeff
Annie, can you describe more specifically what problems you're having? Everyone is shooting in the dark, and necessarily making assumptions about your particular situation. Of particular help would be information about: 1) What type of "dock" are you using: pilings? a floating finger slip? Single-wide? Double-wide? If a double-wide slip, is yours the right or left space, and is there a boat you share the double with? 2) If it's a finger-slip, do you turn to the right or to the left to enter it from the fairway? 3) What are the prevaling current and/or wind condittions when approaching: against current, wind on the port when entering, or some other combination? Is current not a big factor? 4) How many crew do you have to help you? Single-handing calls for different strategies and tactics than multi-handing. Then, given your situation, what particular problems arise? Tiller, or wheel? If you give us a clearer picture, you'll get much more helpful responses.
Fair Winds, JeffThis has worked well for me...
If you are docking bow-in on a finger dock this solution should work well. Use a line to make a "V" shaped bridle within your slip area. The point of the "V" is toward and fasted to the main dock. The open end of the "V" is formed with lines the lines brought back and fasted to the outer end of the finger dock and whatever separates your slip area from the neighboring slip. Fasten the point of the V together at the distance that you desire between the bow and the main dock. I was able to sail into my slip regularly with this set up. Just drive in like pulling the sedan into a garage. The bridle will keep you inline and it will bring the boat to a stop if the line is high enough on the bow.
If you are docking bow-in on a finger dock this solution should work well. Use a line to make a "V" shaped bridle within your slip area. The point of the "V" is toward and fasted to the main dock. The open end of the "V" is formed with lines the lines brought back and fasted to the outer end of the finger dock and whatever separates your slip area from the neighboring slip. Fasten the point of the V together at the distance that you desire between the bow and the main dock. I was able to sail into my slip regularly with this set up. Just drive in like pulling the sedan into a garage. The bridle will keep you inline and it will bring the boat to a stop if the line is high enough on the bow.
I See From Another Post…
…that you're skippering a McGreggor 26. That means a wheel and a huge outboard, and considerable freeboard, as I recall. So now we know at least that much. That outboard doesn't swivel, does it? I wouldn't think so.
…that you're skippering a McGreggor 26. That means a wheel and a huge outboard, and considerable freeboard, as I recall. So now we know at least that much. That outboard doesn't swivel, does it? I wouldn't think so.
a tip
Annie, Years ago I had a MacGregor 26 and couldn't dock worth a damn either until another Mac owner told me to drop the center board a tad-maybe a foot or two. This made a huge difference. Otherwise you're trying to dock a "flat bottomed" boat with high freeboard. The wind and current will play havoc with you otherwise. Also try leaving your rudders down.
Annie, Years ago I had a MacGregor 26 and couldn't dock worth a damn either until another Mac owner told me to drop the center board a tad-maybe a foot or two. This made a huge difference. Otherwise you're trying to dock a "flat bottomed" boat with high freeboard. The wind and current will play havoc with you otherwise. Also try leaving your rudders down.
Into the wind
I'm not sure what Rodger meant by the weather side. Approaching a lee shore is probably the least desirable condition. I think that you want to approach the dock INTO THE WIND whenever possible. Obviously, that isn't always possible. But, clearly, going down wind into the dock only makes it more difficult to control your speed.
I'm not sure what Rodger meant by the weather side. Approaching a lee shore is probably the least desirable condition. I think that you want to approach the dock INTO THE WIND whenever possible. Obviously, that isn't always possible. But, clearly, going down wind into the dock only makes it more difficult to control your speed.
I sail a Hunter 260 by myself a lot, which means I dock by myself a lot. It is about the same size as yours, water balast, and swing keel. Here is what I do. First, go out in the open, get used to the handling of your boat in the obstacle free open. Especially slow speed handling. Figure out exactly how slow you can go and still control the boat. Now, when docking, add a teeeeeenie-tiny little bit of speed to this minumum speed and use it. My dock is a single slip finger dock. I added the rope V at the front to help catch the bow. Make sure it is far enough back and high enough to catch the boat without the boat catching the dock. This has the advantage of keeping the bow from swinging around as well as stopping you BEFORE actually hitting the dock. I also lined the sides of the dock with an edgeguard I got from west marine http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/72566/0/0/dock/All_2/mode%20matchallpartial/15/Sale%20Price|0 as well as corner guards. Now I worry less about bumping the sides, as I effectively have bumpers all around. Approach the dock at that ultra low speed, making small corrections as needed (dont get too wild). If you can approach from as far away as possible and still go strait in that will allow you more time to get used to the current conditions. The object is float on in to the dock, stopping before your rope V if possible, but if not then that is what it is there for. Use reverse thrust as neccessary to stop, but eventually with practice you will need less of that but by all means use it if needed. Then I put the stern lines on, which are left on the dock. I grab them with my boat pole. Because of the rope V the bow is going nowhere so by securing the stern you are pretty much safe. Then attach all the rest of your lines. This is just how I do it with my set up, yours may be different. With a little practive and patiance you will get it down in no time. Oh yeah, when I can take some pictures of the set up if you would like to see how I have it. Just let me know.
Stern in Trick
One trick that was taught to me (forget who) but really does work and I've passed it on to several others, if you back into your slip, walk around the helm and steer it looking at the stern. It reverses the entire feel and you drive the boat more like a car (accounting for current, wind etc). The throttle is better oriented for the direction you are going and (pushing it forward actually means putting it in reverse) and you steer looking at where you are going as oppose to looking over your shoulder as you back up. Give it a try if your setup allows you.
One trick that was taught to me (forget who) but really does work and I've passed it on to several others, if you back into your slip, walk around the helm and steer it looking at the stern. It reverses the entire feel and you drive the boat more like a car (accounting for current, wind etc). The throttle is better oriented for the direction you are going and (pushing it forward actually means putting it in reverse) and you steer looking at where you are going as oppose to looking over your shoulder as you back up. Give it a try if your setup allows you.
Practice, Practice, and more Practice
I think everybody has problems at one time or another. Last year I'd gotten cocky about my docking, changed slips over the winter and on my first sail this season when I tried to dock it was like I'd never been on a boat before, glad there was nobody on the dock to see it cause I was all over the place. Subsequent dockings are getting progressively better but still not pretty. I back in and a dock neighbor who never seems to have problems suggested I get the boat lined up to back in and put it in reverse but don't look behind me until the boat starts moving in reverse, then you steer more true, (sorta the same concept Shippy suggested) without the facing aft. Also ran a line from the outboard piling to the dock which comes in handy sometimes. Having said all that, wind, tide, crew, etc. make every docking different.
I think everybody has problems at one time or another. Last year I'd gotten cocky about my docking, changed slips over the winter and on my first sail this season when I tried to dock it was like I'd never been on a boat before, glad there was nobody on the dock to see it cause I was all over the place. Subsequent dockings are getting progressively better but still not pretty. I back in and a dock neighbor who never seems to have problems suggested I get the boat lined up to back in and put it in reverse but don't look behind me until the boat starts moving in reverse, then you steer more true, (sorta the same concept Shippy suggested) without the facing aft. Also ran a line from the outboard piling to the dock which comes in handy sometimes. Having said all that, wind, tide, crew, etc. make every docking different.
If you have a choice, dock into the wind
You have have a assigned slip, then you don't really have any choice, no matter which way the wind is blowing. But if you are going into a transient slip and have a choice, always go into the wind. That means put the dock between you and the wind, and never between the wind and the dock. The same applies when you are trying to pick up a buoy. Always head into the wind. This will give you more control.
You have have a assigned slip, then you don't really have any choice, no matter which way the wind is blowing. But if you are going into a transient slip and have a choice, always go into the wind. That means put the dock between you and the wind, and never between the wind and the dock. The same applies when you are trying to pick up a buoy. Always head into the wind. This will give you more control.
- Status