We are picking up our Hunter 34 this weekend after having a 25 foot boat with an outboard motor on it. We had huge amounts of extra room to pull into the slip with the old boat and I am wondering what the best way to pull the new boat in is going to be. I know about prop walk to port in reverse and all that stuff though I haven't had to deal with it much. There is no current in this slip, but there is wind in varying directions - normally port or starboard type winds. We have a dock on one side and piles on the other - we are basically the last slip on a finger pier - these is another slip across from ours if pulling out of our slip as well. The slip is 13 feet wide and our beam is 11'-7" wide leaving 17 inches total difference. We don't have any mid-ship cleats on the new boat either. I have attached a little sketch of our parking spot. Is this slip just going to be a nightmare or do some of you inboard veterans have any advise on the best way to pull into this slip? Backing in is prefereable if possible, but is this the best idea? Thanks for any advise. Why does docking make people so nervous?
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Speed Control
Go just fast enough to have steering control and put out lots of fenders. Once you are in, the wind will pin you to one side or the other. Going out will be a piece of cake. As you enter the slip, allways shift to the reverse direction with the throttle in idle. A burst of power acts as your brake. Have fun.
Go just fast enough to have steering control and put out lots of fenders. Once you are in, the wind will pin you to one side or the other. Going out will be a piece of cake. As you enter the slip, allways shift to the reverse direction with the throttle in idle. A burst of power acts as your brake. Have fun.
It will be a challenge
Jared, Geezo, you might have a bit of a challenge. Though, I think you'll be fine with a little practice. The FIRST thing I would assure myself of is if there is enough depth to handle your draft during the lowest tides. Being up against the wall, it might be problematic. Once done, then this is my way of backing into a slip. Remember that a sailboat rotates around an axis just behind its mast. When the stern goes one way, the bow does so in the other direction. Always me mindful of where your anchor is in relation to other boats. I would approach the fairway from far enough away to get flow across the rudder. Doing this will eliminate any prop walk and you will be able to steer straight. My routine is to steer while facing aft. This way the boat will go in the direction that you turn the wheel. Once you are moving, cut back on the throttle. Take her out of gear and coast toward the inner piling at an approximate 30 to 40 degree angle. As you are coasting at a VERY slow pace (about 1 kt.) and are aiming at the piling, then begin to steer to your left to bring the boat into position. As soon as the boat BEGINS to line up, staighten out the wheel and if needed, turn it the other way to counteract the turning movement. This is very important as it will serve to correct the tendency of the boat to continue its left turning movement. It will also prevent the bow from wanting to crash into the piling and/or wall. Station an onboard crew person to maintain a vigil just forward of port amidships to fend the piling. Just keep coasting toward the back of the slip and use the throttle in forward to stop. Here's a secret of the whole thing. Once you are stern to to the back of the slip, keep the boat in reverse. This will "park" the stern while you exit through the transom swim step to begin tieing up the bow, stern and spring lines. If you do not have a spring cleat, I would strongly suggest you get them. They are mandatory when coming along slide a dock while there is any type of conflicting wind. Throw the spring lines first to bring the boat in from its center. Using either a bow or stern line will cause the other end of the boat to swing out and cause an embarrassing situation. Hope this helps. John Richard s/v Jack's Place
Jared, Geezo, you might have a bit of a challenge. Though, I think you'll be fine with a little practice. The FIRST thing I would assure myself of is if there is enough depth to handle your draft during the lowest tides. Being up against the wall, it might be problematic. Once done, then this is my way of backing into a slip. Remember that a sailboat rotates around an axis just behind its mast. When the stern goes one way, the bow does so in the other direction. Always me mindful of where your anchor is in relation to other boats. I would approach the fairway from far enough away to get flow across the rudder. Doing this will eliminate any prop walk and you will be able to steer straight. My routine is to steer while facing aft. This way the boat will go in the direction that you turn the wheel. Once you are moving, cut back on the throttle. Take her out of gear and coast toward the inner piling at an approximate 30 to 40 degree angle. As you are coasting at a VERY slow pace (about 1 kt.) and are aiming at the piling, then begin to steer to your left to bring the boat into position. As soon as the boat BEGINS to line up, staighten out the wheel and if needed, turn it the other way to counteract the turning movement. This is very important as it will serve to correct the tendency of the boat to continue its left turning movement. It will also prevent the bow from wanting to crash into the piling and/or wall. Station an onboard crew person to maintain a vigil just forward of port amidships to fend the piling. Just keep coasting toward the back of the slip and use the throttle in forward to stop. Here's a secret of the whole thing. Once you are stern to to the back of the slip, keep the boat in reverse. This will "park" the stern while you exit through the transom swim step to begin tieing up the bow, stern and spring lines. If you do not have a spring cleat, I would strongly suggest you get them. They are mandatory when coming along slide a dock while there is any type of conflicting wind. Throw the spring lines first to bring the boat in from its center. Using either a bow or stern line will cause the other end of the boat to swing out and cause an embarrassing situation. Hope this helps. John Richard s/v Jack's Place
My approach
Not sure what kind/size of vessel will be facing you when you're in your slip but with no knowledge of this ... Personally, I would dock this boat as if the boat were the breakwall/main dock (the area of dock to your portside). I would motor toward this wall and allow the stern to swing in along this wall as if IT were the dock. From there, I would have crew (or yourself) throw the predetermined length of line over the piling and walk off the boat (with lines) portside. From here you can motor slowly while they fend off (or you can have them walk the boat back). Where we keep our boat there are many pilings that people use to their advantage (ie: riding the rub rail against for added guidance). Good luck!
Not sure what kind/size of vessel will be facing you when you're in your slip but with no knowledge of this ... Personally, I would dock this boat as if the boat were the breakwall/main dock (the area of dock to your portside). I would motor toward this wall and allow the stern to swing in along this wall as if IT were the dock. From there, I would have crew (or yourself) throw the predetermined length of line over the piling and walk off the boat (with lines) portside. From here you can motor slowly while they fend off (or you can have them walk the boat back). Where we keep our boat there are many pilings that people use to their advantage (ie: riding the rub rail against for added guidance). Good luck!
We went through the same thing
We bought our H35 with an inboard 6 years ago, having had a 25 footer with an outboard. Our slip is on the left as we enter the marina, just as yours is. Here's a technique we use and it really does minimize stress and confusion. Approach slowly. Favor the pilings on your left. When your bow is on the centerline of the slip right next to yours, turn your wheel hard to the right (clockwise.) Put the boat in reverse. Adjust the throttle so stern just starts coming around to port. She should start going between the outer pilings. If your stern seems to be going into the slip next to yours just put her in forward so the bow goes to starboard. Remember the wheel's hard right. This will swing the stern so it's more centered. Then reverse. You can do this endlessly until you're comfortable. Once the stern is between the pilings, you can start using the wheel again, centering the boat in the slip. Remember, patience is the key.
We bought our H35 with an inboard 6 years ago, having had a 25 footer with an outboard. Our slip is on the left as we enter the marina, just as yours is. Here's a technique we use and it really does minimize stress and confusion. Approach slowly. Favor the pilings on your left. When your bow is on the centerline of the slip right next to yours, turn your wheel hard to the right (clockwise.) Put the boat in reverse. Adjust the throttle so stern just starts coming around to port. She should start going between the outer pilings. If your stern seems to be going into the slip next to yours just put her in forward so the bow goes to starboard. Remember the wheel's hard right. This will swing the stern so it's more centered. Then reverse. You can do this endlessly until you're comfortable. Once the stern is between the pilings, you can start using the wheel again, centering the boat in the slip. Remember, patience is the key.
The contrarian view
I would not put myself through all of that aggravation. The docking method of least resistance would be to enter your slip bow first! You have a nice long stretch of pier alongside so boarding the boat from the starboard side should be easy. An additional benefit will be more privacy since people will not be able to see directly into your companionway from the dock. When its time to leave the slip just back out. Your prop walk will pull your stern to port which is just what you want to happen. By the time you are backing down the lagoon you should have enough speed to make the rudder very effective. You can then maneuver whichever way you need at the end of the lagoon to get the boat turned and out to the channel. The biggest problems to overcome will be that your boat will probably be pointed opposite of all the others(maybe a benefit)and the looks you may get by backing down the lagoon (who cares).
I would not put myself through all of that aggravation. The docking method of least resistance would be to enter your slip bow first! You have a nice long stretch of pier alongside so boarding the boat from the starboard side should be easy. An additional benefit will be more privacy since people will not be able to see directly into your companionway from the dock. When its time to leave the slip just back out. Your prop walk will pull your stern to port which is just what you want to happen. By the time you are backing down the lagoon you should have enough speed to make the rudder very effective. You can then maneuver whichever way you need at the end of the lagoon to get the boat turned and out to the channel. The biggest problems to overcome will be that your boat will probably be pointed opposite of all the others(maybe a benefit)and the looks you may get by backing down the lagoon (who cares).
Backing...
From the look of it, you have a very tight slip made more difficult by being a bulkhead slip. In any event, try this technique that brokers use to teach buyers of bigger boats how to back them: Walk around your wheel and face aft. Once you get used to the controls being on the opposite side, you will be able to back your boat somewhat more easily as you "drive" it into the slip. In your case, you may want to turn the boat and start your backing at the head of the fairway and just take it all the way down the lane and into the slip. But I suspect that now that you've bitten the bullet for a bigger boat, you also may want to spring for a wider slip in a more accessible location in the marina. FYI, I've got a Hunter 285 with a beam of 10.6 ft. My slip is 12 ft wide and so I don't have much maneuver room getting in or out. I thought it was going to be a problem, but with the exception of one very cross-windy day, all has gone well. That day, however, taught me a lesson in nautical humility.... Good luck with the new boat.
From the look of it, you have a very tight slip made more difficult by being a bulkhead slip. In any event, try this technique that brokers use to teach buyers of bigger boats how to back them: Walk around your wheel and face aft. Once you get used to the controls being on the opposite side, you will be able to back your boat somewhat more easily as you "drive" it into the slip. In your case, you may want to turn the boat and start your backing at the head of the fairway and just take it all the way down the lane and into the slip. But I suspect that now that you've bitten the bullet for a bigger boat, you also may want to spring for a wider slip in a more accessible location in the marina. FYI, I've got a Hunter 285 with a beam of 10.6 ft. My slip is 12 ft wide and so I don't have much maneuver room getting in or out. I thought it was going to be a problem, but with the exception of one very cross-windy day, all has gone well. That day, however, taught me a lesson in nautical humility.... Good luck with the new boat.
Sailing magazine
The current number of Sailing has an excellent article on docking in tight corners. He includes an excellent way to back into a slip using a spring line. Like Warren, I also sugges that you consider going in bow first, especially when the wind is from blowing from the left in the drawing. 13 feet should be OK for your boat, especially once you get some practice. David Lady Lillie David
The current number of Sailing has an excellent article on docking in tight corners. He includes an excellent way to back into a slip using a spring line. Like Warren, I also sugges that you consider going in bow first, especially when the wind is from blowing from the left in the drawing. 13 feet should be OK for your boat, especially once you get some practice. David Lady Lillie David
Practice, practice, practice....
preferably out in the water where there is little current. Perhaps a bouy, piling or something out else there where you can practice backing, control, etc. If nothing else, throw a lifejacket out in the water and practice backing up to it. Point is, it's a lot, lot easier to learn to back, and for that matter pull forward, if you're practicing somewhere without an audience and without valuable boats nearby. The added stress can be overwhelming. I've learned with both my H31 and H37.5, but it takes a while and each boat is different. IMHO, the marina is NOT the place to learn or practice. That said, you might be more comfortable pulling in bow first at your marina in the beginning. There's a lot to learn with a new boat and climbing off the bow for a little while is an easy fix after the first few vists. I say all this because my marina neighbor just got a new 25' sterndrive powerboat and she isn't doing well on her backing. She manages to hit both of us on either side regularly. We are encouraging her to go somewhere else and practice!
preferably out in the water where there is little current. Perhaps a bouy, piling or something out else there where you can practice backing, control, etc. If nothing else, throw a lifejacket out in the water and practice backing up to it. Point is, it's a lot, lot easier to learn to back, and for that matter pull forward, if you're practicing somewhere without an audience and without valuable boats nearby. The added stress can be overwhelming. I've learned with both my H31 and H37.5, but it takes a while and each boat is different. IMHO, the marina is NOT the place to learn or practice. That said, you might be more comfortable pulling in bow first at your marina in the beginning. There's a lot to learn with a new boat and climbing off the bow for a little while is an easy fix after the first few vists. I say all this because my marina neighbor just got a new 25' sterndrive powerboat and she isn't doing well on her backing. She manages to hit both of us on either side regularly. We are encouraging her to go somewhere else and practice!
Easier
We purchased our Hunter 34 this Spring after ownning a Catalina 22 with an outboard. I must admit that I thought the larger boat would be more difficult to handle. Actually, it drives much easier and seems more responsive under motor than the 22 did. Prop walk not withstanding it remains much easier to place our boat in slip than it did with the 22. Remember perfect practice makes perfect! Mike
We purchased our Hunter 34 this Spring after ownning a Catalina 22 with an outboard. I must admit that I thought the larger boat would be more difficult to handle. Actually, it drives much easier and seems more responsive under motor than the 22 did. Prop walk not withstanding it remains much easier to place our boat in slip than it did with the 22. Remember perfect practice makes perfect! Mike
Spring Line and Piling
When backing in you may be able to use a line from the piling to the aft starboad cleat and then pivot on the piling. It is going to take some pratice but you'll do fine. Just get a bunch of fenders and aproach the dock at exactly the speed at which you wish to smack it. We had some freinds with a very pretty 34 it is a great boat. We might have bought it when they sold it but for the mast height and the 48' and sinking bridge out here.
When backing in you may be able to use a line from the piling to the aft starboad cleat and then pivot on the piling. It is going to take some pratice but you'll do fine. Just get a bunch of fenders and aproach the dock at exactly the speed at which you wish to smack it. We had some freinds with a very pretty 34 it is a great boat. We might have bought it when they sold it but for the mast height and the 48' and sinking bridge out here.
feathering prop
a feathering prop will drastically improve backing ability, and improve sailing speed!
a feathering prop will drastically improve backing ability, and improve sailing speed!
boat shows
I have boat a H34 and an H450. Reconcile yourself to the fact that you'll be putting on a few boat shows and that everyone does. I could go on forever about some of my experiences. The first time or two you'll think you're docking the Queen Mary. Then you'll have a strong wind! Practice and it will come. After awhile you'll amaze yourself and be confident of your ability. Best wishes, you'll love the 34, it's a great boat!
I have boat a H34 and an H450. Reconcile yourself to the fact that you'll be putting on a few boat shows and that everyone does. I could go on forever about some of my experiences. The first time or two you'll think you're docking the Queen Mary. Then you'll have a strong wind! Practice and it will come. After awhile you'll amaze yourself and be confident of your ability. Best wishes, you'll love the 34, it's a great boat!
You'll Do Fine
Jared, You described in detail my slip at Regent Point outside Deltaville (actually, I am the next one away from the bulkhead). We back down the entire length of the docks, staying to the right in order to make a wide sweeping left turn. Backing in is the easy part - when you leave the slip, you will need to use a warping line to bring your bow to the right without the ability to let your stern swing to the left. All very do-able with one able helper. As others have pointed out, you need to be moving to have steering control, but don't gun the engine or you will have prop walk. You will also notice that once you are between the docks, the wind will not push you around as much because you are shielded by other boats and the bulkhead. I too came from a smaller boat (Catalina 270) in the same slip, but like the larger boat (Hunter 33). Enjoy, Barry Bear Necessity
Jared, You described in detail my slip at Regent Point outside Deltaville (actually, I am the next one away from the bulkhead). We back down the entire length of the docks, staying to the right in order to make a wide sweeping left turn. Backing in is the easy part - when you leave the slip, you will need to use a warping line to bring your bow to the right without the ability to let your stern swing to the left. All very do-able with one able helper. As others have pointed out, you need to be moving to have steering control, but don't gun the engine or you will have prop walk. You will also notice that once you are between the docks, the wind will not push you around as much because you are shielded by other boats and the bulkhead. I too came from a smaller boat (Catalina 270) in the same slip, but like the larger boat (Hunter 33). Enjoy, Barry Bear Necessity
I wouldn't back in - I don't back in
Bow in gives you more privacy - in general, though being where you are it may not matter. But backing in, if you have port-side prop-walk, the elements are against you. As someone said, go slow. Buy some fenders and install them on the docks permanently. Much cheaper than gelcoat.
Bow in gives you more privacy - in general, though being where you are it may not matter. But backing in, if you have port-side prop-walk, the elements are against you. As someone said, go slow. Buy some fenders and install them on the docks permanently. Much cheaper than gelcoat.
John Richard has it right...
...it's much easier to maneuver in reverse facing aft once the boat is moving. Do this before entering the fairway and cruise in reverse slowly down the length of the fairway. You will be amazed how simple this is with a little practice. You have received some good advice here including installing cletes amidships and using a warp line when exiting your slip. Have fun.
...it's much easier to maneuver in reverse facing aft once the boat is moving. Do this before entering the fairway and cruise in reverse slowly down the length of the fairway. You will be amazed how simple this is with a little practice. You have received some good advice here including installing cletes amidships and using a warp line when exiting your slip. Have fun.
Did it!
Thanks all for the advise. Pulled into the slip a couple of times this weekend without too much of a show. We even had a wind blowing us off the dock about about 20 knots... We figured the easiest way is to back in about at about 45 degrees +/- and have a long bow line where my wife can step off the stern/midship area and pull the bow around. This is no easy task in 20 knts of wind, but I guess she will get buff doing it. Next time I will help with a startboard aft cleat warping line on the piling... Thanks.
Thanks all for the advise. Pulled into the slip a couple of times this weekend without too much of a show. We even had a wind blowing us off the dock about about 20 knots... We figured the easiest way is to back in about at about 45 degrees +/- and have a long bow line where my wife can step off the stern/midship area and pull the bow around. This is no easy task in 20 knts of wind, but I guess she will get buff doing it. Next time I will help with a startboard aft cleat warping line on the piling... Thanks.
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