Hello! We find that docking/ undocking our Catalina 25 is difficult w/ tidal currents and crosswinds.... we have a Johnson 15 h.p. outboard, but when we are backing out of our slip, we have drifted badly ( too close to our neighbors BIG boat) before we could get the motor to "guide" the boat. We are new sailors, and this has freaked me out.... We took out the gear box- mounted in the cockpit- starboard side when we upgraded our motor- should we put it back in w/ linkage, etc.? Was this gear box standard on this model? We would appreciate any and all feedback- and- THANKS!!!
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Steering with an Outboard
The 'gear box' was probably added with the outboard engine for convenience of operation by a PO. When I was sailing the C25 I could reach the control arm of the OB while using the rudder, and between the two could get the boat going where I wanted. However I never had to contend with current, just wind. It will just take practice to hone your skills in maneuvering the boat in and out of the mooring. I don't think remote shifting, and throttle control is going to help.
The 'gear box' was probably added with the outboard engine for convenience of operation by a PO. When I was sailing the C25 I could reach the control arm of the OB while using the rudder, and between the two could get the boat going where I wanted. However I never had to contend with current, just wind. It will just take practice to hone your skills in maneuvering the boat in and out of the mooring. I don't think remote shifting, and throttle control is going to help.
Steer with the engine
A sailboat's rudder won't steer the boat well until there is enough water moving over it, and this seems to be even worse in reverse. You'll greatly improve things if you use the outboard itself to steer.
A sailboat's rudder won't steer the boat well until there is enough water moving over it, and this seems to be even worse in reverse. You'll greatly improve things if you use the outboard itself to steer.
Practice, practice, practice
regardless of what gear you have. Most people only leave the dock once a day, when they take off. In order to stop "freaking out", why not choose a day to spend it entirely going in and out of your slip. When it's quiet in the morning it'll be fun and as the wind pipes up during the day, you'll get better at it. As for coming back in, try a midships spring line if you have cleats on your dock. Any day on the boat is better than....and ebsides you'll be learning and gaining confidence.
regardless of what gear you have. Most people only leave the dock once a day, when they take off. In order to stop "freaking out", why not choose a day to spend it entirely going in and out of your slip. When it's quiet in the morning it'll be fun and as the wind pipes up during the day, you'll get better at it. As for coming back in, try a midships spring line if you have cleats on your dock. Any day on the boat is better than....and ebsides you'll be learning and gaining confidence.
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