Regarding the question of docking bow or stern first, I had an interesting experience with trying to come in stern first. Maybe someone has comments and/or advice. We have a new 306, so docking a boat of this size is still a fairly new to me, and we're in a new slip to boot. A couple of weeks ago, we went out in what turned out to be 20 knots of wind, gusting to around 24. And we were getting most of it right at the dock because of the wind direction. Departing went ok, barely, but we ended up just motoring because the wind was greater than my confidence. On the way back in, I thought "ok, I'll give stern-first a try, and then abort if it doesn't work". Luckily, we're in a outside slip, so there's a huge amount of room to maneuver. So I come in with the slip 90 degrees to port, and turn 90 degrees to stbd before putting it in reverse. The plan was to leave plenty of room to get up to speed in reverse and straighten out before getting anywhere near the dock. But even after getting up to speed in reverse, the helm/rudder angle seems to have absolutely nothing to do with where the boat wants to go. I think this was due to the 20 knots of wind blowing the bow around. The wind was probably just about on our beam at the time I was having problems. Anyway, we had a much easier time once I gave up and came in bow-first. Do you all try to stern-first in winds this strong? I have no problems doing stern-first in normal winds. Another question: departing the slip in strong winds on your beam. Say I'm in bow-first (so I have to back out), and we have 20 knots on the beam. As soon as we release the bow line going in reverse, the bow gets blown off and tries to remove our anchor against the outboard piling as we pass it. Very embarrassing. What's the fix for this? Here's a picture of our slip: a short finger pier on one side, the main dock in front, and 2 pilings set maybe 45 feet out from the main dock. So we have bow lines to 2 cleats on the main dock, and stern lines to the 2 pilings. (0r the other way around if we're in stern-first.) One other thing: there are "helper-lines" running from the outboard pilings in to the main dock. The main idea I have had since the last incident is to first use a boat hook to hold the boat to windward, and then release the bow line. But as soon as the boat starts to move backwards, the person (not me!) up on the bow has to be very deft to let go with the hook, maybe rehook a bit later on, all while not getting pulled overboard. And if it's my wife, it's really not clear that she can hold the boat from being pushed sideways by 20 knots of wind (say). (I will not usually have an experienced crew!) Thanks for any thoughts you have on this!
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Instead of...
..a boat hook to hold the bow to weather while the boat gains way, attach a spring line to the dock at midships lead forward to the bow. Simply take up the slack on the spring line as the boat backs and hold the bow to weather. The line is left on the dock and retrieved as you return. If attached to the bow cleat upon return, it will act as a brake to limit the boats forward progress.
..a boat hook to hold the bow to weather while the boat gains way, attach a spring line to the dock at midships lead forward to the bow. Simply take up the slack on the spring line as the boat backs and hold the bow to weather. The line is left on the dock and retrieved as you return. If attached to the bow cleat upon return, it will act as a brake to limit the boats forward progress.
Another idea
is to used a line wrapped around the bow cleat on the finger and the person on the bow holds both ends. As you back out, they give it more line but still keeping enough pressure to keep the bow where it needs to be. When out or near out of the slip, they let go of one end and pull the line on board with the other end. I unfortunately ususally don't have a crew so that's another reason why I back into my slip. My piling has a couple of marks on it from my anchor from when I used to dock bow first. As far as heavy winds affecting the bow when backing...I use that to my advantage. I under-turn on purpose to let the wind finish lining me up for entry into the slip. I also get a little more speed going on windy days. The more speed you have the better control you have. Of course it wouldn't be good if I didn't have a way to slow down but my lassoing the bow cleat with my midship cleat line gives me all the ability I need to slow it down once I near the back of the slip.
is to used a line wrapped around the bow cleat on the finger and the person on the bow holds both ends. As you back out, they give it more line but still keeping enough pressure to keep the bow where it needs to be. When out or near out of the slip, they let go of one end and pull the line on board with the other end. I unfortunately ususally don't have a crew so that's another reason why I back into my slip. My piling has a couple of marks on it from my anchor from when I used to dock bow first. As far as heavy winds affecting the bow when backing...I use that to my advantage. I under-turn on purpose to let the wind finish lining me up for entry into the slip. I also get a little more speed going on windy days. The more speed you have the better control you have. Of course it wouldn't be good if I didn't have a way to slow down but my lassoing the bow cleat with my midship cleat line gives me all the ability I need to slow it down once I near the back of the slip.
Oops...what was I thinking
The person on the bow doesn't hold both ends, just one. The other is attached to the bow cleat on the boat. Sorry.
The person on the bow doesn't hold both ends, just one. The other is attached to the bow cleat on the boat. Sorry.
Both good ideas
I'll give them a try. I had thought about the idea of leading a line from our bow cleat, around a dock cleat, and back to the person on the bow, having seen that somewhere. We would need to put a cleat on the finger pier for that or for the first idea, but that seems pretty easy to do. Thanks!
I'll give them a try. I had thought about the idea of leading a line from our bow cleat, around a dock cleat, and back to the person on the bow, having seen that somewhere. We would need to put a cleat on the finger pier for that or for the first idea, but that seems pretty easy to do. Thanks!
Why bow in
1. Easier to back out, by fending off. 2. Easier to head in, smaller target. 3. Beer cooler is on the fantail.
1. Easier to back out, by fending off. 2. Easier to head in, smaller target. 3. Beer cooler is on the fantail.
The confidence thing...
Perhaps a silly question, but if the 20+ knot winds out in the open water were too much, I'm not sure why one would try to maneuver a boat among so much hard stuff in a marina in similar winds? If there are strong forecast winds, an earlier departure in the day will sometimes see lower wind speeds, as well as a late return in the day. Perhaps we are wimps, but we really start questioning a departure when the winds exceed about 12 knots.
Perhaps a silly question, but if the 20+ knot winds out in the open water were too much, I'm not sure why one would try to maneuver a boat among so much hard stuff in a marina in similar winds? If there are strong forecast winds, an earlier departure in the day will sometimes see lower wind speeds, as well as a late return in the day. Perhaps we are wimps, but we really start questioning a departure when the winds exceed about 12 knots.
Confidence comes from experience
Another string today discusses racing Hunters. One of the benefits of racing is developing confidence. It is also an opportunity to learn from other more experienced sailors. You don't have to race your boat, just get a ride with the racers. You will be amazed at what they do in nearly any kind of weather, just to win a little cup (and braggging rights). As for docking, when the race is over, you want to get back to the dock for apres sail (beer or rum). Motivation and incentives are great teaching tools. I don't think sailing is a do-it-yourself sport. I think it is one best experienced in the company of others. Mark
Another string today discusses racing Hunters. One of the benefits of racing is developing confidence. It is also an opportunity to learn from other more experienced sailors. You don't have to race your boat, just get a ride with the racers. You will be amazed at what they do in nearly any kind of weather, just to win a little cup (and braggging rights). As for docking, when the race is over, you want to get back to the dock for apres sail (beer or rum). Motivation and incentives are great teaching tools. I don't think sailing is a do-it-yourself sport. I think it is one best experienced in the company of others. Mark
Wait it out!
My powerboat friends at our marina have a good solution. If its blowing enough to make it difficult to back into their slip, they head for the gas dock and have a cocktail or two until the wind dies down after sunset.
My powerboat friends at our marina have a good solution. If its blowing enough to make it difficult to back into their slip, they head for the gas dock and have a cocktail or two until the wind dies down after sunset.
Get drunk first--That's a GREAT solution! 
Howizzit they can dock at the gas dock when it's windy, but not in their slips?
Howizzit they can dock at the gas dock when it's windy, but not in their slips?
Sometimes you can't....
Jay, First, accept that sometimes you can't stern dock. More than the wind, the current will make it impossible, esp. during rip tides. Tony's link (Reply #8) is terrific. Best I've seen. The secret to turning around (which you use to stern dock) is taking advantage of prop walk. This means you want to be turning to starboard so the prop walk wants to swing your stern to port. Get in some calm water and practice pivoting your boat in its own length. Idle forward and turn to starboard. Once the bow starts moving, pull back into reverse idle then "goose" it a few seconds. Back to forward idle (maybe a bit more) and repeat. Watch what your boat does. Once you've experienced it, you'll get the idea, then it is all practice. Get pivoting down and your confidence and planning for stern docking will increase as well. I have an H290, the predecessor model to the 306, and I can pivot her in her own length plus 2 ft. Of course, the more current and wind, the more room it takes. As to 20 knots, no big deal. Reef early with Hunters. The main is over-powered. I go to reef 1 somewhere between 15 - 20 knots, and reef 2 at 20 or higher. Very little loss of speed, and still good control. Gives you some room to let that traveller out when the big gust comes. As to stability, I was caught between Little Shark River, FL, and Marco Island by a "weak" front. Well, weak, it wasn't. Ended up fighting 35+ knot winds and 8 - 10 ft seas with nowhere to hide. Reef 2 and a jib furled to the size of a handkerchief and she held up fine. I was busier than a one-armed paper hanger, had more than a few choice words for the weather gods, and it was not fun, but I never felt that I was in true danger. However, it did cross my mind that dieing at sea like a Hemingway character seemed a lot more appealing than dieing of boredom in another office meeting.
Jay, First, accept that sometimes you can't stern dock. More than the wind, the current will make it impossible, esp. during rip tides. Tony's link (Reply #8) is terrific. Best I've seen. The secret to turning around (which you use to stern dock) is taking advantage of prop walk. This means you want to be turning to starboard so the prop walk wants to swing your stern to port. Get in some calm water and practice pivoting your boat in its own length. Idle forward and turn to starboard. Once the bow starts moving, pull back into reverse idle then "goose" it a few seconds. Back to forward idle (maybe a bit more) and repeat. Watch what your boat does. Once you've experienced it, you'll get the idea, then it is all practice. Get pivoting down and your confidence and planning for stern docking will increase as well. I have an H290, the predecessor model to the 306, and I can pivot her in her own length plus 2 ft. Of course, the more current and wind, the more room it takes. As to 20 knots, no big deal. Reef early with Hunters. The main is over-powered. I go to reef 1 somewhere between 15 - 20 knots, and reef 2 at 20 or higher. Very little loss of speed, and still good control. Gives you some room to let that traveller out when the big gust comes. As to stability, I was caught between Little Shark River, FL, and Marco Island by a "weak" front. Well, weak, it wasn't. Ended up fighting 35+ knot winds and 8 - 10 ft seas with nowhere to hide. Reef 2 and a jib furled to the size of a handkerchief and she held up fine. I was busier than a one-armed paper hanger, had more than a few choice words for the weather gods, and it was not fun, but I never felt that I was in true danger. However, it did cross my mind that dieing at sea like a Hemingway character seemed a lot more appealing than dieing of boredom in another office meeting.
Palmer
That sounds interesting (i.e., the pivoting maneuver). I'll do some practicing. I had looked at Tony's docking link as well. For departing in a cross-wind, it has the person up front holding both ends of a line which loops around something on the finger pier. And walking towards the bow while holding the lines until they have to release one of the 2 ends. Sounds like a good variation of the other techniques mentioned previously. Thanks for the ideas, all.
That sounds interesting (i.e., the pivoting maneuver). I'll do some practicing. I had looked at Tony's docking link as well. For departing in a cross-wind, it has the person up front holding both ends of a line which loops around something on the finger pier. And walking towards the bow while holding the lines until they have to release one of the 2 ends. Sounds like a good variation of the other techniques mentioned previously. Thanks for the ideas, all.
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