I read frequently from this forum that people talk about single handed sailing a H28.5. I sail a H28.5 equiped with a roller furing head sail, a Wheel Pilot 30 autohlem and a good size Yanmar diesel (18HP). The boat slip is in an area affected by the tides. I also had many years experience of single hand sailing with smaller boats (up to a J-24). The boat is tied to the slip with the standard bow lines and stern lines and fore and aft sping lines. My challege is to find the best/easiest way to get out of and into the slip without worrying about bruising the boat with the pilings? Any suggestions with some details will be much appreciated.
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Kenneth Pfaff
Single Handle my Hunter 290
I single handle my 290 all the time. If fact yesterday I went out solo again. If fact I even anchored by myself (for the first 'solo' time) when there was no wind (and I don't have a windless. I have found that it is more about confidence than any special technique. I was very nervous about taking my new 2001 290 out by myself even though I use to take by 23.5 out all the time alone. I find that it requires you to think things out ahead of time and then just follow through.
I single handle my 290 all the time. If fact yesterday I went out solo again. If fact I even anchored by myself (for the first 'solo' time) when there was no wind (and I don't have a windless. I have found that it is more about confidence than any special technique. I was very nervous about taking my new 2001 290 out by myself even though I use to take by 23.5 out all the time alone. I find that it requires you to think things out ahead of time and then just follow through.
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Bill
Fenders
I would make sure you have at least three good sized fenders on each side of the boat. Make sure your slip also has rub rails, especially on the corners. If you look at the other slips you will probably see some kind of arrangement to keep th eboat from moving too far forward into the slip. Other than that, the boat really is easy to singleehand.
I would make sure you have at least three good sized fenders on each side of the boat. Make sure your slip also has rub rails, especially on the corners. If you look at the other slips you will probably see some kind of arrangement to keep th eboat from moving too far forward into the slip. Other than that, the boat really is easy to singleehand.
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Ron Parkes
A Catcher
Jim, One of the most important "devices" I use is a V-style catcher in the front of the slip. I use a long line from the port midships pole to a fastening point directly on the middle of the dock off the bow and then on to the starboard midships pole. I have a heavy knot in the center, which creates a "V" and prevents the bow from colliding with the dock. The "V" also hold the bow in the center of the slip while I secure the stern line on the windward side. Note: I remove one side of the "V" line from one the midships poles after docking to avoid chafing on the bow during tidal action (unfortunately, I don't have a floating dock). I ten put it back up efore leaving the slip the next time out. Ron Parkes s/v Contemplation H320
Jim, One of the most important "devices" I use is a V-style catcher in the front of the slip. I use a long line from the port midships pole to a fastening point directly on the middle of the dock off the bow and then on to the starboard midships pole. I have a heavy knot in the center, which creates a "V" and prevents the bow from colliding with the dock. The "V" also hold the bow in the center of the slip while I secure the stern line on the windward side. Note: I remove one side of the "V" line from one the midships poles after docking to avoid chafing on the bow during tidal action (unfortunately, I don't have a floating dock). I ten put it back up efore leaving the slip the next time out. Ron Parkes s/v Contemplation H320
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Dan
Single Handed
The single handed issue with something as small as the 28.5 or 290 is clearly about docking or anchoring in higher winds or currents. I have no problem performing all other duties while sailing our 290. Docking is my biggest issue, even when the crew includes my significant other, who is of nominal help when leaving or entering the dock. Our slip is a double, and we are located on the downwind side of it (which is better than a few months ago when we were on the upwind side). Normal (meaning almost everyday) summer winds blow across the dock at 12- 24 knots, usually around 16-18 knots. In addition flood or ebb tides can be flowing at several knots parellel to the docked direction of the boat. Leaving can be a real challenge alone, because reverse creates a significant prop walk towards the dock, and a rather large pole, and it is difficult to man the helm and fend off at the same time. Coming back, now that we have the dock on the downwind side has greatly improved. I'm happy to listen to any advice about how to look more elegant. Dan Jonas
The single handed issue with something as small as the 28.5 or 290 is clearly about docking or anchoring in higher winds or currents. I have no problem performing all other duties while sailing our 290. Docking is my biggest issue, even when the crew includes my significant other, who is of nominal help when leaving or entering the dock. Our slip is a double, and we are located on the downwind side of it (which is better than a few months ago when we were on the upwind side). Normal (meaning almost everyday) summer winds blow across the dock at 12- 24 knots, usually around 16-18 knots. In addition flood or ebb tides can be flowing at several knots parellel to the docked direction of the boat. Leaving can be a real challenge alone, because reverse creates a significant prop walk towards the dock, and a rather large pole, and it is difficult to man the helm and fend off at the same time. Coming back, now that we have the dock on the downwind side has greatly improved. I'm happy to listen to any advice about how to look more elegant. Dan Jonas
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Bill O'Donovan
Move Deliberately
I can't tell which way your boat is parked, but let's assume it's bow in to the dock. Let's assume the worst case, with the current and wind moving you toward the dock. 1. Have the motor warmed up and ready. 2. Cast off the looser stern line. 3. Re-tie the tighter stern line on a stainless steel post for jiffy release. 4. Wait a few minutes for wind to ease. 5. Cast off the bow line and hop on. 6. Cast off the tighter stern line. 7. Rev up the motor slightly in reverse. 8. Cast off the spring line. 9. Fend off the pole you're walking to. 10. Throttle up slightly, not too fast. 11. As you clear the slip, don't sweat it whether you back out of the lane or go forward. No one is video-taping you. Upon return, focus on the spring line as your key defense to not hitting the dock. Go into reverse one-third of the way into the slip to come to a complete stop within a few feet of the target. If some guy is wandering down the dock and looks like he can help, encourage him to catch your bow and seize the bowline. He'll be happy to help. This takes practice, like anything.
I can't tell which way your boat is parked, but let's assume it's bow in to the dock. Let's assume the worst case, with the current and wind moving you toward the dock. 1. Have the motor warmed up and ready. 2. Cast off the looser stern line. 3. Re-tie the tighter stern line on a stainless steel post for jiffy release. 4. Wait a few minutes for wind to ease. 5. Cast off the bow line and hop on. 6. Cast off the tighter stern line. 7. Rev up the motor slightly in reverse. 8. Cast off the spring line. 9. Fend off the pole you're walking to. 10. Throttle up slightly, not too fast. 11. As you clear the slip, don't sweat it whether you back out of the lane or go forward. No one is video-taping you. Upon return, focus on the spring line as your key defense to not hitting the dock. Go into reverse one-third of the way into the slip to come to a complete stop within a few feet of the target. If some guy is wandering down the dock and looks like he can help, encourage him to catch your bow and seize the bowline. He'll be happy to help. This takes practice, like anything.
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Daniel Jonas
Advice
Bill, I appreciate the advice, and I'm sure it works well in appropriate situations. #1 is fine, #2 only have one stern line (I'm in a double slip, two boats side-by-side), the dock is off the port side, wind is from the starboard side. #3, no tighter stern line. #4, would have to wait until sometime in the fall or at least until the sun sets (many days the sun set would not help). #5 I do have two bow lines (the starboard side does run forward to the main dock walkway). #6, see #3. #8, usually not an issue. #9, now here is where it gets interesting. The pole is at the end of the dock and since the wind is blosing the entire boat aginst it one has to fend off as he walks all the way to the bow. Now being alone, we are going backwards across a fairway and the skipper is at the bow with fairly immediate requirements at teh helm. #10, if I get back to the helm before I run into the poor guys parked across the fairway, revving up is the last thing I need to do, at this point we are going ffor a forward gear connection and slowing everything down. #11, we usually have to back out the fairway, the prop walk os usally too much to get it around, particularly given that rather then fend off (#9) we usually turn hard to try and swing the bow off the post. This puts us into the fairway heading the wrong way. A back and fill or simply backing out usually takes care of this. I know this all takes practice. I sail boats in excess of 40' and I think a lot of the problem is the lighter weight of the 290. The prop walk in this boat is way more difficult to deal with than in larger heavier boats. Having this double slip and wind just makes it more interesting. I've asked this question before, and it seems there really are no tricks. Man power is the best defense. I have no problem returning anymore. Since we changed over to put the dock on the downwind side (we had to wait until a vacancy occured) we just pull in and stop. The wind will immediately stick the boat to the dock and I can control the bow (keep it off the dock box) by cinching down the stern line real tight. Dan Jonas (S/V Feije)
Bill, I appreciate the advice, and I'm sure it works well in appropriate situations. #1 is fine, #2 only have one stern line (I'm in a double slip, two boats side-by-side), the dock is off the port side, wind is from the starboard side. #3, no tighter stern line. #4, would have to wait until sometime in the fall or at least until the sun sets (many days the sun set would not help). #5 I do have two bow lines (the starboard side does run forward to the main dock walkway). #6, see #3. #8, usually not an issue. #9, now here is where it gets interesting. The pole is at the end of the dock and since the wind is blosing the entire boat aginst it one has to fend off as he walks all the way to the bow. Now being alone, we are going backwards across a fairway and the skipper is at the bow with fairly immediate requirements at teh helm. #10, if I get back to the helm before I run into the poor guys parked across the fairway, revving up is the last thing I need to do, at this point we are going ffor a forward gear connection and slowing everything down. #11, we usually have to back out the fairway, the prop walk os usally too much to get it around, particularly given that rather then fend off (#9) we usually turn hard to try and swing the bow off the post. This puts us into the fairway heading the wrong way. A back and fill or simply backing out usually takes care of this. I know this all takes practice. I sail boats in excess of 40' and I think a lot of the problem is the lighter weight of the 290. The prop walk in this boat is way more difficult to deal with than in larger heavier boats. Having this double slip and wind just makes it more interesting. I've asked this question before, and it seems there really are no tricks. Man power is the best defense. I have no problem returning anymore. Since we changed over to put the dock on the downwind side (we had to wait until a vacancy occured) we just pull in and stop. The wind will immediately stick the boat to the dock and I can control the bow (keep it off the dock box) by cinching down the stern line real tight. Dan Jonas (S/V Feije)
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Joe C.
Set a positive example
I try to make a big effort to help everyone that I see arriving or departing a dock. I think that sometimes people are hesitant to ask or give help because they think that they aren't supposed to need help if they are competent and that they will offend someone not wanting help. We all know that even if we usually have no problem that there can always be an unexpected wind, wake, current, distraction or something and it doesn't hurt to have somebody there just in case. I did however have a couple come to my aid, unasked, when loading my boat on the trailer. The lady got her finger between the rub rail and one of the goal posts. It made a nasty little mashed cut. She was so embarrased that she resisted the first aid that I offered. I just calmly insisted and she seemed a little more relieved. It did cause me to be more watchful for sizing up the experience and actions of good samaritans though. Hope this helps, Joe C. in NC
I try to make a big effort to help everyone that I see arriving or departing a dock. I think that sometimes people are hesitant to ask or give help because they think that they aren't supposed to need help if they are competent and that they will offend someone not wanting help. We all know that even if we usually have no problem that there can always be an unexpected wind, wake, current, distraction or something and it doesn't hurt to have somebody there just in case. I did however have a couple come to my aid, unasked, when loading my boat on the trailer. The lady got her finger between the rub rail and one of the goal posts. It made a nasty little mashed cut. She was so embarrased that she resisted the first aid that I offered. I just calmly insisted and she seemed a little more relieved. It did cause me to be more watchful for sizing up the experience and actions of good samaritans though. Hope this helps, Joe C. in NC
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Jim
More on V-Catcher
Ron, Thanks for the idea of a V-catcher. My slip has 4 poles at 4 corners of the slip. Hence there is no midship pole. Could I perhaps modify the V-catcher for my situation??
Ron, Thanks for the idea of a V-catcher. My slip has 4 poles at 4 corners of the slip. Hence there is no midship pole. Could I perhaps modify the V-catcher for my situation??
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Jim
Move deliberately - stern to dock
Bill, Thanks for the step-by-step advise. My situation is just the reverse - I get into my slip stern first. My slip has 4 poles at the 4 corners of the slip. Sounds like all that I need to do is to reverse the steps that you suggested. Do you agree??
Bill, Thanks for the step-by-step advise. My situation is just the reverse - I get into my slip stern first. My slip has 4 poles at the 4 corners of the slip. Sounds like all that I need to do is to reverse the steps that you suggested. Do you agree??
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Ron Parkes
Catcher Modification
Jim, Let's see if I can suggest a solution to your setup. First, I would put a cleat of some kind in the exact center of your slip on the bow side at the dock. This doesn't have to be a strong support point. All it will be used to do is to run a very short line to the center of the "V" and to hold it up out of the water during docking. It will take no load whatsoever when you are coming in (slowly!). I would then run a long line from the port stern post to the bow of your boat and then back along the starboard side to the starboard stern post. Finally, I would tie a heavy knot in this long line at the bow and connect it with another knot to the line from the center of the slip cleat/nail/hook. Now, when you drop the lines off the bow, the short line will keep everything out of the water and at a level which will "catch your bow as you come in. When you are out of the slip and if you were to look down from overhead, it would look like a big "V" pointed at the dock with the center tied off with a short line to the center of the dock. That's about it!. You may have to play around a bit with the line tension to make it high enough and far enough out from the dock to stop you from a hard encounter. Actually, I wish I had your pole setup because it would hold me tighter to the center of the slip due to the longer sides. Best of luck! Ron Parkes s/v Contemplation
Jim, Let's see if I can suggest a solution to your setup. First, I would put a cleat of some kind in the exact center of your slip on the bow side at the dock. This doesn't have to be a strong support point. All it will be used to do is to run a very short line to the center of the "V" and to hold it up out of the water during docking. It will take no load whatsoever when you are coming in (slowly!). I would then run a long line from the port stern post to the bow of your boat and then back along the starboard side to the starboard stern post. Finally, I would tie a heavy knot in this long line at the bow and connect it with another knot to the line from the center of the slip cleat/nail/hook. Now, when you drop the lines off the bow, the short line will keep everything out of the water and at a level which will "catch your bow as you come in. When you are out of the slip and if you were to look down from overhead, it would look like a big "V" pointed at the dock with the center tied off with a short line to the center of the dock. That's about it!. You may have to play around a bit with the line tension to make it high enough and far enough out from the dock to stop you from a hard encounter. Actually, I wish I had your pole setup because it would hold me tighter to the center of the slip due to the longer sides. Best of luck! Ron Parkes s/v Contemplation
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