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Scott Wilson
Make sure you get the boat to the dock if
you take your dock lines with you, otherwise you have to rely on the kindness of strangers to heave your lines to, since your "perfect" docking job, left you 3 feet from the dock and you are only willing to jump 2 feet. I share a double slip with no middle piling. I would rather rub the dock than my neighbor's boat. I do a bow-in starboard tie, after making a port (left) turn from the fairway. The engin is in neutral for the last 30-45 seconds before docking ( 18,000 lb. boat). As I to turn toward the slip I point the bow at a point on the dock about 10 feet from the end ( about a 45 degree angle) and when the bow is about 6 feet from the dock (boat has about 12foot beam) I put the rudder hard over and if all does well, the bow tracks into the slip 6 feet from the dock while the stern swings around to the dock. The crew then steps off amidships with a looped spring line tied off a third of the way from both the bow and stern with about 10 feet of slack. This allows the crew to cleat the spring line in one place on the dock and secure the boat in two places. I step off with a stern line and secure it, and then we secure the two bow lines when we get around to it. If I misjudged, and can't step off from the stern, the crew can pull the stern in with the looped spring line. If you don't have to make a turn to port for a port side tie up ( with the dock on the "inside" of your turn, but rather a tie up on the outside of your final turn, it is always easier to have a successful docking if you aim the boat at an angle to the dock, rather than trying to come parallel with the dock before entering the slip. Also, if you want to have a crew for another day, never yell at them when docking and remind them "No heroics, we have insurance". Also, the guy should jump and grunt and the girl should drive. We are still working toward this. Oh hell, don't listen to me, as I have also been blown around in a circle within 2 boat length of my slip and had to back up for 100 yards trying to turn because I didn't believe in the concept of prop walk. Scott
you take your dock lines with you, otherwise you have to rely on the kindness of strangers to heave your lines to, since your "perfect" docking job, left you 3 feet from the dock and you are only willing to jump 2 feet. I share a double slip with no middle piling. I would rather rub the dock than my neighbor's boat. I do a bow-in starboard tie, after making a port (left) turn from the fairway. The engin is in neutral for the last 30-45 seconds before docking ( 18,000 lb. boat). As I to turn toward the slip I point the bow at a point on the dock about 10 feet from the end ( about a 45 degree angle) and when the bow is about 6 feet from the dock (boat has about 12foot beam) I put the rudder hard over and if all does well, the bow tracks into the slip 6 feet from the dock while the stern swings around to the dock. The crew then steps off amidships with a looped spring line tied off a third of the way from both the bow and stern with about 10 feet of slack. This allows the crew to cleat the spring line in one place on the dock and secure the boat in two places. I step off with a stern line and secure it, and then we secure the two bow lines when we get around to it. If I misjudged, and can't step off from the stern, the crew can pull the stern in with the looped spring line. If you don't have to make a turn to port for a port side tie up ( with the dock on the "inside" of your turn, but rather a tie up on the outside of your final turn, it is always easier to have a successful docking if you aim the boat at an angle to the dock, rather than trying to come parallel with the dock before entering the slip. Also, if you want to have a crew for another day, never yell at them when docking and remind them "No heroics, we have insurance". Also, the guy should jump and grunt and the girl should drive. We are still working toward this. Oh hell, don't listen to me, as I have also been blown around in a circle within 2 boat length of my slip and had to back up for 100 yards trying to turn because I didn't believe in the concept of prop walk. Scott
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Chris McLoughlin
Practice, practice, practice . . .
After docking boats for about 25 years, I gave up worrying about it about 15 years ago. The first 10 years,I would always worry aboat docking. Then one day I decided its not worth worrying about. Since then I have no problems. Of course since 2000, that big rudder on my Legend 37.5 makes docking a breeze. Chris s/v Tidesong
After docking boats for about 25 years, I gave up worrying about it about 15 years ago. The first 10 years,I would always worry aboat docking. Then one day I decided its not worth worrying about. Since then I have no problems. Of course since 2000, that big rudder on my Legend 37.5 makes docking a breeze. Chris s/v Tidesong
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Sid R Ballantyne
Scared #$%less
When I first bought my 27 foot Watkins I had no experience whatsoever. I read books and studied on the internet trying to overcome my fear of docking maneuvers. My boat seemed so big! I would sit in the slip with the engine running and the RPM's of my engine were matched by my heart beat. I would be sweaty and rubber legged by the time we got the boat swung safely out into the fairway, or in the case of coming in when the boat was finally stopped. I realized that It was ruining my enjoyment of owning a sailboat. I decided that I was going to overcome my fear no matter what. My wife and I took the boat over to the fuel dock at the marina and practiced over and over going in and coming out. After each maneuver we would critique our performance and decide how to change things to make it better. Now we have a set procedure when docking and both of us can either drive the boat or be the one tying up. I still get a little case of butterflies when docking maneuvers are called for but I am proud to say that I have overcome my fear and am not afraid that tragedy will be a certainty. My only tips to others would be to practice with your boat over and over. Never stop the boat dead in the water before your ready, learn how to use "prop walk" to your advantage, and above all take your time and relax.
When I first bought my 27 foot Watkins I had no experience whatsoever. I read books and studied on the internet trying to overcome my fear of docking maneuvers. My boat seemed so big! I would sit in the slip with the engine running and the RPM's of my engine were matched by my heart beat. I would be sweaty and rubber legged by the time we got the boat swung safely out into the fairway, or in the case of coming in when the boat was finally stopped. I realized that It was ruining my enjoyment of owning a sailboat. I decided that I was going to overcome my fear no matter what. My wife and I took the boat over to the fuel dock at the marina and practiced over and over going in and coming out. After each maneuver we would critique our performance and decide how to change things to make it better. Now we have a set procedure when docking and both of us can either drive the boat or be the one tying up. I still get a little case of butterflies when docking maneuvers are called for but I am proud to say that I have overcome my fear and am not afraid that tragedy will be a certainty. My only tips to others would be to practice with your boat over and over. Never stop the boat dead in the water before your ready, learn how to use "prop walk" to your advantage, and above all take your time and relax.
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Linda H
Reduce Variables---More details, please!
Ellen,so far, this 'harness' set up seems like the best one for my situation in docking alone--or w/someone! All the tying up has to be done from the boat which is only 21 ft, but seems like the Queen Mary in small spaces, a dinghy in large ones! I dock bow first. The lines are already strung from bow to stern pilings and I would like a bit more detailed explanation as to how to tie up this 'X shaped harness'. Also, how do I position this so that it coincides with the tides? We have about a 4 ft. rise/drop. I have very high anxiety about going in and out of the slip as we are at the mouth of the Susquehanna and it is shallow in addition to having much sea grass (both high and low tides) which tangles small motors. We have very little maneuvering room. Thanks. This 'harness' sounds like my answer!!Linda. PS: Is there any way you can submit a diagram?
Ellen,so far, this 'harness' set up seems like the best one for my situation in docking alone--or w/someone! All the tying up has to be done from the boat which is only 21 ft, but seems like the Queen Mary in small spaces, a dinghy in large ones! I dock bow first. The lines are already strung from bow to stern pilings and I would like a bit more detailed explanation as to how to tie up this 'X shaped harness'. Also, how do I position this so that it coincides with the tides? We have about a 4 ft. rise/drop. I have very high anxiety about going in and out of the slip as we are at the mouth of the Susquehanna and it is shallow in addition to having much sea grass (both high and low tides) which tangles small motors. We have very little maneuvering room. Thanks. This 'harness' sounds like my answer!!Linda. PS: Is there any way you can submit a diagram?
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BILL ROBB
A Semi-pro, but always a little bit scared
The only time I ever scraped my boat along the dock slip was the very first time I brought her in. Even after three seasons, it's still a time of anxiety for me. I guess I can't help thinking of repair costs whenever I come close to a hard, unyielding surface! Bill on STARGAZER
The only time I ever scraped my boat along the dock slip was the very first time I brought her in. Even after three seasons, it's still a time of anxiety for me. I guess I can't help thinking of repair costs whenever I come close to a hard, unyielding surface! Bill on STARGAZER
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Skip McCullough
Practice, Practice, Practice
I have been sailing for over forty-five years and started with Dragons which had no auxillary power. I now teach boat handling in docking skills to primarily to frist mates who want to be able to get the boat in the dock in case something happened to their spouses. I think the first thing is always have a spring line to stop the forward motion of the boat and a stern line ot keep the stern from swinging out when the spring tighten, thus avoiding major damage. If the dock has dock post I recommend keeping the fenders onboard or they will catch and and throw the boat in directions you don't want them to go. Once you have spring and stern line you can pull ahead, in idle on the spring until everything is tight and then get your other lines. I use this technique when I single hand. Although I have dock lines on the dock I have a spring rigged and tied to the boat and drop it over the aft post on the dock and also have a stern line splice to it. It works very well. I don't care how professional you are there are times that soemthing unexpected happens and you are going to brush the dock so don't worry about it, pad your dock posts with carpet, and if you are going slow enough no damage will occur, the other side of it is you have to be going fast enough to have control. Find the balance by practicing. It does not happen overnight. Start on calm days when there is no wind to go sailing and work your way up.
I have been sailing for over forty-five years and started with Dragons which had no auxillary power. I now teach boat handling in docking skills to primarily to frist mates who want to be able to get the boat in the dock in case something happened to their spouses. I think the first thing is always have a spring line to stop the forward motion of the boat and a stern line ot keep the stern from swinging out when the spring tighten, thus avoiding major damage. If the dock has dock post I recommend keeping the fenders onboard or they will catch and and throw the boat in directions you don't want them to go. Once you have spring and stern line you can pull ahead, in idle on the spring until everything is tight and then get your other lines. I use this technique when I single hand. Although I have dock lines on the dock I have a spring rigged and tied to the boat and drop it over the aft post on the dock and also have a stern line splice to it. It works very well. I don't care how professional you are there are times that soemthing unexpected happens and you are going to brush the dock so don't worry about it, pad your dock posts with carpet, and if you are going slow enough no damage will occur, the other side of it is you have to be going fast enough to have control. Find the balance by practicing. It does not happen overnight. Start on calm days when there is no wind to go sailing and work your way up.
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Lasata
Take it easy, whats the hurry?
I have witnessed many docking foibles, and most of them have been inversely proportional to either the speed of the docking effort or directly proportional to the amount of fore-thought. My plan is to first take my time and notice the small things, like what can I tell from the boats already in their slips? Did I take the time to notice the boats on mooring? etc.... And if I am with someone who wishes to lend a hand in docking, I make sure that I clearly communicate my intentions. Last, I am in no hurry to get tied up. Taking it slow, gives the boat time to respond to "shifts in momentum." And remember, rudders dont work unless the boat is moving, but it doesnt need to be moving fast. PS, I agree with many of the techniques for example extra lines, practice & slow just to name a few... ;-)
I have witnessed many docking foibles, and most of them have been inversely proportional to either the speed of the docking effort or directly proportional to the amount of fore-thought. My plan is to first take my time and notice the small things, like what can I tell from the boats already in their slips? Did I take the time to notice the boats on mooring? etc.... And if I am with someone who wishes to lend a hand in docking, I make sure that I clearly communicate my intentions. Last, I am in no hurry to get tied up. Taking it slow, gives the boat time to respond to "shifts in momentum." And remember, rudders dont work unless the boat is moving, but it doesnt need to be moving fast. PS, I agree with many of the techniques for example extra lines, practice & slow just to name a few... ;-)
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Robert G. Stammerjohn
Docking
Don't be in a hurry. Survey the situation carefully for wind and current. Take it slow. If the situation does not feel comfortable, go around again - its a learning exercise. I'm often a single hander so I must plan ahead and proceed carefully. Practice helps too. Under adverse conditions anchoring may be a better choice. I have the old Cat 38 with bulbous sides so I'm very sensitive to hitting anything.
Don't be in a hurry. Survey the situation carefully for wind and current. Take it slow. If the situation does not feel comfortable, go around again - its a learning exercise. I'm often a single hander so I must plan ahead and proceed carefully. Practice helps too. Under adverse conditions anchoring may be a better choice. I have the old Cat 38 with bulbous sides so I'm very sensitive to hitting anything.
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Bill P.
Crutches in the front
This may have been covered along with all the other great advice, but I've set up two lines that cross at the front of the slip and at a height such that if I go bow or stern in, the boat "hits" these lines and I keep power on during docking to keep me up against the lines without getting blown sideways. Fair winds, Bill
This may have been covered along with all the other great advice, but I've set up two lines that cross at the front of the slip and at a height such that if I go bow or stern in, the boat "hits" these lines and I keep power on during docking to keep me up against the lines without getting blown sideways. Fair winds, Bill
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Charmaine aboard s/v September Sea
Springlines & the Wind: Two Keys to Simplify Docking
Always dock by turning into the wind for as much time as possible (docking parallel). The wind slows you down and allows you to judge distances better. If going into a slip, go past your slip in the direction of the wind and let it bring you down where you will be able to slip right into position. When entering a slip with a side wind pushing you away from your slip, you begin your turn earlier so the wind can ease you into position to enter. When there is a headwind into the slip it is much easier, as also it would be easier if no wind is present. By using a springline in the center of your boat, you can ease up to the dock and slip that springline (tied to either a cleat or a winch near the center of your boat on the side next to the dock) on a dock cleat or piling. Then with your engine you can steady yourself in a somewhat "hove to" position (resting against the dock) while you give yourself time to tie your (dock or slip side) stern line and then your bow line. This is how you can single-handedly dock your boat. Now you're ready to tie your other lines with no chance of moving. With another person helping, it's even simpler! And yes, have your fenders readied near the center of the boat so you can set them as needed.
Always dock by turning into the wind for as much time as possible (docking parallel). The wind slows you down and allows you to judge distances better. If going into a slip, go past your slip in the direction of the wind and let it bring you down where you will be able to slip right into position. When entering a slip with a side wind pushing you away from your slip, you begin your turn earlier so the wind can ease you into position to enter. When there is a headwind into the slip it is much easier, as also it would be easier if no wind is present. By using a springline in the center of your boat, you can ease up to the dock and slip that springline (tied to either a cleat or a winch near the center of your boat on the side next to the dock) on a dock cleat or piling. Then with your engine you can steady yourself in a somewhat "hove to" position (resting against the dock) while you give yourself time to tie your (dock or slip side) stern line and then your bow line. This is how you can single-handedly dock your boat. Now you're ready to tie your other lines with no chance of moving. With another person helping, it's even simpler! And yes, have your fenders readied near the center of the boat so you can set them as needed.
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Linda H
What's Up Dock?
Charmaine, Thanks for your response. Where I dock, there are no piers, just lines separating the boats. The only dock is the one dead ahead, so it's not the normal, average situation. I have strung up some lines across a second set of pilings out from the 'dead ahead' dock to help stop me as I slide into the slip. Have not tried it, yet, but tomorrow can be the test. Tides are a nemesis for me!
Charmaine, Thanks for your response. Where I dock, there are no piers, just lines separating the boats. The only dock is the one dead ahead, so it's not the normal, average situation. I have strung up some lines across a second set of pilings out from the 'dead ahead' dock to help stop me as I slide into the slip. Have not tried it, yet, but tomorrow can be the test. Tides are a nemesis for me!
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Linda H
Crutches in front.
Bill, have strung up the lines as you suggested. Will try them tomorrow. It's the tide that throws me off! Thanks again. Linda
Bill, have strung up the lines as you suggested. Will try them tomorrow. It's the tide that throws me off! Thanks again. Linda
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John S. Spooner
Dead Slow
I dock my boat in a semi-protected cove on Pymatuning Lake in Northeastern Ohio. The approach requires very slow movement and somewhat precise timing. I have to pass between two poles in the water and catch stern lines from both of them. My wife then has to jump off onto the dock and run forward to attach two bow lines to bow cleats as I am attaching the stern lines to stern cleats. I am not allowed to tie up to the side dock because it is not firmly secured to the bottom. Needless to say my outboard engine is running,except that it is in neutral much of the time. It is,of course, a bit of a hairy situation and leaves a lot to be desired, especially if there is a strong wind blowing, but there is not much more I can do. It works, but just.
I dock my boat in a semi-protected cove on Pymatuning Lake in Northeastern Ohio. The approach requires very slow movement and somewhat precise timing. I have to pass between two poles in the water and catch stern lines from both of them. My wife then has to jump off onto the dock and run forward to attach two bow lines to bow cleats as I am attaching the stern lines to stern cleats. I am not allowed to tie up to the side dock because it is not firmly secured to the bottom. Needless to say my outboard engine is running,except that it is in neutral much of the time. It is,of course, a bit of a hairy situation and leaves a lot to be desired, especially if there is a strong wind blowing, but there is not much more I can do. It works, but just.
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Bill P.
Good Luck!!
In addition to stopping the boat in the forward or backing direction and keeping it stable, if you run the lines forming the "V" far enough back it can help keep you away from obstacles on either side. Bill
In addition to stopping the boat in the forward or backing direction and keeping it stable, if you run the lines forming the "V" far enough back it can help keep you away from obstacles on either side. Bill
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Bob Lufkin
what's up dock
I think docking must be the same as landing a plane on an aircraft carrier. You can wave off if the approach is not good; you’ve got to catch a wire [or dock line] to make it home. At a certain point you’re committed no matter what. I thinking dockings should be graded. Today was the 40th sail of the season and I got an A. About 3 weeks ago I got an F when I put a 30’ boat in the slip sideways. Glad no one could see that. Got a line caddy on the dock that flips up and holds the bow, amidships and bow lines. I just reach over and grab what ever line needs to go first depending on the wind direction. Works real well.
I think docking must be the same as landing a plane on an aircraft carrier. You can wave off if the approach is not good; you’ve got to catch a wire [or dock line] to make it home. At a certain point you’re committed no matter what. I thinking dockings should be graded. Today was the 40th sail of the season and I got an A. About 3 weeks ago I got an F when I put a 30’ boat in the slip sideways. Glad no one could see that. Got a line caddy on the dock that flips up and holds the bow, amidships and bow lines. I just reach over and grab what ever line needs to go first depending on the wind direction. Works real well.
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SailboatOwners.com
Fianl results
Final results for the Quick Quiz ending September 7, 2003: How comfortable are you when docking your boat? 56% Semi-Pro: Unless conditions are bad it's easy for me 23% Learning: I still have occasional, unexpected problems 12% Pro: Perfect every time in all conditions 09% Novice: I'm just learning. Help! 1,509 owners responding
Final results for the Quick Quiz ending September 7, 2003: How comfortable are you when docking your boat? 56% Semi-Pro: Unless conditions are bad it's easy for me 23% Learning: I still have occasional, unexpected problems 12% Pro: Perfect every time in all conditions 09% Novice: I'm just learning. Help! 1,509 owners responding
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Linda H
Crutches
Bill, I had a greater than great success w/the lines, but still have room for improvement. My lines are not V shaped, yet, just perpendicular (and slack) to the boat, but it's a start. Hard doing all this alone and being 66 yrs old. I always am concerned about the tides. Am tickled to death, tho, w/the primary results and thanks so much! Linda PS: Thanks to all the others who responded. When only lines separate slips, it's a whole different ball game! Like Bob, I've all but ended up sideways in the slip, too. Embarrassing!
Bill, I had a greater than great success w/the lines, but still have room for improvement. My lines are not V shaped, yet, just perpendicular (and slack) to the boat, but it's a start. Hard doing all this alone and being 66 yrs old. I always am concerned about the tides. Am tickled to death, tho, w/the primary results and thanks so much! Linda PS: Thanks to all the others who responded. When only lines separate slips, it's a whole different ball game! Like Bob, I've all but ended up sideways in the slip, too. Embarrassing!
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Ted
Very Comfortable
I normally single hand my C320 and find absoltutely no problems self docking. I do not set line barriers or fenders up prior to entry as I find them a hindrance to safe docking. I have found that a mildly agressive speed is required with faith in my engine through proper maintenance that I slow properly. I do however rely on forward and aft spring lines attached first to lock my position and ensure these lines are properly stowed on dock for easy retrieval on reentry to the dock. I also never idle engine at less than 1000 rpm for more than 30 seconds due to lesson learned that a fouled engine will fail at the worst moment. Docking single handed takes a concious mild-confidence and your practice in open space until you have it. I've been sailing for over 20 years, but occasionally there are still those really awkward wind direction/velocity experiences that make docking a real challenge. My thoughts on this are that you do not let off the throttle as wind will only make a slow boat drift more. Therego the importance of the confidence issue. Ted
I normally single hand my C320 and find absoltutely no problems self docking. I do not set line barriers or fenders up prior to entry as I find them a hindrance to safe docking. I have found that a mildly agressive speed is required with faith in my engine through proper maintenance that I slow properly. I do however rely on forward and aft spring lines attached first to lock my position and ensure these lines are properly stowed on dock for easy retrieval on reentry to the dock. I also never idle engine at less than 1000 rpm for more than 30 seconds due to lesson learned that a fouled engine will fail at the worst moment. Docking single handed takes a concious mild-confidence and your practice in open space until you have it. I've been sailing for over 20 years, but occasionally there are still those really awkward wind direction/velocity experiences that make docking a real challenge. My thoughts on this are that you do not let off the throttle as wind will only make a slow boat drift more. Therego the importance of the confidence issue. Ted
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u. e. chapa
slow as she goes...
when i'm about twice the length of my vessel away from the slip/dock i slow to a creep barely above the/any current so that i'm making way, controlled, and i center/aim the bow. as my boat creeps into the slip partially i reverse the engine and rev up a bit (10%) to counter foward progress; as we're in about 50%, i cut off the engine and ease in. with tiller tamed, i go forward with boat hook and dock line in hand to cushion a stop (not much effort really), secure the bow (gingerly), and then make way to aft and secure a line astern from the dock. slow and easy everytime, be it a dock, slip, or mooring. yes, like everything else that sailing requires, it takes practice and knowing your vessel and engine and being aware of your environment....
when i'm about twice the length of my vessel away from the slip/dock i slow to a creep barely above the/any current so that i'm making way, controlled, and i center/aim the bow. as my boat creeps into the slip partially i reverse the engine and rev up a bit (10%) to counter foward progress; as we're in about 50%, i cut off the engine and ease in. with tiller tamed, i go forward with boat hook and dock line in hand to cushion a stop (not much effort really), secure the bow (gingerly), and then make way to aft and secure a line astern from the dock. slow and easy everytime, be it a dock, slip, or mooring. yes, like everything else that sailing requires, it takes practice and knowing your vessel and engine and being aware of your environment....
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