Lessons in Slip Docking

[Reyny]

I am a first time boat owner with no prior experience. I purchased a 2006 300 I/O twin Merc engins Sea Ray in June and have taken about 30 hrs of lessons with a certified Capt. I have become pretty comfortable with docking in my slip using the following procedure learned from the lessons.

While backing in, to move the stern right and left, I use the steering wheel and port or starboard engine, one at a time.

A local experienced boater indicated it could be easier to use just the throttles and not the steering wheel for this manuver. My instructer disagrees. He feels that the throttles only docking is best for Inboard boats not I/Os. I have not tried that approach.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Much

Rey

 

[firehog6305]

Re: Lessons in Slip Docking

well I have a 29ft w/ twin motors i/o, I find it more easier, to use your steering wheel to back in to my slip, hope that helps ya, and welcome to iboats

 

[Reyny]

Re: Lessons in Slip Docking

Thanks Firehog,

I think I will stay with what I was taught. And I am sure it is what is most comfortable.

Rey

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Lessons in Slip Docking

I run a 28 foot with twin i/o and I agree with the wheel for backing. There is a time for using the throttles to maneuver, granted, but backing up isn't that time.
--
Stan

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Lessons in Slip Docking

i/o thrust the water in the direction the outdrive is pointed either forward or reverse. inboards are totally different, in that there thrust is either forward or back, and rely on water pressure on the rudder to direct the boat.

 

[eriediver]

Re: Lessons in Slip Docking

I think it's eaier to use the engines & not touch the wheel (especially if it's very windy), but that's me. Do it however you are most comftorable. Just remember if you're gonna try with just the throttles to make sure the drives are straight.

 

[gcboat]

Re: Lessons in Slip Docking

And, as another mariner so eloquently phrases it " never approach a dock any faster then you plan on hitting it".

 

[Reyny]

Re: Lessons in Slip Docking

Thanks Guys. appreciate the input.

Practice practice practice. I can see that is the way to go.

Also, many fenders will be used.

Rey

 

[Reyny]

Re: Lessons in Slip Docking

And tashasdaddy.

that visual i/o vs. inboard clarifies my thoughts.

Thanks all

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: Lessons in Slip Docking

I don't see how there is a rule change it up and play with it that's what boats are for right!

On inboards I've never seen anything good about having the rudders not sitting straight.

On my brothers 41' velocity I've used the wheel when heading into his really long slip and then went to straight gear changes when in between the pillars.

The biggest thing that helped me with larger boats is learning how much thrust the boat makes with a big hatteras or even my brothers boat don't just stick it in gear and try to drive it in or out shift it in and take it right back out kind of like manuvering thrusters see what the boat does and then make a correction.

Works real good for me alot of people seem to think I'm some awesome boater cause I take it easy and don't freak out around docks to the point I normally have to take the helm in other peoples boats all the time.

Oh and love the quote on do go fastter then you want to hit it thta's great I so have to remember that.