Advice needed

[Jon_Glastron]

My wife, two children and myself have the boat launch and load down pat. We have practiced in the driveway and can launch and load quite well now under pressure.

One problem we have is pulling up to the dock, it is my error as I am not approaching the dock correctly I guess.

Do you have any tips for approaching the doak to load?

Should I approach the dock parrallel to it or at a slight angle with the front of the boat closer to the dock?

I really do not want my wife or kids to try and grab for the dock, I am real worried someone will get their hand/arm pinched.

thanks
Jon

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Advice needed

explain to them to never put their hands out or to move in the boat until told. you are the captain, and if they don't follow the captains rules they get left at home next time. then do it. it really depends on conditions, i usually approach at an angle with the bow first then turn the wheel to throw the stern over. some time i have to spin the wheel, and go to reverse. the best thing to do is go on a slow day and practice. 90% of the time when i dock, i can reachout and grab a cleat on the dock, then left the other get a line on the dock. no one leaves the boat unless told to do so. someones wife went between the dock and the boat last week. also i always approach heading into the wind if possible.

 

[The Great Escape II]

Re: Advice needed

Approach the dock slowly at a 45 degree angle. Once the bow of the boat is about 1 to 2 feet away from the dock, turn your wheel to the dock and slowly go into reverse. This will slide your stern to the dock. Make sure you have your bumpers out. You as the "captain" of the boat need to direct the passengers on what exactly to do. I usually have that discussion before we approach the dock. My wife is on auto pilot when we do this, she knows exactly what to do. Everybody else needs to know what to do and that is usually stay seated.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Advice needed

What size boat & what kind of power?

With an outboard a hard turn at very slow speed usually swings the stern around. With practice you'll be able to approach at a fairly steep angle and still end up parallel to the dock. Also note that single engine with normal (right-hand) prop, with just a little bit of reverse throttle & the helm pointed straight ahead your stern will walk to port - use this to your advantage by putting the dock on your port side whenever possible.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: Advice needed

As they said, but get a dock pole (or 2) to control the final contact.