Rookie Question(s)

[pakrz]

As embarrassing as this might be to ask, I'm going to do it anyhow. I operate a 21.5' deckboat and am really having a hard time docking (both parking and leaving). On the approach, I usually idle in and get close to the dock. I put it in reverse to suddenly stop the forward momentum. Sometimes this works and other times I hit the dock too hard. My family is in the habit of sticking their hands out to grab the dock in order to stop us, which is an accident waiting to happen. When leaving the dock, my family usually pushes off the dock enough to allow me enough space to turn the boat around and continue on.

It gets very frustrating watching other boaters, especially with much bigger boats, manuevering them flawlessly. While I realize that nothing beats experience, can somebody point me in the right direction on basic driving information or offer up some tips so I don't end up with a problem some day?

Thanks guys -

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Rookie Question(s)

SLOW, AND SLOWER!!! all hands inside no matter what. they can throw a rope around the cleat on the dock. go out with out the family, take a day off work if you have to. and practice docking alone, or with one other person.

at a crowded dock, when leaving i usually back away from the dock to get the stern away. then go to forward. this give you room to steer. you have to remember, that unlike a car, boats steering is in the rear. if you have a friend with a boat get them to give you a lesson.

here practice on line, the kids will even like it.

http://dock.easycruise.com/

 

[gcboat]

Re: Rookie Question(s)

There's an old saying that goes " never approach a dock any faster than you intend to hit it". Tashasdaddy has the advice you need to consider.
And you are right about the practice. Pretend in your mind that the dock is 10 feet closer than it is - should help in the slowing down process.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Rookie Question(s)

" never approach a dock any faster than you intend to hit it".

Ayuh,..............

And,...........

Practice makes Perfect........

 

[larky]

Re: Rookie Question(s)

some times while in neutral the exhuast is enough to keep me moving forward but at a slow pace.

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Rookie Question(s)

Yep, there's no magic...you just have to practice. You basically want to just "drift" up to the dock. I typically approach at about a 30 degree angle, and when the bow gets close I reverse quickly with the wheel turned hard toward the dock. This brings my bow out and the dock right alongside. Everyone's advice is correct. Go slow, and if you don't like where you end up, or miss lining up, spin out and try it again. Try to avoid busy days at the dock/ramp so you don't feel rushed and can take your time. When I was first learning, if I got to the dock and no one was there, I would dock, and then pull off and do it again just for the practice.

#1 rule when docking is no body parts outside the boat. #2 is no jumping from the boat to the dock when you get close. #3 is no yelling at your crew if you smack the dock, there's only one person controlling the boat.

 

[BoatAddiction]

Re: Rookie Question(s)

It is all about the practice and taking your time. Though a bit of a different type of boat and docking technique, the following illustrates a truth with any boat.

I hired a Captain to help me bring a new to me 36 foot twin inboard down the ICW. When I expressed my nervousness at docking the boat for the first time, he told me about muscle memory. He compared it to driving a car in that you really don't have to concentrate when steering into a parking place because your limbs had developed muscle memory. He was right. After awhile, you'll be able to just "feel" how to tap the thottle, tap it back into reverse thottle at just the right time, and turn the helm just so as you dock. You'll eventually become "one" with the boat...as my very good Captain explained it.

Use conditions (current and wind) in your favor when leaving the dock and/or returning. Docking into the wind or current (whichever is influencing your boat the most) is usually easier if the dock layout permits. If a cross wind or current is pushing you into the dock, then let it. A cross wind or current that pushes you away is probably the most difficult situation to contend with when docking. And remember...aborting and trying again is less embarrassing or damaging than hitting too hard. Here is a useful website and another simulator that allows for you to adjust current and wind conditions.

http://www.tigerboatdocks.com/docking.htm

http://spot.pcc.edu/~mtrigobo/docksim/index.html

 

[johnson1989]

Re: Rookie Question(s)

Great Points here.

Another thing that will help you greatly is to know the water and conditions. IF you are on a river know which way the current is running and check the wind. Check to see which way and how fast and add the speed of the wind that day. As you are approaching the dock I aim right for it slowly or if opposite direction I start out a way and adjust my speed by how fast I am getting pulled parallel. This should slowly pull you in a diagonal direction. Play the wind if it is blowing from the West lets say I always try to park on the left side of the dock. It will blow you into the dock making it easier for your family to man the boat while you are getting the truck or parking. So with a westerly wind start out say 10 feet to the left approaching. slowly go in and let the wind/ current take you in toward the dock. You should be able to approach slowly and adjust your forward and reverser motion. Kinda hard to explain but this is how I was taught and it works great for me. Its all about the conditions. I have a 18 ft Deck boat and again practice makes perfect. Practice when you can without the whole fam with you so you look like a pro!

Good Luck