Twin engine-I/O docking tips

[crazy charlie]

I have become very good at docking and maneuvering a big 26ft boat with a single i/o with 20 years of experience.I just got my first 30ft twin i/o and I know it is supposed to be easier but I am having a tough time getting used to it.Any pointers are welcome. Charlie

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Twin engine-I/O docking tips

My only experience with twin inboards and docks was with a 40 foot houseboat with a standard V type/displacement hull and twin V8s. I found that using the motors with one in forward and one in reverse can tighten turns and help guide it in, but its just one of those practice things. I would just go out, drop some bouys, and practice awya from solid objects, kinda like learning to drive in the snow in the Wal-mart parking lot at night....good luck...

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Twin engine-I/O docking tips

Thats pretty much what I have been doing but I find that in some situations the old way of using the steering wheel works better. Thanks for the reply Charlie

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Twin engine-I/O docking tips

It's actually easier to just use one of the two and do it the way you always have. Usually the away engine gives you a slight advantage.<br /><br />Twin inbboards are a totally different matter and are often docked with engines alone using the considerable side thrust to their advantage. I/Os esp counter rotating, have very little side thrust.<br /><br />I/Os act more like outboards and a double is not very different from a single.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Twin engine-I/O docking tips

I have been trying to learn to dock with just engines.I havent hit anyone yet,I just feel uncomfortable right now. Charlie

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Twin engine-I/O docking tips

Ya with just engines on I/Os is tough - twin screws are a different story. Twin I/Os have almost no side thrust while twin screws have lots. That why they can dock with just engines.

 

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

Re: Twin engine-I/O docking tips

Damnn .. so I wont be able to steer with the engines with twin outboards? that sucks!!!

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Twin engine-I/O docking tips

It can be done and commonly is done by most I know,however I am having a little trouble getting used to it.I can surely feel the difference in control by working both drives and it is great.But I used to do this with 1 motor without thinking about it after doing it that way for so many years.Now I have to think about what I am doing.I am not used to that. charlie

 

[magster65]

Re: Twin engine-I/O docking tips

Practise at a log floating in the middle of nowhere, there's no peer pressure or other boats so you can concentrate. I found that approaching the marina I'd put the engines both at 1000 rpm and just use the shifters/transmissions to dock (mine had BW velvet drives). It avoids getting into the 'panic' mode and accidentally hitting the wrong lever. I'd keep the rpm lower with I/O's but use the same technique.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Twin engine-I/O docking tips

I get the principle Mag. Dont you just hate audiences.They seem to appear at the most inopportune times.I have a reputation among the people we boat with and around to be one of the best at docking a single engine boat.Now with that boat gone and with the new one being twins,there goes my reputation----for now Charlie

 

[jamiewashere256]

Re: Twin engine-I/O docking tips

Look up the "Complete idiots guide to boating and sailing" Some good docking tips in there.

 

[kdmiller8251]

Re: Twin engine-I/O docking tips

Hey charlie:<br /><br />I would keep the reputation and trade me for my <br />21 foot I/O.. Reputations are hard to get...<br /><br />Tallman

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Twin engine-I/O docking tips

I will have to pass on that one tallman.It has taken me a while to get a boat this big.I tried turning around and facing the rear while working the shifters and this has made it a little easier.It keeps my hands off the wheel.I will have to put the REP to the side for a while.The only thing is ,is that almost everyone gets good at docking twins.Not so with a single. Charlie

 

[magster65]

Re: Twin engine-I/O docking tips

I was told by an old-timer that it's important to know the 3 golden rules of docking correctly... unfortunately nobody knows what they are.