Docking stern in.....

Bill,
I have been docking twin screws for well over 25 years, and although each boat reacts differently, the mechanics of it is the same. Just make sure your wheel is straight on before you start docking, and get used to the reaction time of those clutches (and on occasion, dont be afraid to use the throttles when you need some extra movement). The best advice posted above (and there is alot of good advice above), in my opinion, was that to always try to stern into the wind (and yes, facing aft is the way to do it, you will get used to it). You keep control of the boat (versus the wind controlling the boat), and it is the best way to minimize those calls to the local gel coat guy. Almost every "docking accident" I have seen (and I have heard that crunch sound too many times, and I never get used to it) has been caused by the wind taking over the momentum of the boat. While the marina's are still fairly empty in these parts, get the boat out and spend some time just picking a slip and backing down on it. Other advice I would give (thats not mentioned yet) is to not leave the helm, instruct your crew if necessary but stay at that helm and keep control of the boat. Good luck!
 
shinsr said:
Bill,
I have been docking twin screws for well over 25 years, and although each boat reacts differently, the mechanics of it is the same. Just make sure your wheel is straight on before you start docking, and get used to the reaction time of those clutches (and on occasion, dont be afraid to use the throttles when you need some extra movement). The best advice posted above (and there is alot of good advice above), in my opinion, was that to always try to stern into the wind (and yes, facing aft is the way to do it, you will get used to it). You keep control of the boat (versus the wind controlling the boat), and it is the best way to minimize those calls to the local gel coat guy. Almost every "docking accident" I have seen (and I have heard that crunch sound too many times, and I never get used to it) has been caused by the wind taking over the momentum of the boat. While the marina's are still fairly empty in these parts, get the boat out and spend some time just picking a slip and backing down on it. Other advice I would give (thats not mentioned yet) is to not leave the helm, instruct your crew if necessary but stay at that helm and keep control of the boat. Good luck!
Click to expand...

Thank you.....:smt001
 
Also, don't forget that the props are only about 1/3 as effective in reverse as compared to forward.
 
Hampton said:
Also, don't forget that the props are only about 1/3 as effective in reverse as compared to forward.
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John..

That i did find out when trying to keep the boat on axis..

Example: Moving boat to port and circling on it own axis]......Starboard shifter up, port shifter down...i was moving in a circle but drifting at the same time.....

I believe i should have starboard shifted up, and back to neutral, then starboard shifted up, and back to neutral, then starboard shifter up, and then to neutral all while the port shifter was in down position till i made a complete circle on axis then both shifters back to neutral.... that would have kept me on axis...without drifting. THIS IS ON A VERY CALM WATER/NO WIND DAY.

This is what i visualize.......If i'm facing backward and have both shifters in reverse backing in and throttle down, and the stern needs to go to hard port....port shifter up, starboard shifter down momentarily, then back to neutral.
And to a soft port, port shifter up momentarily then to neutral...while starboard remains in neutral...
#2
Facing backward
Stern needs to go to hard Starboard, starboard shifter up, port shifter down momentarily, then both back to neutral...
And to a soft starboard, starboard shifter up and port shifter in neutral......Once your straight...both shifters in reverse......use forward to brake.....Throttle down...

THIS IS ON A VERY CALM WATER / NO WIND DAY

Sound right???.
 
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Bill, I was shown by a seasoned captain how to use the shifters when manouvering in confined spaces. He had me doing something I was not ever told to do and that was keeping my hand on the throttle for whichever engine was in reverse. I can control the rotation of the boat way better without getting the forward drift. As soon as you drift forward a bit when spinning the boat, hit the reverse engine's throttle a bit and it spins way more controlled. It really works great!
 
2K WINGIN' IT said:
Bill, I was shown by a seasoned captain how to use the shifters when manouvering in confined spaces. He had me doing something I was not ever told to do and that was keeping my hand on the throttle for whichever engine was in reverse. I can control the rotation of the boat way better without getting the forward drift. As soon as you drift forward a bit when spinning the boat, hit the reverse engine's throttle a bit and it spins way more controlled. It really works great!
Click to expand...

GOOD GOOD...I'll try that .......that would make up the the slower 1/3 effective reverse movement that john was talking about :thumbsup:
 
:thumbsup:Well yesterday i docked the boat stern in alone, WOW was we happy...
i have a new captain....and he never uses the steering wheel leaving the slip or entering the slip area, or even leaving the marina for that matter.......all maneuvering was done with the shifters, and a little throttle port or starboard as necessary

Amazing to watch him work our boat.....for me the NEWBIE.....:thumbsup:
 
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Congrats :smt038:smt038 Keep up the practice and the folks in your marina will be saying that about YOU befor you know it. :smt038:smt038

Boatings great, aint it.:thumbsup:


billnpat said:
:thumbsup:
Well yesterday i docked the boat stern in alone, WOW was we happy...
i have a new captain....and he never uses the steering wheel leaving the slip or entering the slip area, or even leaving the marina for that matter.......all maneuvering was done with the shifters, and a little throttle port or starboard as necessary

Amazing to watch him work my boat.....for me the NEWBIE.....:thumbsup:
Click to expand...
 
NoThanksDad said:
Congrats :smt038:smt038 Keep up the practice and the folks in your marina will be saying that about YOU befor you know it. :smt038:smt038

Boatings great, aint it.:thumbsup:
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BOATING IS WONDERFUL..........:smt038:smt038

THANKS.......:thumbsup:
 
Remember, if you are using the throttles/shifters together, to always throttle down PRIOR to shifting. I hear it will prevent that big "CLUNK":smt101
 
jpk33 said:
Remember, if you are using the throttles/shifters together, to always throttle down PRIOR to shifting. I hear it will prevent that big "CLUNK":smt101
Click to expand...


OH YEAH....IM AWARE OF THAT :grin:

THANKS......:thumbsup:
 
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