Docking for Dummies?

AndreasW

New Member
Apr 28, 2009
84
Malvern, PA
Boat Info
320 Sundancer 2006 &
185 Sea Ray Sport 2008
Engines
Bravo III
Can anyone recommend a good book with graphics that show the different docking techniques? How to use the spring lines, docking under current/wind etc...

http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/bd_cov_f.jpg

http://byownerelectronics.com/flash/docking_school.html

I seen these online, but let me know if you have any good suggestions.

bd_cov_f.jpg
 
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Chapman Piloting and Seamanship 65th Edition Not only will it give you good advice about docking, but it will also give you excellent knowledge about almost everything. I highly recommend it!
 
Rule #1 - Go slow!!!!!, Rule #2- See Rule #1.:grin:
Like "In Two Deep" said. Chapmans.:thumbsup:
 
Well, their are times when speed is your friend (like. . .when backing into a slip with a cross current/wind). . .but most of the time the rule is

"Don't go any faster towards the dock than the speed at which you are planning to hit it."
 
Rule #1 - Go slow!!!!!, Rule #2- See Rule #1.:grin:
Like "In Two Deep" said. Chapmans.:thumbsup:

I tried this last weekend, but with the wind I was just pushed down the dock. I actually forgot my boat had 600hp and need to use a little throttle to turn it into the wind... :wow:
 
Boat Handling, Time Life Series availble on Amazon used. Cheap, and easy to understand and lots of pictures and illustrations for the slow learners.
 
Speaking from experience here....books are good but nothing beats practice, practice, practice under all types of conditions.

I'm no pro but I have been practicing backing my single-screw into a pretty tight slip under various conditions. I do all of my practicing solo so my only option is to get it right. I figure that the worst that can happen is maybe a little gel repair or an insurance claim to another boat. So far no problems and I am pretty adept at maneuvering with a single screw and no thrusters....all from practicing.

.
 
If you bought your boat from a MM they will give you training on docking for free. Just schedule a session with one of their capt.'s:grin:
 
I tried this last weekend, but with the wind I was just pushed down the dock. I actually forgot my boat had 600hp and need to use a little throttle to turn it into the wind... :wow:

If this is yor first boat and assuming you're lacking experience I would suggest, as others did, to hire a captain. A book will give you a theory, but the biggest thing is applying the theory to practice.

In the meantime, while attempting on your own, "listen to the forces of nature", meaning wind and/or current. Remember that stern has the most control while bow is much harder to control. If your boat is not equiped with bow thruster do not attempt to place your bow in to the wind, unless of course there's no other option.

There are many different situations, but the key to remember is to let the wind push the bow in the direction of the wind and then you approach with stern in to the wind. This works well when you need to make 90 degree turn in to your slip. Thus, allowing the bow stay with the wind direction you don't have to worry about it being blown out of control, it will be in the right place and no need to fight against the wind. Then, you would approach on an angle and hug the piling. Use the one piling to keep your boat in place and put one engine in fwd and the other in revers to allign with the slip. When alligned put both in revers and back in to the slip.

This is just a quick tip, but getting proffessional help at the helm is your best option.

Good luck.
 
Well, their are times when speed is your friend (like. . .when backing into a slip with a cross current/wind). . .but most of the time the rule is

For an experienced boater - maybe.

For a new boater in this case, there are a few things...
1) Get somebody on the dock to assist
2) If there isn't somebody to help, what the hell were you thinking being out in those conditions?
3) Use dock lines to assist - pull up to perpendicular to the slip and either have somebody get off, or use lines around a pole to help guide you around the bend.
4) Still go slow.

Books I have read would never advise to "gun it", they always advise using lines in these kind of cases.

Rule #1 - Go slow!!!!!,
Rule #2- See Rule #1.

Rule #3. When there is a cross current while pulling into a dock, see Rule #1.
 
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Speaking from experience here....books are good but nothing beats practice, practice, practice under all types of conditions.

I'm no pro but I have been practicing backing my single-screw into a pretty tight slip under various conditions. I do all of my practicing solo so my only option is to get it right. .

I think this is the best advice I've heard (besides go slow).

Docking is to boating what landing is to a pilot. And if have ever known a pilot, you know they spend half their time in the plane doing "touch and gos" which is practicing landings. They never "master" landing, and they continue practicing until their last flight. I treat docking the same way.

Don't get wrong - books are invaluable and necessary (I've read Chapmans and others), but after the books, it's time for lots of practice. It's just like golf, skiing, etc. Since you are interested in reading books and learning, I'm guessing you'll be great in no time. It's the ones who don't think they need books whom I worry about.
 

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