Parallel Parking

RollerCoastr said:
That's careless and irresponsible advice! You forgot to mention that at least one kid should always be kept aboard to use as a fender. After all, bones heal themselves, but gelcoat repair is expensive.
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Cleaned my sinus cavity with coffee on that one RC.

MonacoMike said:
Oh, just point the joystick toward the dock and it just happens...

MM
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Really surprised you guys didn't mentioned throwing the kid out with a PFD on!! But then again, you guys know I always practice safe boating. ( I only throw them out without one when I want to measure water depth.):smt043
 
Emagine said:
The basic principles for boat handling are consistent and apply to all boats, however every maneuver is different even at the same location because wind and current can be different. The trick is to factor the wind and current into your docking and make them work for you. Try to work with them whenever possible. Also every boat is different and you have to know your boat, how quickly it stops, how much thrust, or how long in gear to get it moving or turning, and where the longitudinal center of rotation is on the boat, that is the center of the circle on the boat if it is turning on the spot. Also the same boat with different propellers will handle differently, I find 4 blade propellers are better for maneuvering than 3 blades and larger diameter props give more transverse thrust (twisting) than smaller props. With the 320 on windy days I had to give more throttle in the maneuver, and sometimes really work those engines to get her in tight spaces. Bow or stern in depends on the space, the weather, how much help you have, and how experienced your help is. A well and timely placed dock line can make you look like a hero, and the opposite also applies.
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A bit pedantic...don't you think?
 
Richie89 said:
i'm a fairly new boater. what's the chance you experienced captains would take the time to outline the best techniques for different docking situations? i have found myself parking like a car at times.
i have twin screws and a bow thruster, so i can get docked, but it's sloppy at times :(
my first choice is to back in, get one corner at the dock so wife can get that rear point tied, then use bow thruster to swing front to dock as she's now on the dock and then reaches for bow line.
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When wind and current conditions warrant, I agree with the principle of backing in to the corner of the dock and having someone tie off and then using engine power to swing the bow around, using the rear cleat as a pivot point. Since we like boating on quiet days when no one is around this eliminates the need to have someone catch us at the dock.
When current and wind are low I prefer to go bow first.
 
Someones been reading Jack Reacher novels.
 
Westie said:
Isn't this the way you are supposed to do it ?
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Thats pretty much exactly the way I do it except a bit less speed. My slip is the innermost slip against the main dock so I have to come alongside before backing in to my slip. Just like captain Ron and then back it in. If its windy from off the dock its a bit tricky because as soon as it's alongside the wind starts to move it off so I can't pause before backing in.
 
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Someday Lady II said:
When wind and current conditions warrant, I agree with the principle of backing in to the corner of the dock and having someone tie off and then using engine power to swing the bow around, using the rear cleat as a pivot point.
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I've never had much luck using the rear cleat as a pivot point. Is it just the manner in which I'm trying, or does it just not work well in general?
 
Gunn said:
I've never had much luck using the rear cleat as a pivot point. Is it just the manner in which I'm trying, or does it just not work well in general?
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That's usually the way I have to dock because I seem to return to my face dock when the tide is pushing me away from the dock and forward. I pull up next to the boat in front of me. Back at an angle and the dock help secures the aft starboard line. Then with starboard in neutral I kick port forward and the bow swings to the dock.
 
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Always bow in, but a bit slower than Cap'n Ron.

Seriously though, I have no thruster and the standard 3 blade props the boat came with, and even though I have a degree of confidence approaching bow first, and modulating throttle to put me in, I still won't try and put my boat in somewhere where I have less than 2 open boat lengths. I will head for the very end of the fuel dock or wait til the dock clears before I park in situations like those.
 
Not trying to hijack the thread, but is anyone able to crab their inboard Sea Ray without a thruster? I've been told by different people that inward-turning props in pockets combined with smaller rudders make it virtually impossible. In my own limited experience I have to agree. But this forum probably has infinitely more experience than I do. Can anyone out there crab a 40' Sea Ray without a thruster?
 
Z-Worthy said:
Not trying to hijack the thread, but is anyone able to crab their inboard Sea Ray without a thruster? I've been told by different people that inward-turning props in pockets combined with smaller rudders make it virtually impossible. In my own limited experience I have to agree. But this forum probably has infinitely more experience than I do. Can anyone out there crab a 40' Sea Ray without a thruster?
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Yes, I was able to crab my boat side ways. The only problem was wind. With more than about 5 knots, it was VERY difficult, if not impossible. Now I have a thruster. Best cool mod I have ever paid for.
 
Z-Worthy said:
Not trying to hijack the thread, but is anyone able to crab their inboard Sea Ray without a thruster? I've been told by different people that inward-turning props in pockets combined with smaller rudders make it virtually impossible. In my own limited experience I have to agree. But this forum probably has infinitely more experience than I do. Can anyone out there crab a 40' Sea Ray without a thruster?
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Yes as long as I am not trying to go against a good current or wind. I just try to be aware of the conditions so I pick and choose my approaches based on the conditions always.
 
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