Docking a Twin Stern Drive

[Kameroo]

I'd suggest everybody go test drive the new Zeus or Axius. You'll be ruined for good, and no matter which method you'll remember how easy it was on the new ones.

 

[AKBASSKING]

For all of you Stern drivers:

Mercury has sent me a Service Manual for MerCruiser #6 Sterndrive Units-R/MR/Alpha One/Alpha One SS

Problem is I don't have stern drives!:wow:

Anyone interested in a service manual?:huh:

 

[Donald46]

I hope all your Holiday wishes came true!

I have had some of problems with the "D" word especially in the beginning and the end of each season due to the wind and current. We just purchased a new 2008 searay w/ the Axius system in June. Docking has been a joy, We pulled out of Watch Hill on Fire Island on Oct. 19th of this year with 35 mile winds and my wife did not touch a thing. Life is Good!!

 

[SeastheDayII]

Obviously you have lots of schools of thought. I had a 30 with IO's for years and landed on not using the wheel because you cannot keep up with where the rudders are. I would ensure straight rudders when entering the marina then only use shifting to get her home. If all hell broke out, and it does sometimes, I would use rudders as necessary to go forward far enough to get a clean restart and restraighten the rudders. Two major issues with IO's vs V-drives 1) when IO engines are running you always have some forward thrust with exhaust through the hubs, and 2) IO's just dont have much oomph in reverse at idle. So, being able to give some reverse throttle in close quarters is often necessary, especially with any adverse wind or current. Because of these issues I would not hesitate to lay against a piling when backing into a slip. I always had good control and with practice (and instructions to all mates to not push me off the piling) it was sooth as silk. You will find a way that's right for you.

 

[Uplate]

Ob So, being able to give some reverse throttle in close quarters is often necessary, especially with any adverse wind or current. Because of these issues I would not hesitate to lay against a piling when backing into a slip. I always had good control and with practice (and instructions to all mates to not push me off the piling) it was sooth as silk. You will find a way that's right for you.

I usually end up doing this. Consider that I am putting in a 11.4" beam into a 12' W slip. No room for error here.

Once I get the starboard side against the piling/post, I usually give a hard shot of port reverse to line up, and then a short burst of both reverse to back in.

If I had a bigger slip, then it would be less of an issue..but I am tight!!

 

[Stray Cat]

Consider that I am putting in a 11.4" beam into a 12' W slip. No room for error here.

Dude, you need an industrial shoe horn and vasaline! Do back in with any fenders out?

 

[Uplate]

Dude, you need an industrial shoe horn and vasaline! Do back in with any fenders out?

Ha!. Actually I think my beam is 11.2', so it may not be as bad as I had originally stated at 11.4':grin:

Yes, fenders are permanent on the dock sides.