Docking - back in or just pull in

R

romanservices

Member
Aug 24, 2016
182
Chesapeak Bay
Boat Info
1999 Sea Ray 370 AC, Raymarine es98 - AlbaCombi NMEA2K converter -
Engines
Twin 454 Horizon MAG MPI - replaced 2016
I'm new to being at a marina as my previous boat was much smaller and lived on a trailer. At my marina everyone backs in, however I've seen others just pulling in. For me even with a bow thruster I'm still not confident in my skills so just pulling in seems attractive to me. Is there a good reason (other than the finger pier being too short) to always back in?
 
Learn how to back in and don't depend on the thruster. Slow steady and don't panic. It's really not as hard as you think. I've taught many people how to dock. Try early morning or early evenings. And if you do bump your neighbors boat be kind and let them know even if there is no damage.


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Back in 100% of the time even when we are a transient at other marinas. It makes the dock a much more sociable place and boating more fun. Plus...if you back in and do it well...it makes you look like a boss.
 
I turn facing the stern (backwards) while backing.

We always back in......my boat actually drives really good in reverse....seriously.

Practice driving in reverse in open water, or near a buoy for reference.
 
What marina are you at? You must be near me since you mentioned the trip home was 43 miles from Kent Narrows.
 
Learning how to back it in the slip. One day you might not have a choice for one reason or another.
 
We back into our slip everytime. After a dozen times you will be a pro. Its really easy on a twin screw. Unless you are in 20 mph winds. Thin it becomes a bit stressful.
 
Boater420 said:
Learning how to back it in the slip. One day you might not have a choice for one reason or another.
Click to expand...

True words.

I prefer backing in most places because egress is easier (water and power too) - especially on floaters - and as mentioned the social aspect is better. But we have visited many marinas that have finger piers that are shorter (sometimes MUCH shorter) than my LOA and getting on and off the mid section of the boat is usually impossible..... again, especially on floaters. So sterning-in is your only option. With v-drives you should be able to master it in no time.
 
Know how to do it both ways. If your stern is to blazing sun in the afternoon in 90 degree weather it's not so great to be backed in. This can be a problem at some places in the morning. Then there is the privacy issue. Don't want everyone looking into your boat? Pull bow into the slip. Like many things, "it depends."
 
We always back in. My rule for docking: "Never approach anything faster than your willing to hit it"
 
JMS said:
We always back in. My rule for docking: "Never approach anything faster than your willing to hit it"
Click to expand...


Good rule to follow...


My first attempt ever at backing in (actually first time docking the boat) took be 3 tries to get lined up, didn't hit anything.
I was aiming for the starboard finger pier but ended up docking on the port side, I will say that with a 14' beam if there was another boat in the on the port pier
I would have bumped it.
 
I always back in because we come in and off from the swim platform. Some boats at my marina pull in so they can enjoy the sunset. You have to weigh the differences. You should absolutely learn how to back in, because you never know when you will need it. Don't worry about embarrassment, there will be plenty of people in your marina that will help you. Don't be afraid to ask.
 
I would agree with others plus all your electrical and water is most likely towards the aft end of the boat.


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Practice.

Find a no wake buoy somewhere and practice backing down on it from various angles and, as such, various wind directions. Observe how the wind effects your boat. Learn how to use the wind to assist you, rather than trying to fight the wind. If the wind is blowing hard against your port side, line up to port of your target and let the wind get you back into position.

And do not rely on the bow thruster for routine docking. I don't even turn mine on unless the wind is howling. For me it's a disaster avoidance tool, or to move the bow L or R so aid my deckhands in reaching pilings once in the slip.

Another thing to try that is often eye-opening. In open water, on a non-windy day - stop the boat and put both engines in reverse. See if the boat tracks straight in reverse. What you find out may surprise you. You may have to run one engine at higher RPM to keep things straight. You don't want to find out the boat's quirky mannerisms as your backing OUT of a long, narrow fairway. Ask me how I know.
 
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I have just experienced learning to back in as well with our 460. The best piece of advice I got was to have my wife ready with a fender, I told her if I get close to anything please put the fender between the boat and the object I am going to make contact with. It works amazing and reduces the anxiety. 2 seperate occasions it has taken me 2 tries because the wind was howling and pushed my bow further then I liked, but no big deal to me, I went to the end of the dock, spun around and tried again. I say I put my pride in my pocket and do it again. Trust this, plenty of experienced pilots "go around" if they don't like the approach.


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Practice, practice, practice....

Practicing in open water around a buoy is a good way to go about it. Observe the effect of wind and current on you boat. Be "ahead" of your boat.

And very importantly - never think twice about going around if it looks untenable.

As far as stern in, that's all we do. With practice, your 370 is a champ backing her into a slip.
 
I hope I can help you feel at ease .. bcuz I JUST went thru your apprehension within last 60ish days.

I went from a 21 ft Yamaha jetboat to a 360 Sundancer. Before I tried to dock it - you might as well have told told me I had to dock an air-craft carrier. I was so uptight about not being good / being out of control etc - you name .. EXACT what youare feeling. Even went thru the "i'll just nose it in" before I bought

TRUST ME ... It is NO problem ... I learned QUICKLY !!!!!!!!!! - and in GREAT thanks to this forum - I read a ton. If it super windy DONT GO OUT - be aware of your wind coming in.

But again ... They handle like a rail car - I do the back to the bow method - and think thumbs point the way. It is ZERO problem ... you will be fine ... go slow .. go patient .. and DO NOT worry about ego - If you get a little nervous - just go move forward and try again ....

Got my 1st taste of wind the other - oddly enough launching it ... creeped out of slip with a 15-20mph left to right crosswind - and I have to go left to get out ... about 10-12 feet of the bow got a hit from that crosswind - and I was GONE ... let it drift right after I realized I was getting out of control FAST at no wake ... and told everyone on the boat "Sorry - I am going right back" .. parked it .. done.

You will be fine .... trust me !!!
 
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