Good idea???

[billnpat]

When its just you and the wife???

http://www.landingloop.com/

 

[wetpaint]

I think it is an overkill.......It is more important to teach her/kids how to toss a line to someone at the marina and take instructions from you when docking. I know some people on the dock are clueless, but that is where she needs to say "cleat the spring line around that cleat". I cruise alone all the time and I have no problem walking down my bridge steps, onto the platform and doing my own lines....When I had a dancer I would always have my spring line and stern line together, dock the boat and walk off the platform with both lines......As long as you get the spring line tied, you are 90% of the way there......Practice, Practice, Practice......

 

[bmac]

When its just you and the wife???

http://www.landingloop.com/

I don't know, Bill. I don't allow anyone on the bow or swim platform while I'm docking. I'm rarely, if ever, in a situation where I bow in so all initial lines are handled from the cockpit.

 

[HUMPH]

There is no way I send my wife up on the deck with that device unless I am trying to eliminate her. Throw it into reverse and down she goes!

As stated above, practice, practice, practice and do that with more than just your wife on board. There is probably captains in your area that provide training for a fee. My guess is it is well worth it. I boated for years but many years ago and I am still thinking about swallowing my pride and doing this as he will not only provide tips on handling the boat he also goes through the systems, gps use and everything else.

Here is the link for a guy in my area, I would suggest asking around your area or doing an internet search. I expect to spend around $500 for a few hours of in boat on the water training if I do this, well worth it!

http://pacificpowerboating.com/links.htm

 

[billnpat]

I think it is an overkill.......It is more important to teach her/kids how to toss a line to someone at the marina and take instructions from you when docking. I know some people on the dock are clueless, but that is where she needs to say "cleat the spring line around that cleat". I cruise alone all the time and I have no problem walking down my bridge steps, onto the platform and doing my own lines....When I had a dancer I would always have my spring line and stern line together, dock the boat and walk off the platform with both lines......As long as you get the spring line tied, you are 90% of the way there......Practice, Practice, Practice......

Right.....We have to practice....Thank You....:thumbsup:

 

[billnpat]

I don't know, Bill. I don't allow anyone on the bow or swim platform while I'm docking. I'm rarely, if ever, in a situation where I bow in so all initial lines are handled from the cockpit.

Thanks Brian.....were into our 2nd week of taking the P.S.Course and im sure that will come up at some point :smt001

 

[billnpat]

There is no way I send my wife up on the deck with that device unless I am trying to eliminate her. Throw it into reverse and down she goes!

As stated above, practice, practice, practice and do that with more than just your wife on board. There is probably captains in your area that provide training for a fee. My guess is it is well worth it. I boated for years but many years ago and I am still thinking about swallowing my pride and doing this as he will not only provide tips on handling the boat he also goes through the systems, gps use and everything else.

Here is the link for a guy in my area, I would suggest asking around your area or doing an internet search. I expect to spend around $500 for a few hours of in boat on the water training if I do this, well worth it!

http://pacificpowerboating.com/links.htm

Were taking possession in 2 1/2 weeks and there will be a captain for us for indoctrination and training....thanks....

 

[comsnark]

I think it is an overkill.......

Especially for $80

When I had a dancer I would always have my spring line and stern line together, dock the boat and walk off the platform with both lines......

I have used this trick more than twice; particularly when on the boat alone and the wind is coming from the wrong direction.

I agree that practice is the key.

 

[Ka1oxd]

What would you do if you are by your self? I still take my boat out alone. This forces you to get real skilled at bring the boat to the dock and tie up. Just like heli pilots, they perform autorotation landings (engine at idle) when they land, just encase they loose the engine.

 

[Sundancer]

Or you could carry a lasso and just grab it that way! Watched a guy in Idaho do that in a small run about. It was funny as heck, but the guy was good and it worked! You just need the right kind of stiff rope!!

 

[billnpat]

Or you could carry a lasso and just grab it that way! Watched a guy in Idaho do that in a small run about. It was funny as heck, but the guy was good and it worked! You just need the right kind of stiff rope!!

LASSO ? :smt038:smt038

 

[MAKC]

The idea of the product seems sound, but in my opinion, i think the picture they use for the product is dangerous. I don't want anyone on the bow as i dock because its too easy for something to go wrong. Imagine if she fell overboard right then? If i dont like the way im positioning as i come in to dock, i back up and do it again. If the admiral had hooked a cleat with that device and i needed to back up, what then? She certainly isn't going to pull an 8 ton boat with that thing. If you are new to boating, the best docking advice i can give is 1.) Practice practice practice and 2.) never let your pride get in the way of safety. If you need to back up and try again, do it. I have NO issues with trying 2 or 3 times (or more) if i need to make sure i do it the way i like AND safely for the crew who throw lines as needed.

 

[billnpat]

The idea of the product seems sound, but in my opinion, i think the picture they use for the product is dangerous. I don't want anyone on the bow as i dock because its too easy for something to go wrong. Imagine if she fell overboard right then? If i dont like the way im positioning as i come in to dock, i back up and do it again. If the admiral had hooked a cleat with that device and i needed to back up, what then? She certainly isn't going to pull an 8 ton boat with that thing. If you are new to boating, the best docking advice i can give is 1.) Practice practice practice and 2.) never let your pride get in the way of safety. If you need to back up and try again, do it. I have NO issues with trying 2 or 3 times (or more) if i need to make sure i do it the way i like AND safely for the crew who throw lines as needed.

Thanks Mike and all who responded, we will take your advice with gratitude.....:thumbsup: