Twin Screw docking book

J

jmunro123

Member
Feb 2, 2008
370
Gran Bend, Great Lakes
Boat Info
2004 Sea Ray 390 Motor Yacht
Engines
8.1's
I am looking for a book on handling a Twin screw boat. I can do the simple stuff, but I would like to get some reference material I can read and get even better at docking, undocking my boat particulary in windy unstable conditions. I have seen a few on the Internet but was wondering if anyone can recommend a reference book for handling a twin screw boat?
 
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I have glanced at it, its thougth it was more of a general book? No? Does it cover the finer details of docking a twin screw boat in difficult situations?
 
The Boaters Pocket Reference book section on docking is not to bad, This little book has a large amount of information and it also has pictures and diagrams West Marine...less then $15.00

There is also a book out called PowerBoat Handling

http://www.amazon.com/Powerboat-Handling-Illustrated-Make-Exactly/dp/0071468811This book PowerBoat Handling it is under $20.00 has a multitude of different docking scenarios with depictions of the current and the wind and the use of spring lines. covers both single and dual engine boats

Still as I say "read, learn practice" practice, practice," and then "read, learn practice" practice, practice," some more. I still hav ea captain friend who I go out with on a regular basis and practice docking procedures with about once a month.
 
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I really don't think a book will help you become better at docking. The best thing is to practice and get a good feel for the boat and the way it responds in different wind and currents.
 
dcwjd said:
I really don't think a book will help you become better at docking. The best thing is to practice and get a good feel for the boat and the way it responds in different wind and currents.
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+1...... Practice and learn how your boat moves, what moves it, and how to anticipate those forces and react accordingly.
 
Yup. Boat acts much differently with 10mph on the nose than it does with 10mph on the stern.

Oh. . and dead center forward is not the same as dead center when backing. What a pain.
 
I agree - a book can only tell you concepts, you really need to spend plenty of time on the boat and practice. I am still in this process!
There's a couple youtube videos that I watched on boat handling and seamanship, they helped me.

The real question here is where is the pivot point of my boat when I put one drive in foreword and one in reverse?? :smt043 Maybe it rotates on the bow not the stern?? :smt101
 
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Thanks guys. I understand that it takes practise and that is what I am planning for. Those great nights after work just me and the boat - idling , shifting . Ya. But I could use a book to better understand the concepts so I can practise them, especially in tough conditions.
 
At CSR, a boating forum where things of all nature are shared/learned primarily by reading, I am suprised that anyone would poo hoo his quest to find a good book on boathandling. My suggestion would be to read some books, talk to some other boaters and practice, practice, practice.
 
Old and out of date get it on Amazon probably just a few bucks.

Time Life Books: "Boat Handling" part of a series .. some of the best stuff I've ever seen. Simple, illustrated, straightforward and very comprehensive.
 
Asureyez said:
Old and out of date get it on Amazon probably just a few bucks.

Time Life Books: "Boat Handling" part of a series .. some of the best stuff I've ever seen. Simple, illustrated, straightforward and very comprehensive.
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Found on Amazon for $3. Also found a 2 yr old copy of Chapmans a few months back for about $3. Gotta love Amazon.
 
You know we all have issues, me as well. The one thing I have learned is that if you are going too SLOW in the wind, the wind will take over and move the boat more then if you have a little more steam under you use the screws too manuver. Make sense?
 
Woody said:
At CSR, a boating forum where things of all nature are shared/learned primarily by reading, I am suprised that anyone would poo hoo his quest to find a good book on boathandling. My suggestion would be to read some books, talk to some other boaters and practice, practice, practice.
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Who's "poo hoo"ing?
 
Better than a book, hire a captain for (2) 3 hour sessions. When I wanted to up my game at the dock, I did that and it improved my docking 100%. Not only did we go over how wind and currents do this and that, we actually went out and practiced in 25mph gusting wind for 3 hours on my boat. I told him what i wanted to do, first session was all textbook and also going over everything on the boat to make sure I knew how to properly do things. Sent me home with homework. Second session was weather dependent. He called me the day before and said "it's nasty tomorrow, time for your in water session". He must have made me dock at least 30 times, in every open slip there was. We also practiced hovering in one place with wind and currents and maneuvering in tight places with all of my canvas up and catching wind like a sail. Busted my butt and I was wiped at the end of 3 hours but it was totally worth it. I think it cost me $900 for the two sessions.
 
promocop said:
You know we all have issues, me as well. The one thing I have learned is that if you are going too SLOW in the wind, the wind will take over and move the boat more then if you have a little more steam under you use the screws too manuver. Make sense?
Click to expand...

I think this is the key point that I've found with a 320 vs the 260. I was always told to "not go any faster than the speed you are prepared to hit something with". Well that philosophy gets me going too slow and the wind takes charge in my 320.

The 320 seems to blow a lot more, due to the larger size above the water line. The 260, even with a single screw, felt nimble and responsive. The 320 is much slower to respond to helm changes. I too would appreciate a book but am aware that this will not replace a lot of practice.

I'm probably going to take one of my twin screw buddies (does that sound funny?) out for a ride on a windy day and pay for it with beers afterwards.
 
TurtleTone said:
Better than a book, hire a captain for (2) 3 hour sessions. When I wanted to up my game at the dock, I did that and it improved my docking 100%. Not only did we go over how wind and currents do this and that, we actually went out and practiced in 25mph gusting wind for 3 hours on my boat. I told him what i wanted to do, first session was all textbook and also going over everything on the boat to make sure I knew how to properly do things. Sent me home with homework. Second session was weather dependent. He called me the day before and said "it's nasty tomorrow, time for your in water session". He must have made me dock at least 30 times, in every open slip there was. We also practiced hovering in one place with wind and currents and maneuvering in tight places with all of my canvas up and catching wind like a sail. Busted my butt and I was wiped at the end of 3 hours but it was totally worth it. I think it cost me $900 for the two sessions.
Click to expand...

Wow - thats a lot of training!! :smt038
I think I'll save the $900 on docking school, but spend it on the damage I'll no doubt cause when I "nudge" the 450DA with cat 3116's next to me :lol:
 
Woody -
I think those posts make valid points, especially since he said he already read some book on it. There is only so much you can learn from reading....especially if I typed it!
 
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Agree with all the other posts - what you need to know you will not learn in a book. I did that, read all the docking books (great to have a starbucks in Borders nowadays) and even bought a couple including chapmans. Save all that time and money. Someone on the dock with a similar set-up can explain the basics easier than they way the books do. Get at least 3 hours with a captain during the week practicing... I think it cost me $50 and a case of beer to a captain at our marina who had some extra time and was willing to help. Ask around at your marina and you'll find someone to guide you through it. 4 years later and I'm still 'practicing' each and every time I dock.
 
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