Thread: Docking HELP!!
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James W. Sloan
 
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Default Docking HELP!!

My personal rules for docking a twin screw vessel:

-approach the dock and STOP about 100 yards away

-remain stopped for a minute or two and determine what the wind and current
will be doing to you during docking

-the boat will want to go beam to the wind and bow to the current

-once you've figured out what nature is gonna do, and how fast...make a plan
to deal with it

-explain your plan to all on board who will be expected to help with docking

-make sure they understand the plan

-put out your fenders and lines before moving toward the dock

-using what you learned about the wind and current, approach the dock slowly
into the wind and into the current

-remember that the rudder(s) must have water flowing over them to offer any
help in controlling the boat

-once you get within 20-30 yards of the dock, still moving slowly,
straighten and center the wheel

-take your hands off of the wheel and move them to the engine controls

-by manipulating the controls, you can move forward, backward, or spin in a
circle within one boat length. Directional control is accomplished by using
one engine alone for slight changes, or both engines for larger changes.
Don't hesitate at all to put one engine in forward and the other in reverse,
this offers excellent maneuverability

-if you get within 10 yards of the dock and are not on your planned course,
back off, regroup and try again

-learn to use you lines as docking aids, especially spring lines run to
midship cleats. These can be your best friend in a tight docking situation

-did I mention moving slowly through this whole process? You'll respond more
accurately, won't stress out, and won't holler at the crew. Even if you
screw up, if done slowly enough, nobody will notice. Throw a line around the
nearest piling or bollard and pretend you're moving along with your plan.

-by the way, gliding into contact with the dock at 1 knot beats the heck out
of ramming it at 10 knots!!

Hope this helps,

James