"Jeff" wrote in message
. ..
* Capt. JG wrote, On 7/23/2007 8:13 PM:


Have you tried walking the cat to the dock? It's pretty easy to do with
twin engines, and wind off the dock unless quite strong shouldn't present
any problems. This involves using the outboard engine and inboard engine
alternatively without moving the helm (rudder to dock).

Everyone asks me that. I've tried, and I've invited everyone to "show me
how its done" but it doesn't seem to work on my boat.

I suppose that's possible. I've been able to do it very easily with the
Fountaine, Athena 38, and a Seawind 1000, but I've only been on a small PDQ
and didn't get a chance to try.


An alternative to walking if you have enough room (you don't need much)
is to dock stern to, put someone off, and have them walk the stern back
initially on what will be the dock side of the cat while you use the
outboard engine to power forward slightly. As soon as their able, cleat
the line, then help the cat back as you ease off on the outboard engine.
You might need to give the inboard engine something to help.


I've thought about doing that, but I always felt strange bringing the
stern to. In fact, with my backstays going down to the waterline, I
really don't want to get the sterns near anything! The bows, however,
each have a stainless plate so I can easily hold the bows to the dock all
day. The original plan for the "magic spring line" is that I could bring
it bow to, leave both engines in gear, walk up to the bow and hook a cleat
with the line, then back off and spin the boat. This way I could
singlehand dock the boat, even if there's a boat ahead and behind (which I
always had at my old marina) and the wind is blowing off.

It is a bit strange, but it does let the person get off the boat without a
hassle. You could just put fenders lengthwise on the stern. I've done this
via the bow, and it works. You just keep it in light forward, go forward, do
your thing, then sort it out, right? I did this once, then someone showed me
why stern-to was easier with crew. :-)


--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com