On Thu, 08 Jan 2004 05:47:15 GMT, "John Smith"
wrote:

Thanks again for all the replies. Sometimes you don't have a crew to
assist! or the crew is temporarily unfit to assist with lines (as was the
case with me last time)

Try using a single line docking system.
-Find a point about one quarter of the distance from the stern to the
bow. (You may have to experiment a bit)
-Attach a line to this point.
-Tie this line to the dock, opposite your transom.
-Put the engine in forward.
-With the rubber centered, the boat should pull itself into the dock.
-Adjusting the rudder will move the bow into or away from the dock.

When you need to dock single-handed (or with incompetent crew)
-Attach bow and stern breast lines.
-Attach the single as above.
-After you dock, put the boat in neutral.
-Tie the single line opposite the transom.
-Engage forward gear - no throttle.
-Adjust rudder until boat sits in desired position.
-Attach breast lines and stern lines.
-Disengage transmission.

Voila - this works bow or stern to.

When leaving dock (stern to) use the single line.
-Run it around the dock or cleat back to aft mooring cleat.
-Engage forward.
-Adjust rudder for angle to leave dock.
-Uncleat line.
-Leave the dock.

I have used it bow-to and stern-to single-handed in tight conditions.

I like it (if you cannot tell).

Jack





"Wwso149874" wrote in message
...
Many times we forget about the use of lines and engine to bring a vessel
into
or out of a berth. The use of a spring to swing the bow or stern out into
the
channel, or around an obstacle is a common practice with large vessels and
works equally well with small ones. A mid ship's spring will often make
you
look like an expert bringing your boat into a difficult berth or slip.
Warping
yourself into a tight slip is an art form. Too often boaters think they
have
to do every thing with the engine alone. That's the hard way.