Docking HELP!!
 

Is it just me or does everybody get knots in there gut every time they have
to dock?

I Have had boats up to 22 feet for a long time, but end of August I bought a
32 footer, with twin inboard outboard engines. WOW it sure a lot tougher
than I expected.

I dock in a boat house, which you would think would be relatively
easy..Wrong trying to keep it straight and steady I find quite difficult.

I've heard some people say "don't touch the wheel"
others say "idle speed only"

any pointers to help regain my confidence would be very much appreciated,
please remember I have an I/O twins.

Thanks

Docking HELP!!
 

Get some jugs, fenders or whatever and mark out a "dock" out in some protected
piece of water, away from anyone watching and practice. When you get to the
point where you can approach it from any direction, with any wind or current
conditions, shug your boat up against your target spot and not run over the
jugs you should be ready for anything a dock can throw at you.
The secret is practice. When you see the captains sliding those boats up
against the dock so smooth it isn't a magic trick. It is doing it a few times a
day for a bunch of years.

Docking HELP!!
 

Never approach the dock (or boathouse) faster than you are willing to collide
with it.

(Some exceptions apply for wind, current, etc)

Tell us more about your landing. Is the boat house located where there is a
strong current? How wide is the fairway, and do you have to make a sharp 90 to
get into the house or do you have the luxury of a "run" at it?

The advice about keeping your hand off the wheel is generally good, with some
exceptions. Absolutely true for inboards, unless some really weird situation
arises.
I/O's steer a little faster than inboards, (in most cases), so it might be
prudent to have that option available. The trick is to achieve controlled
manuerverability at slow speeds.

One tip among the may others you will receive: I once had a covered slip with
very high finger piers. The piers were as high as the gunwale- no stepping down
on the piers. Since the piers were set at about the widest part of the hull,
and since the slip was a grand total of two feet wider than the boat, there
wasn't much room for error. I always entered the slip bow first.

One day, before we *left*, I stood at the helm and looked carefully at the
crossbeam above the slip. I picked out a
big knot in that beam that was just about dead ahead of my position when
standing at the helm. Using that knothole as a visual check when making
subsequent approaches seriously reduced the number of landings where we had
fenders "rolling" down either side of the boat as we approached.

Docking HELP!!
 

Is it just me or does everybody get knots in there gut every time they have
to dock?

I Have had boats up to 22 feet for a long time, but end of August I bought a
32 footer, with twin inboard outboard engines. WOW it sure a lot tougher
than I expected.

I dock in a boat house, which you would think would be relatively
easy..Wrong trying to keep it straight and steady I find quite difficult.

I've heard some people say "don't touch the wheel"
others say "idle speed only"

any pointers to help regain my confidence would be very much appreciated,
please remember I have an I/O twins.

Thanks

Its alot of fun trying not to bump into other boats and things. I got back
into a boat that I have to keep in a slip and I have to learn the boat's
particularities all over again. What I do is go out with enough people bumpers
to help me learn how to dock the boat.

Good luck
Rick

Docking HELP!!
 

Don't touch the wheel, keep it at idle, and out of gear except to correct
course. Just bump it a little this way or that and ease it in.

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

Docking HELP!!
 

"WaIIy" wrote in message
...
Practice
Practice

Thanks




Follow Wally's suggestions, and visit the marina during the week when the
wind and current will be at a minimum and practice docking. If you can find
a unused courtesy dock that is well padded it will make it easier. After
you feel comfort handling the boat with minimum current and wind, come back
when it is gusting and/or you have a strong current and practice again.
It is amazing how much easier it is when you don't have to worry about other
boats or you have a large audience watching your ever move.

Docking HELP!!
 

"Rob" wrote in message
...
Is it just me or does everybody get knots in there gut every time they
have
to dock?

I Have had boats up to 22 feet for a long time, but end of August I bought
a
32 footer, with twin inboard outboard engines. WOW it sure a lot tougher
than I expected.

I dock in a boat house, which you would think would be relatively
easy..Wrong trying to keep it straight and steady I find quite difficult.

I've heard some people say "don't touch the wheel"
others say "idle speed only"


Both of the above are good advice, with the caveat of first making sure the
drives are positioned dead ahead. Practice is a key element for sure, but
if it's not coming to you naturally, and it sounds like it isn't, there's no
substitute for a little one-on-one coaching. Not sure if you're in a marina
or not, doesn't sound like it, but if you notice someone who always seems to
get it right and make it look easy, take it upon yourself to introduce
yourself to him and ask for a little help. If he's normal, he'll be more
than happy to coach you. I've coached a few people at my marina with
excellent results. Half an hour of real-time one-on-one coaching can save
uncountable hours of frustration trying to figure it out on your own.

Docking HELP!!
 

No, you're the only one who has ever had trouble with it.

====

Charles T. Low
- remove "UN"

"Rob" wrote in message
...
Is it just me or does everybody get knots in there gut every time they
have
to dock?...

Everyone else was an expert from the first day! ;-)

Docking HELP!!
 

Rob,

You will have read lots of good advice in the other answers to this thread.

The only thing I have to add is that there is no one right way to dock. I
hear a lot of things like "don't touch the wheel" (better for IB's than
I/O's?), and "always go slow," and I find that any good rule is only true
most, not all, of the time.

The one rule I usually follow is "keep thinking," because just when I think
I have it figured out, I find myself in a situation which benefits from
departure from the "rules."

I say "usually" because sometimes, when I've been in a particularly vexing
dilemma, in heavy weather with a tight slip, a little voice inside tells me
that I have enough skill and experience to do this, and to stop being so
left-brainedly analytical, and just to go in. Some kind of Zen kicks in, and
it usually works out quite well. But that right-brain "approach" (bad pun,
sorry), does require a lot of other-occasion analysis, i.e. much practice,
and enough experience that you have developed some feeling of oneness with
your boat.

And then I still scratch her occasionally. But I just call that "research."

Charles

====

Charles T. Low
- remove "UN"

====

"Rob" wrote in message
...
Is it just me or does everybody get knots in there gut every time they
have
to dock?...

I Have had boats up to 22 feet for a long time, but end of August I bought
a
32 footer, with twin inboard outboard engines. WOW it sure a lot tougher
than I expected.

I dock in a boat house, which you would think would be relatively
easy..Wrong trying to keep it straight and steady I find quite difficult.

I've heard some people say "don't touch the wheel"
others say "idle speed only"

any pointers to help regain my confidence would be very much appreciated,
please remember I have an I/O twins.

Thanks

Docking HELP!!
 

I would recommend that you never use people as a bumper. It is much easier
to repair a scratch than a broken bone.

"Diver1055" wrote in message
...
Is it just me or does everybody get knots in there gut every time they
have
to dock?

I Have had boats up to 22 feet for a long time, but end of August I
bought a
32 footer, with twin inboard outboard engines. WOW it sure a lot tougher
than I expected.

I dock in a boat house, which you would think would be relatively
easy..Wrong trying to keep it straight and steady I find quite
difficult.

I've heard some people say "don't touch the wheel"
others say "idle speed only"

any pointers to help regain my confidence would be very much appreciated,
please remember I have an I/O twins.

Thanks

Its alot of fun trying not to bump into other boats and things. I got
back
into a boat that I have to keep in a slip and I have to learn the boat's
particularities all over again. What I do is go out with enough people
bumpers
to help me learn how to dock the boat.

Good luck
Rick

Docking HELP!!
 

Charles T. Low wrote:


The only thing I have to add is that there is no one right way to dock. I
hear a lot of things like "don't touch the wheel" (better for IB's than
I/O's?), and "always go slow," and I find that any good rule is only true
most, not all, of the time.

Charles, you've spent as much time studying the science of docking as
anybody.....(Buy his book!)....

Most of my experience is with inboards. Some I/O's, but mostly little boats in
those cases and most often single engines.

With twin engines:
Have you ever contemplated what the difference might be, (or if a major
difference
exists) between the thrust dynamics of prop wash, against a rudder, a few feet
closer to the vessel's pivot point and the physics of more efficient
directional propulsion immediately aft of the transom?

If so, it would be interesting to read your
findings or opinion.

Docking HELP!!
 

Anyone on the boat does one of two things:

1) Listens, stays focused on the task at hand, and keeps out of your field
of vision. They do not move about emptying ash trays or picking up empty
drink containers.

2) Goes in the cabin, preferably tied securely to an immovable structure.

Boys between 14 and 18 will be looking around for skirts instead of helping.
Yell the kid's name sharply every 30 seconds, even if there's not another
living thing for a mile in any direction. They need to understand that for
the 5 minutes it takes to dock the boat, they can stop looking for skirts.

When you get really good at docking, some people will think everything's
different and that they can chatter at you about all sorts of annoying
things. These people go in the cabin (see #2 above).

Docking HELP!!
 

Hi Rob,
I have been docking boats, some small, some large, since I was 8 years
old and am 51 now. I always get the butterflies. I just shows that you
are very careful.

If your 32 footer is giving you trouble, try some practice. Anchor the
boat, and when stable, drop a couple of buoys with a rope between then
to simulate the dock. And try docking on that. Once you get that one
"down" move the setup so current and winds affect you.

I almost never use more then idle throttle in docking. The exception is
docking perpendicular with the current. I may have to throttle to get or
maintain headway. Always dock bow-into current.

In still waters, use a lot of "neutral". Thrust only if you need a nudge
in a different direction. Setup your drives in the correct position
before applying a ~small~ burst of thrust.

A good boat hook and springer line will help too. Use the boat hook to
drop a springer with a bowline loop over a dock cleat or piling.

If you must back into a slip, always have a person at the stern as a
lookout. You cannot see the "swing" or "distance to" of your transom
from a the pilot's wheel! Call on the radio and try to have a dockworker
assist you.

I hope these hints help,

Capt. Frank

Rob wrote:
Is it just me or does everybody get knots in there gut every time they have
to dock?

I Have had boats up to 22 feet for a long time, but end of August I bought a
32 footer, with twin inboard outboard engines. WOW it sure a lot tougher
than I expected.

I dock in a boat house, which you would think would be relatively
easy..Wrong trying to keep it straight and steady I find quite difficult.

I've heard some people say "don't touch the wheel"
others say "idle speed only"

any pointers to help regain my confidence would be very much appreciated,
please remember I have an I/O twins.

Thanks

Docking HELP!!
 

"Gfretwell" wrote in message
...
Get some jugs, fenders or whatever and mark out a "dock" out in some
protected
piece of water, away from anyone watching and practice.

might want to do this when the water is really warm. I would anticipate
wrapping a few lines around the prop.....

Rod

Docking HELP!!
 

In article , "Rob"
wrote:

Is it just me or does everybody get knots in there gut every time they have
to dock?

I Have had boats up to 22 feet for a long time, but end of August I bought a
32 footer, with twin inboard outboard engines. WOW it sure a lot tougher
than I expected.

I dock in a boat house, which you would think would be relatively
easy..Wrong trying to keep it straight and steady I find quite difficult.


With I/O you have better maneuverability than with inboards, if you wanted
to you *could* dock it the same way as a single I/O, or use that extra
screw the way god intended and leave that helm in neutral on the last leg
of your docking approach, using your tranmissions to maneuver.

I've heard some people say "don't touch the wheel"
others say "idle speed only"

any pointers to help regain my confidence would be very much appreciated,
please remember I have an I/O twins.

Thanks

Stick with it, keep your insurance up to date, and buy a gelcoat repair
kit. Docking here will become second hand in no time.

Good Luck!

Bob Dimond

Docking HELP!!
 

Rod McInnis wrote:


Get some jugs, fenders or whatever and mark out a "dock" out in some
protected
piece of water, away from anyone watching and practice.


might want to do this when the water is really warm. I would anticipate
wrapping a few lines around the prop.....


Not if the lines are only long enough to reach straight down to the
bottom....no line swaying out to grab a prop.

I used the "milk jug method" to learn how to get Solitaire into the slip
with an engine out right after I bought her, while mechanics were still
working on getting her engines running reliably again...took a bunch out
to a cove, along with some bricks and poly line, and set 'em to
represent my slip and other things I needed to avoid hitting while
maneuvering to back in. Spent two whole days abusing milk jugs in that
cove with first one engine out and then the other....approaching upwind,
downwind, crosswind. Never caught a prop. Great way to learn...'cuz you
can hit milk jugs all day long without harm to your gelcoat or anyone
else's while you figure out what makes your boat go where and how to
use wind, current etc.

Peggie
----------
Peggie Hall
Specializing in marine sanitation since 1987
Author "Get Rid of Boat Odors - A Guide To Marine Sanitation Systems and
Other Sources of Aggravation and Odor"
http://shop.sailboatowners.com/detai...=400&group=327

http://www.seaworthy.com/html/get_ri...oat_odors.html

Docking HELP!!
 

"Rob" wrote in message
...
Is it just me or does everybody get knots in there gut every time they
have
to dock?

Only when I am not confident that everything will go right. In other words,
I get the knots most of the time.


I Have had boats up to 22 feet for a long time, but end of August I bought
a
32 footer, with twin inboard outboard engines. WOW it sure a lot tougher
than I expected.

The hardest boat to handle is a single inboard. The easiest, at least for
me, are twin inboards. Twin I/Os or twin Outboards are somewhere in
between, probably closer to the easier side.


I dock in a boat house, which you would think would be relatively
easy..Wrong trying to keep it straight and steady I find quite difficult.

The first thing you want to do is learn how your boat handles. Does the
boat turn better one direction than the other? How about in reverse? If
the wind is blowing directly on your side, does the bow swing down wind, or
would the stern? How about in a side current?


I've heard some people say "don't touch the wheel"
others say "idle speed only"

Using the wheel to your advantage can certainly help, if you use it
correctly. If it gets to be more than you can keep track of, it might be
better to leave it centered and just steer with the engines. On an I/O,
leaving the engines centered will make the "one in forward, one in reverse"
much more predictable to swing the bow around. Turning the engines will
allow you to move the stern the direction you want it. Having the wheel
turned the wrong way when you attempt either can mess you up.

As for idle speed: I say "it depends, but slower is usually better". I have
a 36' Carver with twin 350 Hp Crusader engines. Boat weighs about 19,000
pounds. Idle speed on a 350 Hp engine provides enough thrust to do any
docking manuevers I want. I recently purchased a 55' houseboat with twin 50
Hp outboards. This boat also weighs about 19,000 pounds, but it is much
longer. Idle speed on a 50 Hp engine does diddly squat for moving that bow
into a slight breeze.

My best advice is to not rely on the engines to stop your motion. I see
people approach their slip at a fairly high rate, and then use lots of
reverse to avoid ramming the dock. That can work okay, until the day your
engine dies as you shift for reverse.


any pointers to help regain my confidence would be very much appreciated,
please remember I have an I/O twins.

I alter my technique based on what there is to bump into, and what needs
to be avoided. If you are going into a single finger slip and there is a
boat in the other half, it is really important to avoid that boat. On the
other hand, if it is a double fingered slip that has dock wheels at the end,
ease up to the wheels and roll on in.

You mentioned that you dock in a boat house. Does that mean there are
vertical posts at the entrance that are holding up the roof? Is there a
current to deal with? What direction does the wind normally blow?

I keep my boat in tidal waters, which means that I have a current to deal
with that changes with the tide. The prevailing wind blows into my slip at
about a 45 degree angle. My slip is covered, which means I have posts to
deal with and/or use. If the wind and the current are flowing the same
direction, I can use them to my advantage and ease right into the slip. I
approach into the wind/current, about a half a boat length from the dock.
As my bow reaches my own slip, I am going dead slow. The wind is trying to
blow me into the dock, so I turn into the slip and use a moment of forward.
The wind and thrust turn the bow towards the open slip, the stern moves away
from the dock. Dead slow, let the wind push. A little more forward,
letting the stern push away from the dock. Wind pushes you in, thrust
kicks the stern out.

It is generally unwise to approach your slip straight on unless then wind is
blowing directly from the dock out. It is hard to get the boat to move
sideways the way you want it to. It is much more forgiving to turn into the
slip.

One motto that I work by is: If I am going to hit the dock, I am only going
to hit it once! Sometimes I can get the boat into the slip without
touching. Sometimes I screw up and bump the dock a little harder than I
wanted to. Once I make contact with the dock, I keep it! If the wind blows
your bow into the post at the corner, let it stay there, don't let your crew
push your bow back out. Use it as a pivot point and move the stern around
so that you can get the rest of the way in.

Sometimes, the best you can do is a controlled crash. Minimize the damage.
At slow speeds, a small mistake results in small consequences. At higher
speeds, small mistakes have higher consequences. Don't use people as
fenders. Brief your crew that you don't want any heroics.


Rod McInnis

Docking HELP!!
 

Peggie,
Good tip, I was wondering about wrapping the line around the props also.
Paul

"Peggie Hall" wrote in message
...
Rod McInnis wrote:


Get some jugs, fenders or whatever and mark out a "dock" out in some
protected
piece of water, away from anyone watching and practice.


might want to do this when the water is really warm. I would anticipate
wrapping a few lines around the prop.....


Not if the lines are only long enough to reach straight down to the
bottom....no line swaying out to grab a prop.

I used the "milk jug method" to learn how to get Solitaire into the slip
with an engine out right after I bought her, while mechanics were still
working on getting her engines running reliably again...took a bunch out
to a cove, along with some bricks and poly line, and set 'em to
represent my slip and other things I needed to avoid hitting while
maneuvering to back in. Spent two whole days abusing milk jugs in that
cove with first one engine out and then the other....approaching upwind,
downwind, crosswind. Never caught a prop. Great way to learn...'cuz you
can hit milk jugs all day long without harm to your gelcoat or anyone
else's while you figure out what makes your boat go where and how to
use wind, current etc.

Peggie
----------
Peggie Hall
Specializing in marine sanitation since 1987
Author "Get Rid of Boat Odors - A Guide To Marine Sanitation Systems and
Other Sources of Aggravation and Odor"
http://shop.sailboatowners.com/detai...=400&group=327

http://www.seaworthy.com/html/get_ri...oat_odors.html

Docking HELP!!
 

First off, it wasn't stated whether you have inboard, outboard, or same
way turning props.
Every time you leave the dock, take 10 minutes in some open area and try
different things:
One engine, with and without steering, then the other, then add throttle.
Two Engines, with and without steering, then add throttle.
Two engines, apposed, with and without steering, then add throttle.
Two engines apposed with opposite steering at various angles, then add
throttle.
See how different winds and currents affect you at different angles of
attack and different speeds.

Learning a new boat, will not happen overnight ..... keep your maneuvers
slow and simple to begin with, and only add "tricks" as you learn their
affect (or is it effect?), but never be satisfied .... when conditions
are right, try some "off the wall" ideas .... BG sometimes these will
have amazing results.

otn

Docking HELP!!
 

"Rod McInnis" wrote in message ...
"Rob" wrote in message
...

I Have had boats up to 22 feet for a long time, but end of August I bought
a
32 footer, with twin inboard outboard engines. WOW it sure a lot tougher
than I expected.

Rod, three years ago I went from a single IO to a 30 foot twin IO and
had a devil of a time. My brother, who got a 33 twin inboard at the
same time, quickly learned to dock his boat easily and I was still not
doing well. I was very frustrated.

THEN! I replaced all the shift/throttle cables (Merc IOs) and my
shifting and throttling got substantially easier. No shifting delays,
no engine surges, no loss of concentration. It seemed minor enough,
but now I can spin that boat around (almost 120) no sweat, and back
into the slip, oh, at least every other time. And between times I have
enough control to avoid hitting things. If your shifting is sticky,
try it, you may like it.

(Also, as others have said, make sure your I/Os are pointed straight
ahead when you use differential shifting. When my IOs are at an angle
they don't spin the boat at all.

Docking HELP!!
 

WOW Thanks very very much for all your input!! This is great.

For those who asked my boat does not have counter rotating drives. And I do
have to make a 90' port turn to get into my boat house. The wind and current
generally come from my stern, until I turn and then there on my port side.
It is a covered boat house so there is post and beams right at the entrance.

I guess practice is where its at...
I have been docking mainly from the lower station,cause it just seems more
comfortable. Any opinion on that?

Thanks again for taking the time to help.
Rob.

"Bob" wrote in message
m...
"Rod McInnis" wrote in message
...
"Rob" wrote in message
...

I Have had boats up to 22 feet for a long time, but end of August I
bought
a
32 footer, with twin inboard outboard engines. WOW it sure a lot
tougher
than I expected.

Rod, three years ago I went from a single IO to a 30 foot twin IO and
had a devil of a time. My brother, who got a 33 twin inboard at the
same time, quickly learned to dock his boat easily and I was still not
doing well. I was very frustrated.

THEN! I replaced all the shift/throttle cables (Merc IOs) and my
shifting and throttling got substantially easier. No shifting delays,
no engine surges, no loss of concentration. It seemed minor enough,
but now I can spin that boat around (almost 120) no sweat, and back
into the slip, oh, at least every other time. And between times I have
enough control to avoid hitting things. If your shifting is sticky,
try it, you may like it.

(Also, as others have said, make sure your I/Os are pointed straight
ahead when you use differential shifting. When my IOs are at an angle
they don't spin the boat at all.

Docking HELP!!
 

Okay, I'll chime in on this one, IMO get to know your
clutch's/throttle's first,
I've seen more people get flustered?iword) and confuse the two, running
into docks, boats, lock walls, etc. Throw some jugs over the side, and
play if you want, but I'll bet there's a few guys in the marina that can
give you a few pointers, Not in there Direction of Course. UD

Docking HELP!!
 

"Rob" wrote in message
...
WOW Thanks very very much for all your input!! This is great.

For those who asked my boat does not have counter rotating drives. And I
do
have to make a 90' port turn to get into my boat house. The wind and
current
generally come from my stern, until I turn and then there on my port side.
It is a covered boat house so there is post and beams right at the
entrance.

I guess practice is where its at...
I have been docking mainly from the lower station,cause it just seems more
comfortable. Any opinion on that?


My inclination would be to use the upper station, at least in good weather.
This is based on the presumption that the upper station would afford better
visibility of the entire boat as it relates to the structure you're
attempting to dock to.

Docking HELP!!
 

Nigel Featherston writes

Follow Wally's suggestions, and visit the marina during the week when the
wind and current will be at a minimum and practice docking.

Or even less scary, try approaching a buoy out in open water. Or
practice MOB retrieval by throwing a weighted fender over the side.

--
Trevor Dennis
Remove s-p-a-m to email

Docking HELP!!
 

Hi again Rob,
You should practice from both stations. After all, you drive from both
stations.

Become as familiar with your boat's handling characteristics as
possible. The more skill you acquire, the less chance of scratching up
your beauty. Don't limit practice to fair weather. After you get skilled
at good weather docking, try high wind and strong current docking.
Docking at night is also "interesting!"

Always use minimum prop turns and slowest possible speeds.

A Lesson From The School Of Hard Knocks: I once had a NEW shift cable
break during docking, and hit pretty hard. Damaged the dock and scuffed
the boat. I couldn't reverse to slow. Which is why I say always use
minimums.

Since you have 2 stations, be sure to frequently inspect the binnacles,
throttle and shift cables for wear or stiffness. Lubricate with APPROVED
lubricants as necessary, but don't over lubricate. Wipe excess from
exposed areas to prevent attracting dirt. Replace cables if the outer
skin is chafed, or the operating ends are worn, or the cable won't run
smoothly.

Capt. Frank

Rob wrote:
WOW Thanks very very much for all your input!! This is great.

For those who asked my boat does not have counter rotating drives. And I do
have to make a 90' port turn to get into my boat house. The wind and current
generally come from my stern, until I turn and then there on my port side.
It is a covered boat house so there is post and beams right at the entrance.

I guess practice is where its at...
I have been docking mainly from the lower station,cause it just seems more
comfortable. Any opinion on that?

Thanks again for taking the time to help.
Rob.

"Bob" wrote in message
m...

"Rod McInnis" wrote in message

...

"Rob" wrote in message
...


I Have had boats up to 22 feet for a long time, but end of August I

bought

a

32 footer, with twin inboard outboard engines. WOW it sure a lot

tougher

than I expected.

Rod, three years ago I went from a single IO to a 30 foot twin IO and
had a devil of a time. My brother, who got a 33 twin inboard at the
same time, quickly learned to dock his boat easily and I was still not
doing well. I was very frustrated.

THEN! I replaced all the shift/throttle cables (Merc IOs) and my
shifting and throttling got substantially easier. No shifting delays,
no engine surges, no loss of concentration. It seemed minor enough,
but now I can spin that boat around (almost 120) no sweat, and back
into the slip, oh, at least every other time. And between times I have
enough control to avoid hitting things. If your shifting is sticky,
try it, you may like it.

(Also, as others have said, make sure your I/Os are pointed straight
ahead when you use differential shifting. When my IOs are at an angle
they don't spin the boat at all.

Docking HELP!!
 

You could also contact your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. I am sure
someone would be happy to give you some pointers, or even come abroad
for a short time for an instructional.

Capt. Frank

UglyDan®©™ wrote:

Okay, I'll chime in on this one, IMO get to know your
clutch's/throttle's first,
I've seen more people get flustered?iword) and confuse the two, running
into docks, boats, lock walls, etc. Throw some jugs over the side, and
play if you want, but I'll bet there's a few guys in the marina that can
give you a few pointers, Not in there Direction of Course. UD

Docking HELP!!
 

G I have very little time on I/O's, so I'm not positive how important
prop rotation is to their overall handling , when maneuvering.
However, if you are not using any helm, just engines, then it should be
of considerable importance, and "counter-rotating" doesn't tell you what
you need to know, if they handle anything like straight inboards.
The difference between inboard turning and outboard turning, is like
night and day.

otn

WaIIy wrote:
On Fri, 17 Oct 2003 01:11:27 GMT, otnmbrd wrote:


First off, it wasn't stated whether you have inboard, outboard, or same
way turning props.


He said he had twin I/O's on a 32 ft boat.
Most likely counter-rotating.

Pay attention.

Docking HELP!!
 

"Nigel Featherston" wrote in message news:_dwjb.782403$YN5.773993@sccrnsc01...
I would recommend that you never use people as a bumper. It is much easier
to repair a scratch than a broken bone.

No kidding. One of the scariest incidents I have recently seen was a
friend of mine getting his right arm caught between a roller on a the
dock and a 40' aft cab criuser. He was on the dock "helping" another
friend of ours dock the 40 footer. I was at the other end of the dock
and could not figure out why he was pushing the boat off the roller -
the roller was doing exactly what it was supposed to do. His arm got
caught and it was like he getting sucked through a clothes wringer.

Amazingly, and luckily, he suffered on a slight scrap on the arm.

People get fingers and hand pinched or broken trying to fend off a
dock. Don't worry about scuffing rub rails - thats what they are for.
If you want a human to fend off, uses a boat hook or something
similar. But even then you should be careful.

I normally tell guests on my boat to just sit and watch when docking.
My wife and I have a good system. I sometimes find myself telling
well-intended people and even marina employees on the dock not to
"help" either if it looks like they are not in a good spot.

Fenders out and lines prepared early. Take your time and think ahead
of your boat.

Docking HELP!!
 

For those who asked my boat does not have counter rotating drives.

In that case, I would expect that the boat would have a "favored" turning
direction, that is, it will turn a lot sharper one way than the other,
especially at dead slow speeds. Figure out which direction that is and use
it to your advantage.

And I do
have to make a 90' port turn to get into my boat house. The wind and
current
generally come from my stern, until I turn and then there on my port side.

Any reason you can't approach from the other side so that the wind and
current is on your bow? If you are bucking the wind and current, you can do
everything with just forward and neutral. If the wind and current are
pushing you then you may need reverse to keep your speed in check. Having
an engine die in that situation can lead to disaster.

It is a covered boat house so there is post and beams right at the
entrance.

Wrap the post with a piece of old carpet an rub rail height. This will
give you a little padding for when you bump it.


I guess practice is where its at...
I have been docking mainly from the lower station,cause it just seems more
comfortable. Any opinion on that?

Drive where you have the best visibility and are the most comfortable.
You should also factor in which station allows you to communicate with your
crew the best.

Rod

Docking HELP!!
 

Subject: Docking HELP!!
From: WaIIy
Date: 10/16/2003 21:39 Pacific Standard Time
Message-id:

On Fri, 17 Oct 2003 01:11:27 GMT, otnmbrd wrote:

First off, it wasn't stated whether you have inboard, outboard, or same
way turning props.

He said he had twin I/O's on a 32 ft boat.
Most likely counter-rotating.

Pay attention.


Obviously, you don't know the difference between inboard and outboard turning
props and how they react.

Shen

Docking HELP!!
 

On Thu, 16 Oct 2003 04:41:39 GMT, WaIIy wrote:

On Thu, 16 Oct 2003 04:37:50 GMT, "James W. Sloan"
wrote:

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

He has I/Os, as you know, this won't apply.

Are you saying an I/O has no steering effect when in neutral? That has
certainly not been my experience--not in either of my two boats that are so
equipped.

But let's say you're right; do you take issue with the other items of advice
he's offered? If you do, why?

Joe Parsons

Docking HELP!!
 

On Fri, 17 Oct 2003 17:26:41 +0100, Trevor Dennis
wrote:

Nigel Featherston writes

Follow Wally's suggestions, and visit the marina during the week when the
wind and current will be at a minimum and practice docking.

Or even less scary, try approaching a buoy out in open water. Or
practice MOB retrieval by throwing a weighted fender over the side.

We've done the Hat Overboard Drill more than once. :)

It's a pretty urgent operation, too, when the Hat involved is a much-loved, well
broken in Tilley! :)

Joe Parsons

Docking HELP!!
 

On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 19:52:12 GMT, WaIIy wrote:

On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 17:28:10 GMT, Joe Parsons
wrote:

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

He has I/Os, as you know, this won't apply.

Are you saying an I/O has no steering effect when in neutral?

That wasn't the point. You already know an I/O is directional,
regardless of the rudder effect.

The point is, I/O's aren't concerned with rudders, since they don't have
"rudders".

Sure they do. The entire drive has enough side area to provide some steering
effect. Not as effective as a rudder aft of the screws on an inboard, but they
*will* steer the boat. Go ahead--try it.

And yes: an I/O is a directional drive, but the direction of the thrust is not
its only effect--any more than a sailboat steers solely by the action of its
rudder.

That has
certainly not been my experience--not in either of my two boats that are so
equipped.

Of course there is some amount of directional control in neutral, but
when would you use it with I/Os ? I had a twin I/O and can't recall
ever trying to steer it in neutral.

With a twin, as the original article said, the most effective low speed
maneurvering (as in docking) is done with the rudder(s) amidships, by using the
clutches alone. What you seemed to be saying (and please correct me if I am
misinterpreting what you wrote) was that James' "personal rules" (his term)
"wouldn't apply."

If you'd meant to take issue *only* with his last statement, that "the rudder(s)
must have water flowing over them to offer any help in controlling the boat," it
would have been clearer if you had edited the quoted text. I think the issue of
the whether a boat has I/Os or inboards and rudders is moot, anyway, since the
effect of two thrusts is the same regardless of drive configuration.

But let's say you're right; do you take issue with the other items of advice
he's offered? If you do, why?

He's received great advice and I certainly learned a few things myself.

Yes--it was *very* good advice.

Joe Parsons

Docking HELP!!
 

On Wed, 15 Oct 2003 20:29:52 -0700, "Rob" wrote:

Is it just me or does everybody get knots in there gut every time they have
to dock?

I Have had boats up to 22 feet for a long time, but end of August I bought a
32 footer, with twin inboard outboard engines. WOW it sure a lot tougher
than I expected.

I dock in a boat house, which you would think would be relatively
easy..Wrong trying to keep it straight and steady I find quite difficult.

I've heard some people say "don't touch the wheel"
others say "idle speed only"

any pointers to help regain my confidence would be very much appreciated,
please remember I have an I/O twins.



in addition to the advice others will offer about practice, when you
ARE practicing, put one engine in idle. practice docking that way in
case an engine quits on you. it's gonna happen, so be prepared.
---------------------------
to see who "wf3h" is, go to "qrz.com"
and enter 'wf3h' in the field

Docking HELP!!
 

On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 19:52:12 GMT, WaIIy wrote:

On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 17:28:10 GMT, Joe Parsons
wrote:

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

He has I/Os, as you know, this won't apply.

Are you saying an I/O has no steering effect when in neutral?

That wasn't the point. You already know an I/O is directional,
regardless of the rudder effect.

The point is, I/O's aren't concerned with rudders, since they don't have
"rudders".

Sure they do. The entire drive has enough side area to provide some steering
effect. Not as effective as a rudder aft of the screws on an inboard, but they
*will* steer the boat. Go ahead--try it.

And yes: an I/O is a directional drive, but the direction of the thrust is not
its only effect--any more than a sailboat steers solely by the action of its
rudder.

That has
certainly not been my experience--not in either of my two boats that are so
equipped.

Of course there is some amount of directional control in neutral, but
when would you use it with I/Os ? I had a twin I/O and can't recall
ever trying to steer it in neutral.

With a twin, as the original article said, the most effective low speed
maneurvering (as in docking) is done with the rudder(s) amidships, by using the
clutches alone. What you seemed to be saying (and please correct me if I am
misinterpreting what you wrote) was that James' "personal rules" (his term)
"wouldn't apply."

If you'd meant to take issue *only* with his last statement, that "the rudder(s)
must have water flowing over them to offer any help in controlling the boat," it
would have been clearer if you had edited the quoted text. I think the issue of
whether a boat has I/Os or inboards and rudders is moot, anyway, since the
effect of two thrusts is the same regardless of drive configuration.

But let's say you're right; do you take issue with the other items of advice
he's offered? If you do, why?

He's received great advice and I certainly learned a few things myself.

Yes--it was *very* good advice.

Joe Parsons

Docking HELP!!
 

Is it just me or does everybody get knots in there gut every time they
have
to dock?

A crowd used to gather when I approached the 90 degree lift slip at my
marina....usually lots of wind, plenty of tidal current with or against the
river current. There were some spectacular bang ups...today I slid right
into the slip like a mother's arms. You think anyone was looking then...?