All you have to do is take your time & let the wind & current help you,

and that does require coming in on the proper side for the conditions.


Rob


**************

Not sure about you, but I usually prefer to go upwind and upstream. I
find it easier to maintain control when applying a bit of power to
overcome moderate wind or current
than to hope the wind or current doesn't slam me into the dock. My
personal version of "help" from the wind and current is a steadying
force rather than unwanted pushing and dragging beyond the point where
I hope to stop the boat.

One exception: And this may be where Jim H thinks he observed somebody
"walking" a single screw beam-to. If I can catch a moderate wind
blowing directly onto the dock in a side tie situation it's always fun
to stop a few feet away and simply let Mama Nature
plant the fenders against the bull rail in a flawlessly orchestrated,
simultaneous kiss. Ther bow blows in slightly faster than the stern- so
there's a slight angle required at the stop for perfect execution. It
does impress the dock gawkers. :-) Downside to this, of course, is
that it is then tougher to get off the dock unless the wind changes. By
coming in upwind to the other side of the dock, (when that option is
available) it is a lot easier to clear the dock on departure since,
(unless it changes), the wind will help blow you clear of nearby boats
until you have sufficient room to manuever.

Lots of variables. Every docking is a new puzzle to solve.

On 6 Apr 2005 18:18:12 -0700, wrote:
Downside to this, of course, is
that it is then tougher to get off the dock unless the wind changes. By
coming in upwind to the other side of the dock, (when that option is
available) it is a lot easier to clear the dock on departure since,
(unless it changes), the wind will help blow you clear of nearby boats
until you have sufficient room to manuever.

===============================================

My solution to getting off docks is to motor forward against a spring
line with the helm hardover towards the dock. The propwash will kick
the stern out, at which point you can clear the spring line and
reverse out to open water. Works for me.

My solution to getting off docks is to motor forward against a spring
line with the helm hardover towards the dock. The propwash will kick
the stern out, at which point you can clear the spring line and
reverse out to open water. Works for me.

*************

With the wind holding you fast against the dock, that is indeed the
best way, in my opinion, to get away.

You don't mess with a spring line when there's a moderate wind on the
dockside beam, do you?

On 7 Apr 2005 09:46:52 -0700, wrote:

You don't mess with a spring line when there's a moderate wind on the
dockside beam, do you?

============================

Not if the wind is going to push me away cleanly. The spring line is
really not a big thing however as long as there is a convenient dock
piling. We just take the the line once aroung the piling and bring it
back through a hawse pipe to a cleat. As soon as the stern is out
where I want it, Mrs B clears the spring line, and I back the boat
out.

Our new GB is actually a twin engine boat but I like to get on and off
the dock in front of our house using just the outside prop to avoid
stirring up canal mud at low tide.

Wayne.B wrote:
On 7 Apr 2005 09:46:52 -0700, wrote:


You don't mess with a spring line when there's a moderate wind on the
dockside beam, do you?


============================

Not if the wind is going to push me away cleanly. The spring line is
really not a big thing however as long as there is a convenient dock
piling. We just take the the line once aroung the piling and bring it
back through a hawse pipe to a cleat. As soon as the stern is out
where I want it, Mrs B clears the spring line, and I back the boat
out.

Our new GB is actually a twin engine boat but I like to get on and off
the dock in front of our house using just the outside prop to avoid
stirring up canal mud at low tide.



One thing I see with all too many boats, is a lack of a chock/cleat back
on the shoulder or close to midships.
When you use a fwd,after spring from right at the bow, it tends to pull
the bow in too fast which means you need to exercise greater
engine/rudder control, than if you have that same spring lead further
aft at the shoulder.
With the wind on OR off the dock, when undocking that same spring can be
quite useful. You can come ahead with engine, using rudder to firmly
hold you alongside while your "mate" is taking in all other lines at a
safe pace, then when they are standing by that line, you can either use
it, or not, to spring out.


otn

"otnmbrd" wrote in message
ink.net...
Wayne.B wrote:
On 7 Apr 2005 09:46:52 -0700, wrote:


You don't mess with a spring line when there's a moderate wind on the
dockside beam, do you?


============================

Not if the wind is going to push me away cleanly. The spring line is
really not a big thing however as long as there is a convenient dock
piling. We just take the the line once aroung the piling and bring it
back through a hawse pipe to a cleat. As soon as the stern is out
where I want it, Mrs B clears the spring line, and I back the boat
out.

Our new GB is actually a twin engine boat but I like to get on and off
the dock in front of our house using just the outside prop to avoid
stirring up canal mud at low tide.



One thing I see with all too many boats, is a lack of a chock/cleat back
on the shoulder or close to midships.
When you use a fwd,after spring from right at the bow, it tends to pull
the bow in too fast which means you need to exercise greater engine/rudder
control, than if you have that same spring lead further aft at the
shoulder.
With the wind on OR off the dock, when undocking that same spring can be
quite useful. You can come ahead with engine, using rudder to firmly hold
you alongside while your "mate" is taking in all other lines at a safe
pace, then when they are standing by that line, you can either use it, or
not, to spring out.


otn

Been driving little single engine inboards for years though I haven't in
many years. Even inboards with steering weels on the inside side of the
boat. Never had any real problems.