Ok forget all about the cycle analogies you are reading. If you're in a
pinch and get nervous, remember this.

Look at your shifters/throttles. See how the port throttle bends or is
angled towards starboard? And the reverse is true for the starboard
throttle/shifter? This was done for ergonomics, but it's a great helper as
well. The part of the boat you want to steer will always follow that bend.
So if you want the stern to go to starboard in reverse, then the port
shifter should be used (in reverse). Visualize it... you pull the port
shifter to reverse, and that bend is pointing starboard... the stern will go
the direction of the bend. Take that same port ****er and move it forward,
and the bow will move to starboard... same direction as the bend. Want to go
in circles about the boat? On ahead and one aft, and the boat will pivot in
the direction of the bend in the shifters. Try it.

--Mike

"Joe" wrote in message
link.net...
I am new to boating and would like to get some opinions on docking and how
it "should" be done. I have a Wellcraft 270 Coastal with twin Evinrude
200's.

-When docking (perpendicular) should I be steering the boat when
maneuvering or using the engines to spin the boat 90 degrees? I'm having a
hard time with spinning it and keeping it where it needs to be. ARG!!!
So far every time I've tried to spin it I've had to abandon that effort
and steer it in. It works but I don't want to get accustom to doing that
if it's actually easier to use the engines.

ANY helpful advice on this subject would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Joe wrote:
I am new to boating and would like to get some opinions on docking and
how it "should" be done. I have a Wellcraft 270 Coastal with twin
Evinrude 200's.

-When docking (perpendicular) should I be steering the boat when
maneuvering or using the engines to spin the boat 90 degrees? I'm having
a hard time with spinning it and keeping it where it needs to be. ARG!!!
So far every time I've tried to spin it I've had to abandon that effort
and steer it in. It works but I don't want to get accustom to doing that
if it's actually easier to use the engines.

ANY helpful advice on this subject would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Thanks for the help everyone, I'll use your advice while practicing.
....I'll be staying away from motorcycles until I get this boat thing
figures out too.

Joe

Joe wrote:
Joe wrote:
I am new to boating and would like to get some opinions on docking and
how it "should" be done. I have a Wellcraft 270 Coastal with twin
Evinrude 200's.

-When docking (perpendicular) should I be steering the boat when
maneuvering or using the engines to spin the boat 90 degrees? I'm
having a hard time with spinning it and keeping it where it needs to
be. ARG!!!
So far every time I've tried to spin it I've had to abandon that
effort and steer it in. It works but I don't want to get accustom to
doing that if it's actually easier to use the engines.

ANY helpful advice on this subject would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Thanks for the help everyone, I'll use your advice while practicing.
...I'll be staying away from motorcycles until I get this boat thing
figures out too.

Joe


Unless you live in a desolate area, the only thing you'll get from a
motorcycle, sooner or later, is a serious accident that might kill you.

The sad thing is that I love motorcycles and would love to own and ride
one again.

"Joe" wrote in message
link.net...
Joe wrote:
I am new to boating and would like to get some opinions on docking and
how it "should" be done. I have a Wellcraft 270 Coastal with twin
Evinrude 200's.

-When docking (perpendicular) should I be steering the boat when
maneuvering or using the engines to spin the boat 90 degrees? I'm having
a hard time with spinning it and keeping it where it needs to be. ARG!!!
So far every time I've tried to spin it I've had to abandon that effort
and steer it in. It works but I don't want to get accustom to doing that
if it's actually easier to use the engines.

ANY helpful advice on this subject would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Thanks for the help everyone, I'll use your advice while practicing.
...I'll be staying away from motorcycles until I get this boat thing
figures out too.

Joe

The main thing to get out of this discussion is to keep your hands off the
wheel once it is centered and you begin your approach......let the
engines/drives do the maneuvering.

And yes, stay away from high speed motorcycles. ;-)

Joe wrote:
I am new to boating and would like to get some opinions on docking and
how it "should" be done. I have a Wellcraft 270 Coastal with twin
Evinrude 200's.

-When docking (perpendicular) should I be steering the boat when
maneuvering or using the engines to spin the boat 90 degrees? I'm having
a hard time with spinning it and keeping it where it needs to be. ARG!!!
So far every time I've tried to spin it I've had to abandon that effort
and steer it in. It works but I don't want to get accustom to doing that
if it's actually easier to use the engines.

ANY helpful advice on this subject would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.


Wow - what a huge thread ... motorcycle analogies not withstanding.

I recommend you (and everyone who pilots a boat) pick up a copy of "Boat
Docking" by Charles T. Low. Lookie he http://www.boatdocking.com/

Charles used to be a regular poster here - was always happy to share his
wisdom. The book is excellent.

Larry Weiss
"...Ever After!"

Great book. I have a copy. Highly recommended.

--Mike

"Larry Weiss" wrote in message
...
Joe wrote:
I am new to boating and would like to get some opinions on docking and
how it "should" be done. I have a Wellcraft 270 Coastal with twin
Evinrude 200's.

-When docking (perpendicular) should I be steering the boat when
maneuvering or using the engines to spin the boat 90 degrees? I'm having
a hard time with spinning it and keeping it where it needs to be. ARG!!!
So far every time I've tried to spin it I've had to abandon that effort
and steer it in. It works but I don't want to get accustom to doing that
if it's actually easier to use the engines.

ANY helpful advice on this subject would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.


Wow - what a huge thread ... motorcycle analogies not withstanding.

I recommend you (and everyone who pilots a boat) pick up a copy of "Boat
Docking" by Charles T. Low. Lookie he http://www.boatdocking.com/

Charles used to be a regular poster here - was always happy to share his
wisdom. The book is excellent.

Larry Weiss
"...Ever After!"

"Larry Weiss" wrote in message
...


Wow - what a huge thread ... motorcycle analogies not withstanding.

I recommend you (and everyone who pilots a boat) pick up a copy of "Boat
Docking" by Charles T. Low. Lookie he http://www.boatdocking.com/

Charles used to be a regular poster here - was always happy to share his
wisdom. The book is excellent.


I never knew Charles rode a motorcycle!

Just kidding ... he's a cool guy.

Eisboch