Windy Docking Experts

[billhurley]

I have a similar dock situation to JRC. I goggled like Pricestavern mentioned and I read a few comments that mention the trim of the stern drives. It mentioned trimming up a little to get a better angle. Is that what most people do? I have always brought mine down all the way when I am coming back into the marina.

I am always trying to refine backing into my slip.

Thanks Bill

[NoBozo]

One thing I have discovered in over 40 years of boating and dealing with docking in a "permanent" slip. The dock I was tied up to was a floating dock and rose and fell about 5 feet every tide change. I used dock lines made of "Polypropyline" which has NO stretch compared to nylon. Secondly, these dock lines were permanently attached to the DOCK at just the right predetermined length..... NOT to a piling. Eyesplice or bowline on the boat end. They stayed on the dock when I went out.

I backed into the slip (32 Sailboat) and picked up my lines one at a time with a boathook (I was usually singlehanded) and dropped them over a cleat on deck. I did have an advantage in that the keel drew nearly 6 feet of water so a crosswind was somewhat less of a factor in that it gave me a little extra time before the wind started to act on the boat. I also had a 50 foot mast which offered windage.

Anyhow, to learn how to do this, I would go down to the marina during a weekday when there was little or no activity and PRACTICE..and PRACTICE.

One thing I have also learned when docking, particularly when docking at an "away dock", is to DECLINE HELP from well meaning strangers on the dock who would offer to help. by taking my lines. Quite often they will pull on the line and "upset" your approach and lead to unplanned/unecessary dificulties. It also never hurts to have "Fenders" rigged before you approach the dock.

Just my thoughts. NoBozo

[Winnipesaukee Divers]

"One thing I have also learned when docking, particularly when docking at an "away dock", is to DECLINE HELP from well meaning strangers on the dock who would offer to help. by taking my lines. Quite often they will pull on the line and "upset" your approach and lead to unplanned/unecessary dificulties. It also never hurts to have "Fenders" rigged before you approach the dock."

I'm with you on this one. I always re-view my docking plan with my crew before we approach the dock. Each crew member is assigned a task (some are just told where to sit and be quiet) and one of the most important tasks not to give up the line to some well meaning bystander. Stopping 10 tons of boat before its planned is a disaster just waiting to happen: dock posts are snapped off, fingers and hands pinched, bones are broken or people are dragged off the dock.


Last weekend while docking in Meredith just such a thing happen; my first mate was standing on the starboard rail with the midship line in hand ready to step off and take a wrap on the dock post. A well meaning man standing on the dock, grabbed the line out of her hand, wrapped it around his wrist and took a stand prepared to stop the boat. It all happen so fast and was blocked from my view, the poor fellow was yanked off the dock into the water as he couldn't let go the line while I brought the boat to the planned stopping spot. We were lucky that time, no injuries or damage, but the docking lessons were reinforced yet again.


The best way to help someone dock a big boat is to stand well clear and wait to be asked to help. Another good point; is don’t distract the crew by asking questions or making comments until the boat is secured.

[Toyorelle]

Originally Posted by billhurley

I have a similar dock situation to JRC. I goggled like Pricestavern mentioned and I read a few comments that mention the trim of the stern drives. It mentioned trimming up a little to get a better angle. Is that what most people do? I have always brought mine down all the way when I am coming back into the marina.

I am always trying to refine backing into my slip.

Thanks Bill

Easiest way to do it is to have a few friends waiting at the dock when you come in. Right Bill?

Matt

[jrc]

Originally Posted by Toyorelle

Easiest way to do it is to have a few friends waiting at the dock when you come in. Right Bill?

Matt

Yes, this is my most important solution as well. Friends make boating fun and boating makes new friends.

[billhurley]

Matt is right on. Having friends help is the best way.

At our marina everyone helps.

[SAMIAM]

When I approach a dock with a heavy wind from port or starboard,I drive straight in and have someone secure a bow line and then reverse right into the spot using the bow line a s a spring line.

[jrc]

I'm sure we all agree that well meaning strangers and friends at your home port are very different.

Strangers at an away dock are a mixed bag. Once they have a line in their hands what do you do then? If I get a volunteer, I'm clear what I want them to do, hold the line, wrap it around a pole or cleat. But you have to be careful, some can't understand what you want them to do and some can't tie a knot. I never ask for help unless things are way out of whack and bumping is possible.

I usually tell my passengers not to do anything, my wife and I have a routine. Wind or mistakes on either part can upset the routine. We try not to yell

[islandAl]

If the wind is blowing towards the dock, let it aid you. Back in slowly and stop before the dock the wind will blow the lighter bow quicker and push the whole boat flush to the dock.
Harder when blowing away and you are alone.

[VtSteve]

In my experience, the best thing people on the dock can do, is to fend the boat off if needed, gently holding a bow rail or whatever, and little else. I always have fenders deployed before approach.