How to Dock a Boat Correctly

[Alaskan Sea-Duction]

I came across this little video. Might help someone out there in TF land.


https://youtu.be/Mx0LEAWsE_k

 

[BrianG]

I have a single screw boat. No thruster. I'm not that good at docking but think I'd be better if I had any of the setups in the vid. Here is my limited little bag of tricks that help me with a single screw:
1) Go slow
2) Steering a boat steers the stern, not the bow
3) Reverse is a brake
4) Have a game plan for getting in and out of a slip. share it with crew before you're at the slip
5) Get people on the dock to help.
6) Don't singlehand. This rule is even more crucial once you're underway
7) If you get all messed up don't panic, go to NEUTRAL. Reassess. people will normally help and you can always use your hands to push off of other docked boats

 

[oscar]

I have a single screw boat. No thruster. I'm not that good at docking but think I'd be better if I had any of the setups in the vid. Here is my limited little bag of tricks that help me with a single screw:
1) Go slow
2) Steering a boat steers the stern, not the bow
3) Reverse is a brake
4) Have a game plan for getting in and out of a slip. share it with crew before you're at the slip
5) Get people on the dock to help.
6) Don't singlehand. This rule is even more crucial once you're underway
7) If you get all messed up don't panic, go to NEUTRAL. Reassess. people will normally help and you can always use your hands to push off of other docked boats

I suggest you research and understand the concept of "Prop Walk". It is an essential tool in single screw boat handling.

 

[ScottC]

I came across this little video. Might help someone out there in TF land.
https://youtu.be/Mx0LEAWsE_k

Docking with twins is nice. But, wow - docking with triples & quads - something I never thought about before this video. Most likely will not think about it again. Nevertheless, this was interesting. Thnx for sharing.

 

[timb]

I'm definitely not great at docking .but if I tried to back my single in and swing the bow up wind like in the first example it would end horribly. I have to do the opposite.

 

[LenBuchanan]

How to dock a boat Correctly

I always try to bring my boat into my slip putting the bow into the wind, rather than being forced further along by both the wind and the boats movement. I have a twin screw, no bow thruster Jefferson 37 that I brought from New Jersey back to Lake Michigan in 2016. Each year I get better at handling and docking the boat but my mantra is: " I may be getting better but I don't get cocky.". Just about the time that I do that is when I will be eating a huge dose of 'humble pie'.

 

[John R M]

Aren't there a lot of differences in docking techniques for inboard vs outboard engines? It would seem that having the ability to turn the propellers in the direction you need would offer much better maneuverability than simply directing water flow past the rudders.

 

[Seevee]

I'm definitely not great at docking .but if I tried to back my single in and swing the bow up wind like in the first example it would end horribly. I have to do the opposite.

Timb,


Totally agree. To get a single to swing the bow against any sort of wind is wishful thinking, even with a thruster. Backing into the wind is great for station keeping, but to swing a turn into a slip.... ain't gonna work.



I do just the opposite, like you bow into the wind and try to get a line on before the bow swings down wind. Once you "loose" the bow might as well start over (which I've done many times).


However, backing a single (thrusters or not) with a lot of wind is challenging into itself. Heck, backing a twin with windvhas issues, too.

 

[rslifkin]

Totally agree. To get a single to swing the bow against any sort of wind is wishful thinking, even with a thruster. Backing into the wind is great for station keeping, but to swing a turn into a slip.... ain't gonna work.

You can kick the bow up wind pretty well if you're backing down, then apply a fistful of forward thrust and full rudder. Works with a single or twin. However, it's not all that useful for getting into a slip, as it sucks up some space to do it. Usually takes less space than powering forward and trying to turn upwind though.

 

[Seevee]

I have a single screw boat. No thruster. I'm not that good at docking but think I'd be better if I had any of the setups in the vid. Here is my limited little bag of tricks that help me with a single screw:
1) Go slow
2) Steering a boat steers the stern, not the bow
3) Reverse is a brake
4) Have a game plan for getting in and out of a slip. share it with crew before you're at the slip
5) Get people on the dock to help.
6) Don't singlehand. This rule is even more crucial once you're underway
7) If you get all messed up don't panic, go to NEUTRAL. Reassess. people will normally help and you can always use your hands to push off of other docked boats

Brian,


Good points, but take exception to the singlehand. MANY of us do that on a daily basis, without issue. Just went out the other night, used the wind to my advantage docking and thanked the folks that wanted to help but said I'll do it myself. However, once I get my spring line on, boat in forward, it will pin to the dock and I'll except help from others. I often get greeted by some rather attractive ladies when I dock and like that, so let them run a line to a piling. And occasionally find one that knows what they're doing. Gotta have some fun.



Also, I could argue, overall, NOT to use dock hands, as they will often mess up your plan, until you have at least one spring line on and are secure.



And, I could argue to NEVER EVER put your hands out there to push off. Just hold a fender in place. My strict policy is no hands, legs or any part of the body leaves the boat unless it's securely tied to the dock, and I brief that one strongly.

 

[Moonfish]

Brian's list is a good start. I would add:

1) Go slow

Agreed, though you need enough way to properly engage the rudder(s). One of my favorite boating adages is "always approach the dock at the speed you wish to hit it"!

2) Steering a boat steers the stern, not the bow

Not a lot of boaters actually know this! It's also the reason why we depart the dock in reverse 95% of the time, as I don't want our swim step hitting the dock.

3) Reverse is a brake

Yes, and correctly using prop walk in reverse can be just like having a stern thruster.

4) Have a game plan for getting in and out of a slip. share it with crew before you're at the slip

We always discuss the order of events (lines) with crew in advance.

5) Get people on the dock to help.

If there's help we never turn it down, even if we're docking in completely calm conditions. We also always offer to help boats docking when we're on the dock.

6) Don't singlehand. This rule is even more crucial once you're underway

Sometimes singlehanding is necessary. Having a thorough understanding of how your boat handles is paramount. The previous tip (#5) is also VERY helpful, to the point it's a good idea to call the marina in advance and let them know you would like assistance as you are coming in singlehanded.

7) If you get all messed up don't panic, go to NEUTRAL. Reassess. people will normally help and you can always use your hands to push off of other docked boats

Agree completely with the first sentence. There have been a few times where wind/current have caused me to get momentarily "confused". Just dropping into neutral for a second or two allows the brain to temporarily reset and jump back into action. With enough way, neutral is also a tool that allows the boat's momentum to do some work for you.

As far as the last sentence is concerned, I know we all do it instinctively. However, we always get a boat hook and extra fender at the ready if it looks like we're going to need to fend off.

 

[rslifkin]

2) Steering a boat steers the stern, not the bow

Not a lot of boaters actually know this! It's also the reason why we depart the dock in reverse 95% of the time, as I don't want our swim step hitting the dock.

I've gotten some very funny looks when departing a dock backwards. No thrusters on my boat, so depending on what the wind is doing, it's usually hard to swing the bow out far enough to not hit the swim platform when coming off a face dock. So I typically back off and just keep the bow a couple feet off the dock as I pivot. I've gotten some downright panicked looks and people running to push the bow off when I've backed off and done a 180 (with the bow almost on the dock the whole time) to get moving in the desired direction. People seem to think that having the bow that close to the dock means I'm going to ram it.

 

[ancora]

How about using the "H" maneuver for twin screw boats? That's a game saver for me when single handing.

 

[RT Firefly]

Greetings,
Mr. BG. STRONGLY disagree with using hands for fending off. To repeat Mr. S's comment..."NEVER, NEVER..." And I will add, NEVER!!!

 

[boathealer]

Greetings,
Mr. BG. STRONGLY disagree with using hands for fending off. To repeat Mr. S's comment..."NEVER, NEVER..." And I will add, NEVER!!!

I always tell my crew, "They call it a RUB rail for a reason!"

 

[OldDan1943]

any docking that does not sink your boat nor damage those boats around you, is good.
Remember, neutral is a gear, use it. Gives you time to figure out what your boat is doing (drifting) and then, how to correct it, if necessary.
Never be afraid to start over.
Learn which direction the stern of your boat wants to back when the rudder is centered. (prop walk) Watch the bow too.
Practice 'back and fill'. There are many videos on YouTube.
Never be afraid to start over.
Above all, dont let those around you or on the dock, see you sweat. CHUCKLE

 

[BrianG]

I suggest you research and understand the concept of "Prop Walk". It is an essential tool in single screw boat handling.

I know what it is. That is one of the things that makes backing a single screw difficult. It's not easy to steer no matter. Most common way I utilize prop walk is docking with starboard against the dock, my boat docks to port so I can normally easily clear the dock in reverse then just straighten out and get out of everyone's way. But trying to back out of a 200 yard channel? I'm sure the commercial guys could do it blindfolded. I'd blow it and would just rather not put myself in a culdesac unless I had to.

 

[BrianG]

Brian,


Good points, but take exception to the singlehand. MANY of us do that on a daily basis, without issue. Just went out the other night, used the wind to my advantage docking and thanked the folks that wanted to help but said I'll do it myself. However, once I get my spring line on, boat in forward, it will pin to the dock and I'll except help from others. I often get greeted by some rather attractive ladies when I dock and like that, so let them run a line to a piling. And occasionally find one that knows what they're doing. Gotta have some fun.



Also, I could argue, overall, NOT to use dock hands, as they will often mess up your plan, until you have at least one spring line on and are secure.



And, I could argue to NEVER EVER put your hands out there to push off. Just hold a fender in place. My strict policy is no hands, legs or any part of the body leaves the boat unless it's securely tied to the dock, and I brief that one strongly.

Fundamentally, If I am surfing, diving, boating, or swimming in the ocean, I go with some semblance of a buddy system. "Ocean" being the keyword.
YMMV.

 

[SteveK]

Aren't there a lot of differences in docking techniques for inboard vs outboard engines? It would seem that having the ability to turn the propellers in the direction you need would offer much better maneuverability than simply directing water flow past the rudders.

Yes there is. Turning prop in direction does speed up process.

 

[SteveK]

Brian,


Good points, but take exception to the singlehand. MANY of us do that on a daily basis, without issue. Just went out the other night, used the wind to my advantage docking and thanked the folks that wanted to help but said I'll do it myself. However, once I get my spring line on, boat in forward, it will pin to the dock and I'll except help from others. I often get greeted by some rather attractive ladies when I dock and like that, so let them run a line to a piling. And occasionally find one that knows what they're doing. Gotta have some fun.



Also, I could argue, overall, NOT to use dock hands, as they will often mess up your plan, until you have at least one spring line on and are secure.



And, I could argue to NEVER EVER put your hands out there to push off. Just hold a fender in place. My strict policy is no hands, legs or any part of the body leaves the boat unless it's securely tied to the dock, and I brief that one strongly.

Totally agree no help please until you ask by handing over a line, unless you know the person will not redirect the boat. When help arrives late I usually hear oh you don't need any.

 

[BrianG]

Also, for a new boater, shop for your slip. Depending on your boat, some slips are super easy to get in and out of. They are not all created equal. Many factors. I know one guy with slip in front of a popular bar. He's terrified to use his boat becaue of the audience of non sober judges observing boat handling. They do everything but hold up score cards.

 

[ancora]

Also, for a new boater, shop for your slip. Depending on your boat, some slips are super easy to get in and out of. They are not all created equal. Many factors. I know one guy with slip in front of a popular bar. He's terrified to use his boat becaue of the audience of non sober judges observing boat handling. They do everything but hold up score cards.

My slip is in front of our yacht club, and every time I dock the boat, and go up to the club some smart ass always asks, "when did you get a thruster?"

 

[BrianG]

My slip is in front of our yacht club, and every time I dock the boat, and go up to the club some smart ass always asks, "when did you get a thruster?"

I get a version of that as well. A bit different. They yell "Why don't you GET a thruster?"

 

[BrianG]

Here's a boat handling/docking question for the hive. I can get into my slip blindfolded. At slip #6 I go hard over to starboard and I go in perfectly. Getting out of my slip is tricky. First of all, based on #6, consider how poor my turning radius is. Then consider wind direction. So, how would you get out of this slip? I will explain how the previous owner suggested after hearing a few... suggestions

 

[rslifkin]

Here's a boat handling/docking question for the hive. I can get into my slip blindfolded. At slip #6 I go hard over to starboard and I go in perfectly. Getting out of my slip is tricky. First of all, based on #6, consider how poor my turning radius is. Then consider wind direction. So, how would you get out of this slip? I will explain how the previous owner suggested after hearing a few... suggestions

Which way does your boat prop walk in reverse? Depending on that, it might be easier to spin the boat and back in so you're coming out nose first, rather than trying to back out and turn against a wall.

 

[BrianG]

Which way does your boat prop walk in reverse? Depending on that, it might be easier to spin the boat and back in so you're coming out nose first, rather than trying to back out and turn against a wall.

backs to port. But we really like having the cockpit in the channel. Nicer view.

 

[Simi 60]

Single 50 inch prop and kortz nozzle
No thrusters
Limited visibility
And maneuverability of a house brick

Kortz nozzle seriously affects steerage in reverse
Can have full lock on the barn door sized rudder in any direction and the bum still tends to go to port

Coming into a fuel dock is usually a zero wind, 4am (no spectators) job.
Thankfully, it only needs to happen once a year and if back in home waters, we have a guy who offers a bunkering service and comes to us.

 

[psneeld]

So many opinions...so mostly related to personal experiences.


Thus every boat owner should listen to NOBODY except one who is helping them practice on their boat in certain situations.


Sure generic advice may help...or may not.


I have taught a LOT of people to dock through the years.


I am not a great boat handler...but I now that and enough to know that different boats handle WAY differently and depending one the docking circumstances...even just an additional 5 knots of wind or 0.5 knots of current can change things dramatically.


Best to get a local instructor you trust...paid or free....and learn...practice...learn...practice WITH YOUR BOAT.

 

[DonW28]

Our previous boat of many years was a twin screw Bertram. Our current boat of almost a year is a 34 Mainship trawler with a single. Even with bow AND stern thrusters I am no where near as comfortable or as proficient at docking as with the Bertram. I haven't yet figured out where the wind has to be to make the thrusters worthless but 20-25 seems to be pretty close to overwhelming them. Guess my point is every boat is different and some are just darn easy for the particular Captain. Miss that Bertram--but only when docking.



Don

 

[koliver]

Here's a boat handling/docking question for the hive. I can get into my slip blindfolded. At slip #6 I go hard over to starboard and I go in perfectly. Getting out of my slip is tricky. First of all, based on #6, consider how poor my turning radius is. Then consider wind direction. So, how would you get out of this slip? I will explain how the previous owner suggested after hearing a few... suggestions

When in high school a good friend taught me to never, Never, NEVER use your hands to fend your boat off. He sported a cast, having tried to fend off a 70' fish boat that he had spent the summer (truncated by the broken wrist) working on.

Your docking spot, side tying on the side to which your prop walk will pull, requires walking the boat out of its slip far enough that you can spring yourself off the dock. Yours is pointy at both ends, so you might have as much success going fwd as aft to get away from the dock. Once away far enough to turn around, backing and filling, off you go.

The video emphasizes going slow. It also emphasizes watching where your momentum is taking you. Use your boat. Learn where its momentum takes you when you set your rudders and apply fwd or reverse. Every boat will teach you what to do as long as you let it. Did I mention Go Slow?