Gordon J
Guru
- Joined
- Jul 23, 2015
- Messages
- 1,082
- Location
- USA
- Vessel Name
- Didi Mau
- Vessel Make
- Currently looking for next boat
Thanks, this what I was hoping to learn
I will have to practice this a couple times on an empty t-head had or a large bulk head with no boats around until I have it perfect.
Thanks again
Gordon
There are at least a couple ways to do it.
"Getting Into the Dock
When there is only a small space left between boats, a spring line from a cleat aft of the bow should tuck you in without nicking anyone's paint.
Approach at a 45-degree angle with the spring line ready. When the bow is near the pier, pass the spring line ashore and then gently take up the slack with the engines in forward. Unless the pier is protected, fenders should protect your hull. Put the helm hard away from the dock and the stern will ease neatly alongside. This method is also ideal for use when the wind is blowing off the dock and the stern would otherwise drift outward after the bow line is passed ashore."
You can also stop parallel but off the dock between the two boats you want to dock between and throw a aft leading spring line coming from your midships cleat to a dock hand and have them cleat it off well back on the dock where your stern will end up. Then go forward and come tight on the line while turning your wheel slightly away from the dock (adjust as needed) or just go forward on the engine closest to the dock if you have twins. Once you come tight on the spring line it will start to pull you sideways right into the dock between the two boats. You may have to adjust the length of the line a bit to compensate for any initial stretch.
You can also of course run the spring line forward and reverse onto the dock if you wish.
But with a twin screw boat, if the wind or current is not trying to blow you hard off the dock, it's easier just to pull in to the dock between the two boats and get a very tight breast line on first. That stops you from moving fwd, backward and from drifting off the dock while you set out your other dock lines.
Same when leaving a dock. Especially single handed or if you are being blown of the dock. Rig a breast line up that holds you tight to the dock and leave that line on till the last.
I ran a 70' Viking MY for years that had no thrusters and never ran into a dock I couldn't get into or out of. Would it have been easer at times with a thruster? Sure. But not having one shouldn't stop you from docking where and when you want. It just takes a bit more planning and patience.
I will have to practice this a couple times on an empty t-head had or a large bulk head with no boats around until I have it perfect.
Thanks again
Gordon