Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 12-11-2015, 06:18 PM   #61
Master and Commander
 
markpierce's Avatar
 
City: Vallejo CA
Vessel Name: Carquinez Coot
Vessel Model: penultimate Seahorse Marine Coot hull #6
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 12,559
I've always docked pointed forward. Haven't yet seen the need to do anything different.
__________________
Kar-KEEN-ez Koot
markpierce is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-11-2015, 07:47 PM   #62
Scraping Paint
 
City: -
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 13,745
Like 90-plus percent of the boats in our large harbor we dock bow-in. However we have had occasion to want to turn the boat around in the slip to access the other side of the hull. We have a twin engine boat so it's pretty much child's play to do this. Between the use of differential thrust, opposed thrust, and the rudders it's easy to put the boat where we want it.

In fact unless wind is a factor, we often find it easier to back into or through tight places than it is to go forward. Mainly because backing let's us steer the boat accurately without the other end of the boat pivoting out to the opposite side, which of course it does if one is going forward (unless one has a bow thruster).

There are some sailboat owners on our dock who sometimes dock stern-in for whatever reason. They never seen to have any difficulty doing it despite having just the one engine and rudder. It's all about knowing how one's boat will react to thrust, rudder, and inertia.
Marin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-11-2015, 07:52 PM   #63
Guru
 
BandB's Avatar
 
City: Fort Lauderdale. Florida, USA
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 21,449
I think some here are thinking of their home slip. Well, that's easy. The real issue is every different situation you might face. We've cruised places where all docking was stern too, either med mooring or similar.

Now, the key to docking anywhere, but especially new situations and unfamiliar situations is knowing your boat as intimately as you can. Know how it responds to every possible action you can take.

As to the backing situation, since we've found ourselves forced to do so often, we're happy to have camera and to have a stern helm station.
BandB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-11-2015, 09:27 PM   #64
TF Site Team
 
koliver's Avatar
 
City: Saltspring Island
Vessel Name: Retreat
Vessel Model: C&L 44
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,656
After reading Marin's post I went back to the Original Poster;s and re-read it. This thread has morphed quite a bit, but the point that has emerged is well put by Marin. We need only to know what our boats will do when we are presented with a difficult maneuver. Practice, practice, practice. Then they will indeed be child's play.

Someone mentioned Powell River. The Gov;t dock there is a good teaching ground. Narrow fairways no place to turn around, boats rafted 3 deep everywhere, and the wind, she does blow. On my sailboat (goes back a lot of years) I had to go out from one of the inner docks, stern first the whole way, in a vicious crosswind. Learned pretty fast how to make that boat go where I wanted it to go. That is the lesson we all have to learn. So avoid being caught in a tough spot, pick yourself a few good markers and practice tough maneuvers. Then when the tough spot catches you, you are ready for it.

When early in the use of a trawler with twins, I was approaching the dock at one of our Yacht club outstations, where all members are constantly told to get out there and help the incoming, so as to avoid any problems. Help wasn't what I needed, so I had to wave off more than one "helper", telling them I needed to practice. It wasn't long before I could actually approach tough docking challenges and know I was up to it.

OP: Cameras might be a nice addition, but when the tough situation arises, nothing beats a direct view. I have cameras (x3) to show me what is going on back there, on my 44' motorhome. In a tough backing situation, I don't use them, as getting out and visually assessing the situation is so much better. I don't see how it would be better on my boat, as there I can easily leave my seat and walk to a better vantage point. I can see having a view to the stern to monitor how the dinghy towing behind is handling the seas, but for assistance in docking, I doubt their usefulness.
koliver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-11-2015, 10:45 PM   #65
Guru
 
hollywood8118's Avatar
 
City: Port Townsend Washington
Vessel Name: " OTTER "
Vessel Model: Ocean Alexander Europa 40
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,378
Quote:
Originally Posted by Baker View Post
I will say...this lil lady and her line handling make me look good....in more ways than one!!!
Good grief.. if I had her on the bow I would run into the dock as I wouldnt be able to look at anything but the bow...
Hollywood
hollywood8118 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-12-2015, 01:33 AM   #66
TF Site Team
 
FlyWright's Avatar
 
City: California Delta
Vessel Name: FlyWright
Vessel Model: 1977 Marshall Californian 34 LRC
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 13,728
Quote:
Originally Posted by Baker View Post
I will say...this lil lady and her line handling make me look good....in more ways than one!!!
'dem are some big balls, Johnny!
__________________
My boat is my ark. It's my mobile treehouse and my floating fishing cabin. It's my retreat and my respite. Everyday I thank God I have a boat! -Al FJB

@DeltaBridges - 25 Delta Bridges in 25 Days
FlyWright is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-12-2015, 06:03 AM   #67
Moderator Emeritus
 
Bay Pelican's Avatar
 
City: Chicago, IL
Vessel Name: Bay Pelican
Vessel Model: Krogen 42
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,993
Just a reminder that all boats are different, sometimes requiring different approaches / equipment. From the pilot house helm of our Krogen 42 we have no rear vision. That is OK as long as we are going forward nose into a slip. However, I always dock from the upper helm in the rare event () that I have to abort and back up, in which case I would be blind at the lower helm. The upper helm has its disadvantages as well, lack of ability to judge how close I am, but it is still safer. With a back up camera I could dock from the lower helm knowing I could reasonably safely back up if necessary.
__________________
Marty
Bay Pelican is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-12-2015, 08:19 AM   #68
Guru
 
ranger58sb's Avatar
 
City: Annapolis
Vessel Name: Ranger
Vessel Model: 58' Sedan Bridge
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 7,068
Quote:
Originally Posted by markpierce View Post
I've always docked pointed forward. Haven't yet seen the need to do anything different.

Around here, most of the finger piers are too short to allow getting off the boat when docked bow-to.

-Chris
__________________
Chesapeake Bay, USA
ranger58sb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-12-2015, 09:54 AM   #69
Art
Guru
 
Art's Avatar
 
City: SF Bay Area
Vessel Model: Tollycraft 34' Tri Cabin
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 12,569
Quote:
Originally Posted by Baker View Post
I will say...this lil lady and her line handling make me look good....in more ways than one!!!

YEA!!! Baker,s camera has come back into focus!
Art is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-12-2015, 12:49 PM   #70
Guru
 
City: Venice Louisiana
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,097
I have noticed that the more of those (bikini clad girls) I have on the boat the more help I have on the dock.
kulas44 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-12-2015, 12:51 PM   #71
Guru
 
BandB's Avatar
 
City: Fort Lauderdale. Florida, USA
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 21,449
Quote:
Originally Posted by kulas44 View Post
I have noticed that the more of those (bikini clad girls) I have on the boat the more help I have on the dock.
Wifey B: Better than American Express. Don't leave home without them....
BandB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-12-2015, 03:11 PM   #72
Guru
 
catalinajack's Avatar
 
City: Edgewater, MD
Vessel Name: Catalina Jack
Vessel Model: Defever 44
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,585
Quote:
Originally Posted by ranger42c View Post
Around here, most of the finger piers are too short to allow getting off the boat when docked bow-to.

-Chris
Chris: That's why I am at Hartge Yacht Harbor in Galesville. Our Defever 44 is berthed in a 60-foot slip with a full-length, 4-foot wide finger pier with pilings on the other side. Easy in, easy out, bow-to.
catalinajack is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-13-2015, 06:58 AM   #73
Guru
 
ranger58sb's Avatar
 
City: Annapolis
Vessel Name: Ranger
Vessel Model: 58' Sedan Bridge
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 7,068
Quote:
Originally Posted by catalinajack View Post
Chris: That's why I am at Hartge Yacht Harbor in Galesville. Our Defever 44 is berthed in a 60-foot slip with a full-length, 4-foot wide finger pier with pilings on the other side. Easy in, easy out, bow-to.
I know there are some around; Herrington North has some full-length finger piers, as does Bay Bridge Marina (even floating, there)...

Is that the original Hartge, or the newer area on the way into the river? We used to keep our earlier boat in Galeseville at West River Yacht Harbor (the fuel dock place), think that was when Mast and Mallet (something like that) was where the newer Hartge place is... I remember stopping in the original Hartge place back in the early '90s, heads were spotless, with fresh flowers.... pretty impressive.

-Chris
__________________
Chesapeake Bay, USA
ranger58sb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-13-2015, 07:34 AM   #74
Guru
 
catalinajack's Avatar
 
City: Edgewater, MD
Vessel Name: Catalina Jack
Vessel Model: Defever 44
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,585
Quote:
Originally Posted by ranger42c View Post

I know there are some around; Herrington North has some full-length finger piers, as does Bay Bridge Marina (even floating, there)...

Is that the original Hartge, or the newer area on the way into the river? We used to keep our earlier boat in Galeseville at West River Yacht Harbor (the fuel dock place), think that was when Mast and Mallet (something like that) was where the newer Hartge place is... I remember stopping in the original Hartge place back in the early '90s, heads were spotless, with fresh flowers.... pretty impressive.

-Chris
I don't know if it's the "original" but probably cuz there is a historical plaque which dates the marina to around 1860. To get there one has to drive past the fuel dock and Thursday's Restaraunt.
catalinajack is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-13-2015, 09:04 AM   #75
Guru
 
Moonstruck's Avatar
 
City: Hailing Port: Charleston, SC
Vessel Name: Moonstruck
Vessel Model: Sabre 42 Hardtop Express
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,276
Quote:
Originally Posted by Baker View Post
I will say...this lil lady and her line handling make me look good....in more ways than one!!!
Man, Baker you have some big balls there!
__________________
Don on Moonstruck
Sabre 42 Hardtop Express
When cruising life is simpler, but on a grander scale (author unknown)
https://moonstruckblog.wordpress.com/
Moonstruck is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-13-2015, 10:34 AM   #76
Guru
 
cardude01's Avatar
 
City: Victoria TX
Vessel Name: Bijou
Vessel Model: 2008 Island Packet PY/SP
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 5,290
My line handler...

Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByTrawler Forum1450024442.384936.jpg
Views:	153
Size:	112.8 KB
ID:	47315

❤️
cardude01 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-13-2015, 11:05 AM   #77
Guru
 
ranger58sb's Avatar
 
City: Annapolis
Vessel Name: Ranger
Vessel Model: 58' Sedan Bridge
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 7,068
Quote:
Originally Posted by catalinajack View Post
I don't know if it's the "original" but probably cuz there is a historical plaque which dates the marina to around 1860. To get there one has to drive past the fuel dock and Thursday's Restaraunt.
Yeah, that's the one I think of when we were down there. To the south of main street. Nice place. Hmmm... somebody else on here that's there, too... the lady with the Elco electric boat conversion.

The newer Hartge place was a more recent acquisition, north of main street...

-Chris
__________________
Chesapeake Bay, USA
ranger58sb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-16-2015, 10:13 PM   #78
Guru
 
angus99's Avatar
 
City: Signal Mtn., TN
Vessel Name: Stella Maris
Vessel Model: Defever 44
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,741
Worton Creek has a lot of full length piers as well. Most of the new docks and all of the covered slips have them IIRC.
angus99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-17-2015, 07:09 PM   #79
Guru
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,288
backing in singlehanded.

I single hand my 53 ft loa and oftten back into my slip and have done so previously with many different boats singles and twins sail and power. I have tried multiple systems and up to now the best ever is the Yacht Controller wireless system. This system is pricey but works so well it is worth it. I can walk anywhere on the boat and have full control of motors and thrusters. Actually I can walk off the boat and tie up from the dock with the boat under full control. I have been using the system now for two years and I give it a 10+ ratting and it is very rare for me to rate a marine product much above an 8. My system has an additional wired joy stick and that I never use since the small portable unit does it all so well. I understand the newer wireless units have a optional portable joy stick. I believe the unit is displayed at the Seattle boat show that is where I purchased mine. Because of the price not for everybody. However if you have a nice large boat with an expensive paint job it may pay for itself. As to which end of a boat goes into the dock first that is variable with many mitigating factors. wind -current- access to dock- power line access -view-cleat location-boats ability to maneuver etc.
eyschulman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-18-2015, 06:21 PM   #80
Guru
 
rwidman's Avatar
 
City: North Charleston, SC
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 4,869
Quote:
Originally Posted by ranger42c View Post
Around here, most of the finger piers are too short to allow getting off the boat when docked bow-to.

-Chris
Yes, I've been in situations like that. Also, bow in usually requires breaking out the longer shore power cord and draping it along the side of the boat.
rwidman is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Trawler Port Captains
Port Captains are TF volunteers who can serve as local guides or assist with local arrangements and information. Search below to locate Port Captains near your destination. To learn more about this program read here: TF Port Captain Program





All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:01 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2006 - 2012