rclarke246
Senior Member
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2014
- Messages
- 450
- Location
- USA
- Vessel Name
- Lady Di
- Vessel Make
- 2012 Beneteau Swift Trawler 44
We went through the same stress, which DOES get less with every docking.
The BEST tip I ever got from the "Coastie" who was training us, "In close quarters (ie: docking) you'll be in neutral 80-90% of the time". Yes, much like a space capsule, simply give short thrusts as needed and leave the rudders neutral. We are happy to have 2 engines, a bow thruster, and fly-by-wire inputs.
Like you, we take it very seriously, critiquing every docking, aiming for perfection.
Still learning, of course!
The BEST tip I ever got from the "Coastie" who was training us, "In close quarters (ie: docking) you'll be in neutral 80-90% of the time". Yes, much like a space capsule, simply give short thrusts as needed and leave the rudders neutral. We are happy to have 2 engines, a bow thruster, and fly-by-wire inputs.
Like you, we take it very seriously, critiquing every docking, aiming for perfection.
Still learning, of course!