"backing in with strong current or wind, how you remember which way to turn the wheel?"
Imagine your self standing behind the wheel as you go aft and steer normally.
I guess you never walk your boat sideways. A smart boater uses all available tools at the correct time.
I guess you never walk your boat sideways. A smart boater uses all available tools at the correct time.
A good canvas shop can replace all that soft vinyl with semi rigid polycarbonate (lexan type) windows. The poly carbonate is much superior to soft vinyl.. Try it in the center front window first if you are unsure. My canvas guy even curved the corners using 30 mil instead of 50 mil. The curve gave rigidity.
Never had the need to - 13 years with the current boat. Either reversing into a slip or going alongside a bulkhead. With proper use of twins and current (rarely wind), I never have to touch the wheel when docking.
Now, those with a single, different story.
When I was learning to drive my single screw Mainship the best advice I got was that the stern moves first. Once I got this concept docking became much easier.
My new rode I am going to mark with small pieces of line between the strands so I can see AND feel how many are there. One strand for 25' Two for 50'. 3 for 75'. 4 for 100'. 5 for 150'. 6 for 175'. And a eye splice at the end. There is already a 150' rode but it is old, tight and chafed in a couple places. So it's becoming my 'lunch hook rode' now.
"backing in with strong current or wind, how you remember which way to turn the wheel?"
Imagine your self standing behind the wheel as you go aft and steer normally.
The closer you get TO the dock the less throttle you should use.
I prefer 100 feet of yellow polypropylene attaching the anchor to the locker. If you need to cut it and don't have time to get a float on it...it still floats to retrieve when able.
No different than adding a float like most do when cutting their anchor rode.....and if you anchor in more than 100 feet.... add more.Around here it would likely be pulled under by a chain rode and become someone's unwanted stern anchor.