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Old 11-23-2018, 12:54 PM   #21
Lepke
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City: Between Oregon and Alaska
Vessel Name: Charlie Harper
Vessel Model: Wheeler Shipyard 83'
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,023
I mostly solo an 83' boat (because I'm such a people person). And my first boat was 65'. As others point out, find a captain to oversee your docking while learning, practice in a safe place, be prepared with lines out - fenders over, approach slowly-dead slow, understand you can't achieve much with human power on the lines. Learn how spring lines work.

Be smart about the wind and current. Don't be in a hurry. In a tidal environment you may need to wait for slack water. If I need slack water, I alter my cruising speed to arrive at the right time or anchor to wait.

Recognize sometimes it is just not safe to dock.
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