Boat handeling in the marinas..

[Intruder88]

Hello All.
So just a quick question.. in marinas when placing a boat in a slip do you guys think backing in is better or easier than facing in... what is the consensus..

 

[QC]

Re: Boat handeling in the marinas..

I back, but with a single screw backing to port can be a biotch . . . Also depends on how the cleats are setup etc.

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: Boat handeling in the marinas..

It really depends on your boat.

If it's small it really doesn't matter if it's big alot of times it's the only way to get on or off the boat (to back in).

Boats definitly handle way worse in reverse .

How big is your boat?
Single motor or twins?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Boat handeling in the marinas..

i've done both, as mentioned it depends of the boat, and how it is set up. i had a 28' sail with 4hp honda outboard, it was easier to dock forward. but on occasions, i would dock stern 1st, if i was going to load for a several day cruise. also having side docks help.

 

[QC]

Re: Boat handeling in the marinas..

Also depends on the weather . . .

 

[jtexas]

Re: Boat handeling in the marinas..

Let's face it, the two most important considerations are your level of skill and whether any babes are present - backing in is way cooler if done with the proper balance of flourish and humility.

 

[Intruder88]

Re: Boat handeling in the marinas..

Yea.. the babe factor is an issue. There were some around the slip my last time out.. I thought I would try and turn it on a dime like the jet skis.. needs less to say.. I am looking for bail..

The boat is 22 ft.. single screw.. I find the wind is the worst to compensate for..

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Boat handeling in the marinas..

I find most of the slips in the Barrie area are pretty tight intruder. I like to drive in and back out, I find there is more room in the laneway to manuever compared to the slip.

 

[Mr. Ross]

Re: Boat handeling in the marinas..

If you are in an area where the seas can kick up in a particular direction and you have a small boat, bow to the chop may be preferable.

I bow in my slip simply due to the view and privacy factor. If I stern in, which I would prefer to do based upon prevailing winds, we lose a great view from the aft deck and are in a glass house for anyone on the dock or on the boats facing us.

 

[BoatAddiction]

Re: Boat handeling in the marinas..

I like backing in but, as others have said, it easier to do with twins as opposed to a single. Backing in, in the marinas I have frequented, makes it easier to board and disembark. In my area, the tide is probably normally a more important factor than wind...so much so that I try to time dockings with the slack tide when possible. Either way and regardless of conditions (wind or current), the trick is to take it slow, read the conditions, and make a calculated move. As for the babe factor...always look like you know what you're doing even when you have to abort and make a new run. I have found that yelling out obscenities at that imaginary porpoise that got in your way and caused you to abort helps with this.