Do the nerves ever go away? LOL

[Thalasso]

Re: Do the nerves ever go away? LOL

I am new to boating but have been around them. The worst part of boating for me is coming back to the dock. I don't know what it is but I get so freakin' nervous even thinking about it. So far no issues and we've been out and back a bunch of times. The last time we were out, we approached the dock nice and slow, no one waiting at the dock which is always a good thing and we brush up against the dock nice and easy but my Wife couldn't get out of the boat to secure the line then she finally slipped and fell back into the rear seat (she was wearing flip flops that I guess were too big). By that time we over shot the first set of docking cleats. She finally managed to get out and secure the rear but by then the bow was about 3-5 feet from the dock. Of course my 14 year old son just sits there! I have much more confidence when we go with my brother in law because he just jumps off when the boat is about a couple feet away and ties us up. Would one of those poles help her because the last things I want to do is snap at her after a fun day.

First of all, flip flops aren't a good thing to be wearing on a boat. You can stumble real quick with them on.Jumping off a boat is a no-no. My girlfriend always did that and i would ream her a@%#$ out and she still would do it. Well she missed the dock and fell in the water ( with flip flops on ). Luckly she didn't get hurt but that was the last time she did it.Now she waits untill the boat is laid up along side and then she steps off.Sometimes they have to learn the hard way. As long as i can get one line on and doesn't matter which one the boat can be brought along side.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Do the nerves ever go away? LOL

Nerves, go away after time but having a crew that doesn't need direction is wonderful as well, for the most part I have that but every once in awhile I need to remind the boy that for the next few minutes I need him to do his job more then he needs to admire the local scenery but we were all the same way at some point, seems like my wife is much quicker at the orders then I am though LOL.

Every docking situation is different so I think its more about your own confidence then anything else, wind, current and other boaters make every situation unique and being patient is a plus, it seems that everyone else is at a heightened sense of nerves around the ramp/dock so why add to it, just be patient and wait your turn, sometimes there is a line and you just wait your turn, but other times there is something different say the wind is causing a difficult situation and while I typically wait my turn I have in a couple situations taken the opportunity to jump the line in order to show others how I would handle the situation, all the time making sure others know I am not in a hurry but simply showing less experienced captains the way I do it.

Of course there are times you will meet "That" guy who simply doesn't get it and has to do it his way and I just sit back and watch the show, Patience is a virtue I don't know what else to say.


I do have this disclaimer, I once towed an older boat into the ramp that was in the advanced stages of losing its transom and was taking on water in a hurry, keeping it from taking on water was difficult, but there was a sweet spot where I could keep it from taking on water and with the bilge and bailing we were able to get it pretty empty before taking it into the ramp and try to get it on the trailer with the obvious issue of taking on more water, while we were trying to evacuate water another boat came along side and asked if they could help and we decided to get the boat owner on the other boat which would take him to the ramp and then he would call me when he was ready with the trailer in the water, once I got the call we came into the ramp area a little hot and apparently the word had spread because he had the entire 4 lane ramp to himself and several volunteers waiting to catch the boat as I kinda slingshot the boat into them. My wife said it was one of the coolest things she had ever seen, over time you kinda lose faith in the common man but when something like this happens its pretty cool, I mean I think they had the boat on the trailer so fast I think it may have picked up a couple gallons of water tops! Nobody really needed to say anything my son dropped the tow line so I could get out of the way and we switched operators wife dumped me on the dock and I went to get my truck and we loaded up and went to inspection where we found the broken boat and a bunch of people looking at the damage, handed out a few beverages and met some new friends even the park rangers had nothing but good things to say about what had just happened, a bunch of people who only moments ago had never met coming together to help someone in need.

Over time you learn that being nervous is just not worth it, you have a good boat and your becoming a good Captain but even I learn new things everytime I go out and you probably will too.

 

[Knot Waiting]

Re: Do the nerves ever go away? LOL

A little bit of fear isn't always a bad thing. It can help keep your focus and help you approach with a little more caution. Cocky "fearless" guys or the ones who just got complacent are often found up on shore, under the pier, or in the weeds.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Do the nerves ever go away? LOL

Yes the jitters will go away. Last year I made a 250+ mile trip solo on a 40' boat, coming into fuel and mooring docks all alone. Just keep practicing.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Do the nerves ever go away? LOL

Lots of good advice here. So much depends on the dock, water, crew and boat that it's not one size fits all.

A couple of observations that should help:

You may become less nervous but you should always be concerned.

Passengers, even young children: tell them "hands in your lap." Then they have to stay seated and can't get pinched.

Give your teenager an assignment. In fact he should be doing it not his mother. Even if you have to make something up--have him stand by with the bow line while she has the stern. Have him do some driving.

Practice approaches to objects away from the docks. Practice picking up a boat (throw) cushion. When I train children, I am constantly throwing stuff overboard and making them go pick them up without prop damage.


Focus on the direction the motor is pointing and that it moves the stern, not the bow--opposite of a car. (easier w/ an OB). In fact I crunched the family wagon against a post when I was 15 and learning b/c I had been driving boats for years before then. Also, learnhow you can use the motor in reverse to pull your stern over.

If you can, dock against the wind and against the current.

Try to do it so you don't use reverse for a brake, but you time your drift to stop where you want it. I learned on a boat that didn't ahve reverse. It's an acquired skill but important. Not only will it save your lower unit, it will save your bow when you come in and your motor stalls as you shift. Not if, when.

Don't come in at idle in forward; come in at idle in neutral, with gentle bumps into gear as needed.

Get a boat hook. Put a big loop in the end of the line. Crew (and they may need some practice) merely catches the loop on the back of the cleat as you pass it. You tie it up later. And with a larger boat, crew should not grab the cleat, piling, whatever with a hand but should wrap a line/drop a loop.

For many boats and docks, you can leverage off a piling or other edge. I learned this from watching tugs, barges and work boats. I have a tricky slip to back into so I can put a piling amidships against the rail and turn against it, using it as a pivot. You can also use cleated off lines this way.

Flip flops: (Many) women will never learn about sensible shoes, on land or at sea. Those who know, know. Can't help you with that one; i have the same problem.

 

[2ndtry]

Re: Do the nerves ever go away? LOL

Practice approaches to objects away from the docks. Practice picking up a boat (throw) cushion. When I train children, I am constantly throwing stuff overboard and making them go pick them up without prop damage.

This is how I train my kids. When they are driving I randomly through a cushion overboard. They have to be able to turn around, motor back and put the boat where they can pick up the cushion from the helm while NOT moving. If they are still moving or hit the cushion with the boat they lose!

My daughter could dock the boat like a pro by the time she was 12.

 

[rivermouse]

Re: Do the nerves ever go away? LOL

Practice makes perfect. I just keep in mind that most fatalities on the water occur at the dock....Have every move planned and rehearsed and the fear will go away.....

 

[Jlawsen]

Re: Do the nerves ever go away? LOL

rivermouse said it correctly.. Practice..

I never ask for any help and I take out boats all the way up to 60'. If I take someone out enough times and they've watched me enough I might let them help but normally I just stick it to the dock nice and easy, throw the lines over, jump out and tie up the stern then the bow. If the bow kicks out with the wind there's normally enough line on the dock to pull it back in or at least get a wrap on a cleat. When the wind slacks I pull it back. If I lose the bow line in the water I just get back on the boat and back down against the stern line. That swings the bow in again.

I had a situation with my little 16' one time where the break wall was under water because the lake level was so high and then the wind came up. After three tries to get close enough to the dock to get a line on I decided to drop the bow trolling motor and then use the main and troller to move me sideways into the dock. It worked pretty danged well. That part of the practice is knowing your resources before you get into a jamb so you know what you can use to get out of one.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Do the nerves ever go away? LOL

I have had a interesting season so far along these same lines, I have been handling boats for many years, but am breaking in a new wife, DIL and SIN and assorted family all nonboaters. lololol I tried threatening them with a squirt water bottle to get them to sit still till I am docked but the grand son has way to much fun with it. So far when one stands I hit reverse just enough make them take a step or two and stop dead still, and then wait till their seated before I dock. So far thats been working well.

The biggest mistake I see people make it trying to go to fast or underestimatingng their speed. I bring my boat to a full stop before I dock, makes it a lot easer to bring it in real soft.

And yes the nerves go away it becomes second nature.

 

[riptorn]

Re: Do the nerves ever go away? LOL

^^^ Basically that's the way to do it. Don't have the patients for long essays.
Before I go out in the boat I look to see what way the waves are coming in and how much wind. We are on a shallow sandy beach (3 ft) with dock, east side, so I have to know that before I go out. On the way back I look to see if the same. So I come in with the waves slowly and slowly trim up bit to safe height. Put it into N and see what direction the water (current) is pulling the boat with trimming up bit. Fwd if need and Neut back and forth.
If I come in too hard I trim down to the sand or rev. Know it's not good but after a while it comes to you and no need.
That's it how I do it.
Sorry if I a fended someone.

 

[coolbri70]

Re: Do the nerves ever go away? LOL

i have these nerves too, i don't think they will go away:facepalm: mine start when towing thru traffic the miles of construction zone with concrete walls on ether side and big trucks passing, then after that white knuckle ride the road to the launch is narrow hilly and switchback curves, i stop to remove straps, install plug, etc before going to the ramp then back it down, unhook safety chain, crank boat into water, then i float it off to the side out of the way, and leave the wife hold the bow line like dog leash while i go park the trailer, she wants to help and this keeps her out of trouble. i come back send her to the dock i climb on from the bank start her up and go pick up passengers at the dock, i dont have issues running the boat, my issues are everyone else so i try to keep them from hurting themselves, then underway she's tellin me look at this and look at that, i dont want to make her mad but feel like snapping im looking for logs, rocks, shallows, other boats and those darn jet skis are everywhere and you cant guess which way they turn next, no logical pattern in their manuverings. then to top it off if i do have to make any evasive manuvers i have to look what shes doing or hear her yell when she falls or bumps into something as shes up walkin around getting in the cooler enjoying the scenery totally oblivious to all these hazards around us, i let off the throttle and she crashes forward starts in on me and im like no wake zone or tuber down in front of me had no where to go but bounce over some wakes and she spilled her beer, and i cant even have any im the driver, no, i dont think these nerves are going away, maybe lessen if i could be off work and go on a weekday when there is less other folks to worry about, last sunday it was so busy i just anchored accross from the launch waiting for the cluster to thin out, got to watch this young guy showin off come into the no wake zone with his jet drive up thru hull exhaust revvin his v 8 runnin in circles actin the idiot went to pwer onto his trailer went sideways across the trailer, everyone clapped whistled and cheered, as his buddies pushed him back in the water so he could try again, so i wasnt the only one who was thinki what an idiot i think i might sit and watch the launch now it seemed entertaining, i thin dem peoples drunk oer thar

 

[Mason78]

Re: Do the nerves ever go away? LOL

Get a boat hook as JoLin said. You can find a colapsable(sp) one that is easy to store. Will ease your nerves and make safer for all involved. As many others have said "don't ask me how I know" you can slip in the water very quickly and bang your head jumping out of the boat.

I'm curious how many use these hooks? Where is the best place to buy them? I usually don't have any trouble but them might be nice for a windy day.

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Do the nerves ever go away? LOL

I'm curious how many use these hooks? Where is the best place to buy them? I usually don't have any trouble but them might be nice for a windy day.

I use an old hickory walking cane...

I'm sure finding one online is not a problem, and more than likely any Cabelas, Gander Mountain, Bass Pro shop etc...should carry them. Pretty common item.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Do the nerves ever go away? LOL

I'm curious how many use these hooks? Where is the best place to buy them? I usually don't have any trouble but them might be nice for a windy day.

Any place that sells any marine items will sell boat hooks...even Wal Mart has them. I have a telescoping one and use it all the time. For smaller boats, they're even good for fending off a dock or another boat if you're moving slowly. It's a good tool to allow someone to help while keeping their hands from getting crushed. Give them the hook and the looped end of a line and have them lasso the dock cleat as you approach.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Do the nerves ever go away? LOL

i have these nerves too, i don't think they will go away:facepalm: mine start when towing thru traffic the miles of construction zone with concrete walls on ether side and big trucks passing, then after that white knuckle ride the road to the launch is narrow hilly and switchback curves, i stop to remove straps, install plug, etc before going to the ramp then back it down, unhook safety chain, crank boat into water, then i float it off to the side out of the way, and leave the wife hold the bow line like dog leash while i go park the trailer, she wants to help and this keeps her out of trouble. i come back send her to the dock i climb on from the bank start her up and go pick up passengers at the dock, i dont have issues running the boat, my issues are everyone else so i try to keep them from hurting themselves, then underway she's tellin me look at this and look at that, i dont want to make her mad but feel like snapping im looking for logs, rocks, shallows, other boats and those darn jet skis are everywhere and you cant guess which way they turn next, no logical pattern in their manuverings. then to top it off if i do have to make any evasive manuvers i have to look what shes doing or hear her yell when she falls or bumps into something as shes up walkin around getting in the cooler enjoying the scenery totally oblivious to all these hazards around us, i let off the throttle and she crashes forward starts in on me and im like no wake zone or tuber down in front of me had no where to go but bounce over some wakes and she spilled her beer, and i cant even have any im the driver, no, i dont think these nerves are going away, maybe lessen if i could be off work and go on a weekday when there is less other folks to worry about, last sunday it was so busy i just anchored accross from the launch waiting for the cluster to thin out, got to watch this young guy showin off come into the no wake zone with his jet drive up thru hull exhaust revvin his v 8 runnin in circles actin the idiot went to pwer onto his trailer went sideways across the trailer, everyone clapped whistled and cheered, as his buddies pushed him back in the water so he could try again, so i wasnt the only one who was thinki what an idiot i think i might sit and watch the launch now it seemed entertaining, i thin dem peoples drunk oer thar

Now I have the nerves, from that post

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Do the nerves ever go away? LOL

I'm curious how many use these hooks? Where is the best place to buy them? I usually don't have any trouble but them might be nice for a windy day.

keep one in every boat, also a paddle and on the eastern shore, a shove pole. find one that fits in the rod holder, along side the seats, etc. Also good for picking up floating treasure and gaffing the children or dog if they fall over (ever notice the loops on the back of small life vests?)

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Do the nerves ever go away? LOL

This is how I train my kids. When they are driving I randomly through a cushion overboard. They have to be able to turn around, motor back and put the boat where they can pick up the cushion from the helm while NOT moving. If they are still moving or hit the cushion with the boat they lose!

My daughter could dock the boat like a pro by the time she was 12.

I also reach back and unhook the gas line on them; let them trouble shoot it.

My children are also great boaters. I never understand the people who don't get the children involved in running the boats--they are the ones who wonder why their children, when they become teenagers, don't want to go boating.

Let a 5-6 year old stand in front of you and "drive" and they are hooked.

 

[gtochris]

Re: Do the nerves ever go away? LOL

Something Not mentioned:

If you are using the same dock all the time (not towing the boat), set it up, adjust your lines, I tie the bumpers to the dock since it is easier then stowing them on the boat everytime... That way- I pull in, loop the lines that are pre-tied to the dock through my cleats and I'm done.

With a small bowrider like yours- no one should really need to even get out in order to tie up.

 

[spoilsofwar]

Re: Do the nerves ever go away? LOL

i have these nerves too, i don't think they will go away:facepalm: mine start when towing thru traffic the miles of construction zone with concrete walls on ether side and big trucks passing, then after that white knuckle ride the road to the launch is narrow hilly and switchback curves, i stop to remove straps, install plug, etc before going to the ramp then back it down, unhook safety chain, crank boat into water, then i float it off to the side out of the way, and leave the wife hold the bow line like dog leash while i go park the trailer, she wants to help and this keeps her out of trouble. i come back send her to the dock i climb on from the bank start her up and go pick up passengers at the dock, i dont have issues running the boat, my issues are everyone else so i try to keep them from hurting themselves, then underway she's tellin me look at this and look at that, i dont want to make her mad but feel like snapping im looking for logs, rocks, shallows, other boats and those darn jet skis are everywhere and you cant guess which way they turn next, no logical pattern in their manuverings. then to top it off if i do have to make any evasive manuvers i have to look what shes doing or hear her yell when she falls or bumps into something as shes up walkin around getting in the cooler enjoying the scenery totally oblivious to all these hazards around us, i let off the throttle and she crashes forward starts in on me and im like no wake zone or tuber down in front of me had no where to go but bounce over some wakes and she spilled her beer, and i cant even have any im the driver, no, i dont think these nerves are going away, maybe lessen if i could be off work and go on a weekday when there is less other folks to worry about, last sunday it was so busy i just anchored accross from the launch waiting for the cluster to thin out, got to watch this young guy showin off come into the no wake zone with his jet drive up thru hull exhaust revvin his v 8 runnin in circles actin the idiot went to pwer onto his trailer went sideways across the trailer, everyone clapped whistled and cheered, as his buddies pushed him back in the water so he could try again, so i wasnt the only one who was thinki what an idiot i think i might sit and watch the launch now it seemed entertaining, i thin dem peoples drunk oer thar

Wow. Your blood pressure must be sky high...

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Do the nerves ever go away? LOL

As a beginning boater, I share your nerves about docking. I find a boat hook invaluable, especially when I'm trying to dock by myself. I have a collapsible aluminum hook, and I really wish it was not collapsible. It has a tendency to slip (e.g., lengthen when trying to use the hook to pull against a cleat) at the worst times. Maybe it's just not a good one, but it really is a a pain. A solid hook would be much better, IMHO. I am going to drill a hole in mine and put a pin through it, so won't telescope any more. I'd much rather have a shorter hook that's solid than a long hook that slips when I don't need it to...

Of course, getting more proficient at docking is the solution, but that seems to take time and practice, and in the meantime, I'd like to be able to get in and out docks without any additional stress.