docking

[torcano]

I will be docking my new 240 Searay Sundancer in a new marina this week. This is the first boat I have owned. I never paid much attention when I was on my friend's boat in the past and of course he had me to help grab the lines. I will need to back the boat into the slip.The slip has a floating finger dock on the port side and along the stern. There is a piling on the starboard side for the bowline. There is no piling on my port side. I will usually be alone on the boat. What is the best way to get a line secured when nobody is around? Should I leave a line cleated on the finger dock on the port side and try to pull it in with a boat hook? I understand that I should I should first secure the boat to the cleat amidship . In this configuration, is it ok to try to get a stern line on first? I'd like to have a plan in place before attempt to dock my new boat.
Thanks

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: docking

i have always left the lines secured to the dock, boat hook is great idea. be sure to use spring lines also off the finger dock. you will have to play it by ear, because of tides, current, and winds. don't get in a hurry. go ahead and scratch it, so you can enjoy the boat. get our partner dunk so the can puke on it for you, and christen it.

 

[torcano]

Re: docking

Sounds like a good advice. What is your experience with dock bumpers? Do you you think they are worthwhile?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: docking

definately, also ask the marina about the tide change heights. and be aware of the tide when you tie off.

 

[torcano]

Re: docking

If I understand it correctly, it should not be an issue with the cleats on the floating dock since the dock will rise and fall along with the boat. I assume my only concern is for the bow line which will be tied onto a piling. How high up the piling should it be tied? Should I put some nails under the line to keep from sliding down the piling?
Thanks

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: docking

good idea.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: docking

Torcano, You will want to apply power when docking against the current or wind, whichever is stronger. You will want to get close to the finger pier if you are docking from that side. Most folks will put the corner of the stern onto the finger pier or piling, apply enough power to keep it there, and use it's resistance to force the bow to swing out into the current or wind. When you are lined up into the slip, just gently power in.

Docking by yourself will be a challenge, in any wind or current situation. Another trick is to get the bow tied off to the piling, and then use the motor to force the stern against the finger piling. This really requires a mate. I recommend you get one, if your slip has wind or current.

 

[torcano]

Re: docking

Thanks Chris1956. Unfortunately my wife is not crazy about boating and I love being out the water. If I wait for her to be my mate, my boat will have cob webs all over it. Like everything else in life, I'll have to learn by trial and error. My marina is a full service marina and I assume if it really gets bad, I will have to call the dockmaster to send someone over to catch a line. The winds tomorrow are forecast for 5-10 MPH and I need to put it in the slip. There are not alot boats in their slips yet so hopefully the only thing I hurt will be my pride.
RK

 

[External Combustion]

Re: docking

When I single hand my 30 footer I run a 50 foot handling line from the bitt forward back amidship where the steering station is and also a 50 foot handling line from the stern to amidships. They are placed on the side that I will be tying to the wharf.

As I approach the wharf as soon as the bollard or cleat that will be furthest out in the water is passed, I take a boat hook and place the line over it. I then pay out the free end of the line until I am finished docking and then secure it. I then take the other and place it over the "inside" bollard, pull it tight and secure it. This leaves my vessle secured against the fenders and not dependant on engine power to hold it still while I need to do other things. I am quite nervous about walking away from the helm in a crowded area while the engine is engaged.

Since you are approaching stern first, that would have you pass the bow handling line over a cleat on the wharf's outside finger first. By paying out the line slowly, your boat will be pulled gently against the wharf. You can place the engine in neutral as soon as the bow line is around the cleat.

Make sure your lines are securely fastened to the boat and faked down so there is no chance of getting tangled or snagging you personally. When you leave the dock the lines should be faked down ready for use immediately. You never know when they might be needed without delay.

One advantage of tying up this way is that you can use either line as a spring line and back into the slip while turning. This can help when there is a strong cross wind or currrent.

 

[Neverhome]

Re: docking

If this was my first boat and first time docking, having to back in, I would definately call the dock master and have help sent down. The ten or twenty dollar tip will be money well spent and help insure you don't do damage to your boat, which will cost far more than the tip. I slip my boat on a tidal river that can run up to 5 MPH at full flow, have been there for 8 years, and still appreciate help from other boaters when trying to slip the boat. You will pick up how to do it after a while, but for the first time, don't be embarrased to get some help handling the lines.

Nevehome

 

[DrD]

Re: docking

I would recommend the Chapmans "Piloting, Seamanship, and Small Boat Handling" book. It has a whole section devoted to small boat docking, including spring lines, and torque effects of initial headway and sternway power. These tips make single handling the boat easier and more understandable.

Get things set up as far away from the dock as you can. Going in as slow as possible helps a lot since you can move ahead or astern until you get the boat aligned as needed. Like most things in life, with more experience the better you'll do.

-Dale-

 

[tomh59]

Re: docking

Always go out of you're way to help a fellow boater on the dock. They'll be quick to grab a dock line for you when the time comes. And it will. I know from experiance. Boaters have long
memories. Good luck with your new boat.

 

[torcano]

Re: docking

Thanks. All of your advice is well taken. It is comforting to know that my aprehension handlling a 5000 plus pound boat for the first time is appreciated. If the wind is blowing the flag, I think the wise thing will be to a more experienced person from the marina back it into the slip. I'll start my pratice when there is little or no wind. I was originally looking at a 28 foot boat with a 9'5' beam. I'm glad I chose the 24 footer with the 8'6" beam for starters.
RK

 

[Mike Robinson]

Re: docking

When I single hand my 30 footer I run a 50 foot handling line from the bitt forward back amidship where the steering station is and also a 50 foot handling line from the stern to amidships. They are placed on the side that I will be tying to the wharf.

As I approach the wharf as soon as the bollard or cleat that will be furthest out in the water is passed, I take a boat hook and place the line over it. I then pay out the free end of the line until I am finished docking and then secure it. I then take the other and place it over the "inside" bollard, pull it tight and secure it. This leaves my vessle secured against the fenders and not dependant on engine power to hold it still while I need to do other things. I am quite nervous about walking away from the helm in a crowded area while the engine is engaged.

Since you are approaching stern first, that would have you pass the bow handling line over a cleat on the wharf's outside finger first. By paying out the line slowly, your boat will be pulled gently against the wharf. You can place the engine in neutral as soon as the bow line is around the cleat.

Make sure your lines are securely fastened to the boat and faked down so there is no chance of getting tangled or snagging you personally. When you leave the dock the lines should be faked down ready for use immediately. You never know when they might be needed without delay.

One advantage of tying up this way is that you can use either line as a spring line and back into the slip while turning. This can help when there is a strong cross wind or currrent.

External combustion you must have been a seafarer in a past life, knowing the differernce between a bitt & a bollard and faking a line! I'm impressed!

 

[erikgreen]

Re: docking

The man drives a steam powered boat... I wouldn't be surprised if he knows the correct jargon to order viking crewmen to row faster

 

[torcano]

Re: docking

The wind was blowing out of the northeast at 15 mph today. Docking by myself would have been impossibile. Fortunately, the guy who hauled my boat was an ex merchant marine and an experienced boater. Between the two of us, my boat is now safely tied down in her new slip. It was hard work even for the two of us. Thanks to all of you who offered your advice. Neverhome, you were right. The $25 tip I gave the hauler was well worth it.

 

[External Combustion]

Re: docking

For ericgreen:

"Row faster you fools! The wenches are getting away with our mead!"

Thanks fellas. I was a rag sailor before my steamboat was finished. Great grandad was a sailing master and kept me out of trouble by having me name all of the lines and parts of his ship models. Kind of like washing a hog, a never ending supply of entertainment!

Rag sailing also taught me docking and loading without power. It was a good education, but oh so slow getting to the fishing grounds. When Dad let me have the family fishing boat with the 7 1/2 hp Scott Atwater I was in heaven. I took it to the rivers and have never looked back.

I do not have much salt water experience and somewhat envy those of you who do. I am looking forward to getting more time in the ocean.

 

[BamaAlum97]

Re: docking

As a fairly new boater myself, I have found that the majority of experienced boaters are more than willing to offer advice and a lending hand. Tips are nice...but if you really want to pay them back, help out the newbies once you are more experienced.