How to get boat into slip

[pk8183]

Ok...I apologize in advance for my newbie question..but everyone has to start somewhere!

We bought a boat last fall and rented a slip and installed a lift this spring. we have been out a few times since the weather is starting to warm up.

Getting out of the the slip is easy...but we are having a heck of a time getting it in once we are done. I am almost embarrassed to say this, but it is a 8'6" beam in a 14' slip.

This is our first boat so we are trying to get it figured out.

We have tried to make a gradual turn in with very little power, but the stern ends up swinging to far around and we end up sideways.

The is another dock across from us, it is is not possible to really line it up and go...

any advice?

TIA:redface:

 

[steelespike]

Re: How to get boat into slip

A number of things come to mind you need to anticipate straightening out
before it swings too far.
you can also just touch reverse to stop the swing without steering
straighten and drive in.. As you swing in you could turn in the opposite direction quickly to stop the swing and steer in.If you need to slow the swing but still turn just put it in neutral momentarily. If you pad the slip you can gently nudge it to the side of the slip and let the slip guide you till you get the hang of it.Find a place where you can turn into an imaginary slip and practice manuvers to control the swing. Practice various operations reversing, steering.anticipating the boats motions.I used to back a 6ft wide antique 25ft inboard runabout into an 8ft slip and these boats have almost no steering in reverse.You'll get it just practice.

 

[marine4003]

Re: How to get boat into slip

Its a tricky deal alright..but what i do with my 32' Scarab, is gently lay bow against the guide pole..port or starboard depending on current & wind,what i want is to lay port against pole if current is pushing me from my starboard side, so port bow against pole enough gas to keep me almost stationary,then throttle up turning into the lift, i have my bunks slightly angled deeper in rear,poles marked w/ electrical tape to correspond with depth.it takes practice,do it alot on calm windless days until you get the system. Or if no wind or current. hold boat stationary outside of lift..drive in,tap reverse at 1/2 way,i also ran rope from rear guide pole to front guide pole so crew can grab and hold me in place on real nasty days..Practice makes perfect. Good Luck.

 

[Mark42]

Re: How to get boat into slip

An extendable boat hook helps. Lets you grap ahold of pilings, keep you from bumping and banging into other boats.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: How to get boat into slip

practice make perfect.

 

[TriadSteeler]

Re: How to get boat into slip

When you are practicing, think about a toy boat in a pool and imagine that you have to do the same thing with the toy boat but you can't grab the boat and manouever it, but gently tap it in different spots with your finger to get it moving in the correct manner.

Now on your boat, apply the same principle. Keep the boat in neutral and "tap" it with the throttle to nudge it into place just like your fingers tap on the toy boat. Different positions of the wheel and whether you nudge forward or aft (If you have a rudder it is somewhat different) will nudge you in a different direction. You never want to come into a slip "under power" Also, Going in the opposite direction are the only brakes you have.

Get a feel for what happens to the stern of your boat when you turn the wheel hard over in either direction and you tap reverse. Once you master the wheel positions and fwd-reverse and what it does, you'll be able to pull that thing into a 9' wide slip.

 

[BamaAlum97]

Re: How to get boat into slip

Invest in some quality fenders and dock pads...and practice, practice, practice...all of the instruction in the world will not make up for experience.

Good luck to you...you'll have it down before you know it.

 

[zach103]

Re: How to get boat into slip

take all the ways that the guys have said so far put it all together and there you go.. take it easy.. no need to rush it when you come in.. but like td says best thing you can do is practice practice practice

 

[Intuition Gloucester]

Re: How to get boat into slip

http://www.uspowerboating.com/videos/docking-a_wmv1.htm

This helped me.....the reverse thing at the end really works. No power, just at idle.

Try this docking simulator also. Fun and frustrating. Just like the real thing.

http://spot.pcc.edu/~mtrigobo/docksim/

 

[HighTrim]

Re: How to get boat into slip

My slip is extremely tight, with a couple pretty expensive boats on either side, so I usually do not let the wife practise

The key is to go slow, and make a 3 point turn, as you would in a car. Aim the front of your boat at the far corner of the slip until you are about 5' away with the wheel turned in towards your slip, (again, you are doing this at just above idle), reverse while turning the wheel the opposite way a couple feet to straighten out, then forward straight ahead into the slip, letting momentum pretty much carry you in after a slight burst. An extendable boat hook is good as stated. It is also nice if you have friendly neighbours to grab a hold of you as you glide in. If you do it for them, they will do it for you.

 

[oursanity]

Re: How to get boat into slip

Only approach the dock as fast as you are willing to hit it...motors tend to stall at the most inappropriate times.