Docking Advice

Q

qfaison

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Joined
Oct 23, 2005
RO Number
19379
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2
I have been running a single screw 29 footer for the past year and I am ok with docking in most situation. I have a friend who just bought a 35 footer, twin screws and I plan on helping him back to the marina. Any instructions on backing in twin screws. My understanding is that it is easier and I only need to utilize the engines and not the steering wheels. Any advice out there
 
Huge difference between a single screw and twin inboards. First off, you wont need your rudder around the docks, just make sure they are amidship (centered). try and remember a shopping cart, if you push on the cart handle from the left side the cart will go to starboard, push the right side and the cart goes to port, same on a boat, left throttle forward and bow goes to starboard, right throttle forward and the bow will go to port. To make a 360 degree turn, put one engine in forward and one in reverse, the boat should spin on its pivot point. Backing in is similar, you need to get a feel for it, practice in open water and you will see how she reacts to diffrent positions. While backing go slow, in and out of gear, correct any direction by adding forward gear shift to the dirrection you want the bow to go. Left for startboard and right for port. You will get the hang of it, just go slow! The easiest way to back in is to stop across the dock, then spin the boat left or right usubg one forward engine and one in reverse, stop when you are in line to back in and put both in reverse, remember slow, and bump them out of gear when you make way ini reverse. Bump them forward to stop the boat. Hope this helps, good luck! Let us know how you make out.
 
Thanks Captain Pat. Do you think twin screws are easier or harder than one?
 
twin engine boats are very easy to handle.. you dont' say if it's a stern drive or inboard. Inboards are easier because the props are larger and hve more "bite".

using the shifters is very intuitive, shopping cart explanation is the best one.

but dont' dismiss using rudders (or stern drive), they're another tool in the box and really come in handy.

when reversing you have a lot of control over the exact location of your stern. a little in fwd on one engine will slide the stern way as you back in. with little experience and a twin you can really back a boat in a slip just a few inches wider than the boat itself.
 
Good advise above, just want to add in windy conditions or moving currents, dont hesitate to let the boat lean against a post while turning (Backing)into the slip. I think we have all done it now and then.
 
Much easier with twins. A single screw will back to port every time (right handed props)so you need to put a little right rudder in order for the boat to back in relativly straight. It just takes a little practice backing in a twin screw, also easier if you keep the wind to stern while backing because your pivot point moves aft as you back. If you can find a large slip to pull in to, try each shifter to see what the boat does. There is also side force from the props that will move the stern in the direction the props are rotating. Starboard prop forward will push the stern to starboard and bow to port etc. Take your time and go slow and easy, it will come to you with practice. Good luck.
 
quote:
Originally posted by jmas

Good advise above, just want to add in windy conditions or moving currents, dont hesitate to let the boat lean against a post while turning (Backing)into the slip. I think we have all done it now and then.

Click to expand...


Doesn't hurt to have a couple of crew members ready to dance around and fend off the other boat either, right Joe?
:D
 
Brian, I wont go down any narrow canals without the old crew. Man, were they GOOD.
 
Just another thought
Remember slow is your friend, slower is even better.
AboutTime
 
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