Dockside Chat - I can't dock my boat to save my life

There, I said it. I feel much better.

Everyone has good days and bad days. I love it when the ones that think there pro's slam a dock. Kinda wonder why they didn't think there were human to start with.
Do a lot of fresh water fishing so have the throw over marker and set up a course for the GF several years ago by out dock and she practiced for months in every wind direction and its fun when your enjoying it and learning at the same time. Slow is the key but don't be scared to use your power.
Don't let it get you down. Lot of the seasoned Vetts on THT know more about docking a keyboard than their boat.. LOL
Welcome aboard. .......

There, I said it. I feel much better.

You certainly aren't alone in that catagory. I almost quit boating some years ago because no matter what I did, I couldn't make that boat go into that hole!

I hired a guy for 4 hours and the rest was a piece of cake.

no one bats 1000 but practice certainly helps. if you have a twin engine boat try it on one engine (on a calm early morning when no one is around) a few times and after that it will be easy with two. the other trick is dont aim for perfection...aim for getting it in the slip one way or the other. rub rails and pilings are your friends. figure out the windage and current before you start ...not during.

As mentioned....practice helps. And don't be afraid to use reverse, your steering wheel, and your rub rails when needed.

Yep, unless there is no wind at all I always tell the crew which pile we are going to be up against going into the slip. Even though they are used to it by now it is a good habit as it reminds them that using the piles is normal (and in fact sometimes planned) and not to be putting themselves in harms way - it also is a good idea when you have guests on board who will try to push you off thinking they are helping.

Also in my particular situation (and I believe this will be true for most) you are much better off with the wind on your bow when turning to back into a slip. that way the wind helps push your bow around and you can more easily time your reverse. In my case having any wind above 15 knots on my stern is a PITA because it means that I have to goose her more to get the bow around and it can also push me past the dock when I start to become beam on. So if you have a stiff wind behind you, you should consider going past your dock, spinning, and coming up from the other direction rather than always feeling that you have to do it right from the entry point.

Also if you make your turn and are not comfortable then re-set rather than forcing it. So what if it takes two or three approaches? Those on the dock will be standing ready to help rather than have fun at your expense - because trust me as boaters they understand.

Good luck.

I still can't dock after almost 45 years of boating, next boat will have a bow thruster. I just blame the crew.


just kidding...................

You mean I'm not the only one?

You should've seen me when I had a dinghy sailboat. It got so bad some days, I actually lowered the sail and paddled in!

Join the club. All I have is an 18' CC flats boat but that flat bottom can making docking and especially loading up kind of tricky. There are days I slide up to the dock like a pro or get it up on the trailer like it was laser guided and other days can't get anything right. The wind and/or a stiff breeze make it that much more fun.

... no matter what I did, I couldn't make that boat go into that hole!



Did you try putting some fur around it???

Sold my twin screw 33' flybridge last fall and now have a little 16' whaler till the next boat comes - no troubles docking the big boat. Just made a fool of myself trying to dock the whaler! ;?

Yesterday, I had to jump over my bowrail onto the wharf of my slip that I always pull into. I'm so ashamed.

THT Admins: if I get kicked off THT, I fully understand...

Yesterday, I had to jump over my bowrail onto the wharf of my slip that I always pull into. I'm so ashamed.

THT Admins: if I get kicked off THT, I fully understand...

WOW! I'm having a hard time envisioning that..... I will say though, it's MUCH more difficult to dock when you aren't on the boat.....
Certainly nothing to be ashamed of. It takes time to learn... Then more time, then a little more time, then you get to the point when your dockmates don't all come running when you enter the harbor to make sure you don't ram their boat. The most common errors I see when folks are trying to learn docking is that they always think they have to be doing something (hands and arms flailing, WOT in reverse for .3 seconds, stuff flying everywhere etc.). That is by far the worst thing to do. Go slow, neutral is your friend, see what the conditions are doing to the boat while you approach, bumping the boat in and out of gear is a great idea during approach to lose some of that kinetic energy built up. Have a plan, and only go as fast as you're willing to hit something. I promise you it will get easier if you spend time learning how your boat likes to dock. Don't give up!

THT Admins: if I get kicked off THT, I fully understand...


Wouldn't be much of a support group if nobody needed support, would it? :grin:

I am a bit lucky as I am in a narrow deep inlet with ridges on both sides so wind is never an issue. It is a little tight but without the wind to worry about it is fairly manageable. Although a few years ago my old mercruiser would cut out at idle when going from fw to neutral. So I would be coming into the slip and bam the engine dies. I would scramble to get it started so I could put her in reverse before the bow hit the sea wall.

biggest rule is go slow, and plan 2-3 steps ahead. I don't know what size boat your are running but being on the dock is not going to help you dock the boat. if your parking bow first stop your boat prior to going in so you have full control of your speed. If you are coming side to dock, stem the current. Drive bow into the current at an angle to the dock. the force of the current will slow you down and then just bump it in and out of gear. If your backing down on your slip you need to plan ahead for wind and current drift, if your running outboards or outdrives this is not an issue because you have complete control of the boat and your steering is much better. If your doing this on a single rudder boat it is going to take some time to learn the swing.

Once you have the swing down it really is no big deal. I ran a single 53 with no thruster rudder boat, and we backed down into a slip with 2in clearance on each side. There was pucker factor on windy days but on normal days it was no issues whatsoever. Go slow, take your time, if you don't like your approach wave off and come around again.

Don't be a hero and try to stick your first landing, approach is the key.. Once you figure out where the wind and current is going to take you back up and start your approach again. If your going slow you will beable to change course pretty fast if need be, where as if your coming in hot you will lose reaction time, and lose time to correct the issue

The more you stress out, the harder it is. Keep calm and go slow. First time I tried docking my current boat I looked like a complete jackass. Ok, maybe more than the first time, but, now it's usually no problem. We all have our moments. It's always nice to back it in and people ask if it's a single screw I/B and shocked I get it in.

Many people start sweating when the wind is blowing,but you need to use it to your advantage every time,the current too. When you learn how to use mother nature to help dock your boat,it becomes a snap. Keep your nerves down and then you can think clearly.

I was docking a 46 footer at 15 years old with my father making me nervous as hell. He would actually leave the bridge with me alone up there,barking out commands from the cockpit,I never hit one thing.

Don't let it get you down. Lot of the seasoned Vets on THT know more about docking a keyboard than their boat.. LOL


Welcome aboard. .......


So very very true :)

And many days I feel like I am part of that group :)

biggest rule is go slow, and plan 2-3 steps ahead. I don't know what size boat your are running but being on the dock is not going to help you dock the boat. if your parking bow first stop your boat prior to going in so you have full control of your speed. If you are coming side to dock, stem the current. Drive bow into the current at an angle to the dock. the force of the current will slow you down and then just bump it in and out of gear. If your backing down on your slip you need to plan ahead for wind and current drift, if your running outboards or outdrives this is not an issue because you have complete control of the boat and your steering is much better. If your doing this on a single rudder boat it is going to take some time to learn the swing.

Once you have the swing down it really is no big deal. I ran a single 53 with no thruster rudder boat, and we backed down into a slip with 2in clearance on each side. There was pucker factor on windy days but on normal days it was no issues whatsoever. Go slow, take your time, if you don't like your approach wave off and come around again.

Don't be a hero and try to stick your first landing, approach is the key.. Once you figure out where the wind and current is going to take you back up and start your approach again. If your going slow you will beable to change course pretty fast if need be, where as if your coming in hot you will lose reaction time, and lose time to correct the issue
Excellent advice, but with a strong current or wind, judicious and aggressive use of throttle (Palm Beach style) will deftly resolve both, every time.
"Steerage" is the operant word. If you are stopped or moving slowly, you are at the mercy of both current and wind. With a bit of speed, you possess inertia, as well as rudder response. With practice, the effects of wind and current become moot and docking becomes a non event.
Best of luck!
Rick.

You will enjoy boating so much more if you don't have to worry about docking.. I have 2 tips:

1. Hire someone to teach you the right way. It will take a few hours of instructions, then you will be confident and not worry.

2. Some slips are much harder than others. My current slip is fantastic. I have plenty of room to maneuver, there is very little current and usually wind isn't bad. Never have problems and my son can dock it easily by himself.. but my last slip was tough. Had to make 2 90 degree turns in close quarters into a narrow slip just wide enough for my boat with no room for error. My son didn''t even want to attempt it. Tell your dockmaster you are having problems and see if he can move you to an easier slip

Buy a Plate Alloy boat and Hammer down....

If it's a trailer boat get some tough guide on rails and.......Hammer down.

Oh, if your a Out Board powered boat , be sure to trim your Motor up some so if you have to hit reverse your thrust will be pushed UNDER the hull and not into it, this makes backing up a piece of cake.

I consider my boat docking skills as a controlled crash. :grin:

OK, OK I'll come over and take you out whenever you need. You don't have to twist my arm anymore.

If I can't dock any better then you I'll buy the drinks.

All I can hear is my dad yelling at me for jumping over his bowrail onto the wharf when I was a kid.

Well I'm giving up my manhood and going out and ordering a chi-chi or some other fruity cocktail.

There, I said it. I feel much better.Practice, practice, practice, but make sure you have fun and don't practice near someone's boat.

Forum Name: Heeerefishyfishy....................Thats funny :thumbsup:

I consider my boat docking skills as a controlled crash. :grin:

Just like landing a plane.

There, I said it. I feel much better.

At one point he had his 65 hatteras leaning over washing water into the cockpit of the boat in the next dock, when he asked a mate on the dock if he thought he could do better. The mate said he could, proved it and was employed immediatly. He later bought yachts over a 100 feet and always had a paid captain. He could drive the boat and his business but he couldnt dock his boat or his business.

OK, OK I'll come over and take you out whenever you need. You don't have to twist my arm anymore.

If I can't dock any better then you I'll buy the drinks.

I say all of us go over and give it a try. Every time one of us screws up we have to provide a round of drinks for the group.
We shouldn't damage your boat, pilings or the neighbors boats......too bad:o

I consider my boat docking skills as a controlled crash. :grin:

:grin:I love it.:thumbsup:

Check out some of these.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw8F_GyUBYU

This wouldn't be a "boat docking" thread without this one for all to enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eS_ec1jYH-M&feature=related

Never approach the dock faster than you want to hit it.
:grin:

I was not going to comment on this because I was perfect at docking my ex commercial boat with twin screws all I had to do is hit the hole between the post where my dock was no big, add a little wind, wow Pacific North West I could not hit it right at anytime to save my life. Bounce off that pole ricochet into my slip and I did this almost everyday. This was my biggest fear not the Pacific Ocean heading out over the bar through the Jaws. I have seen big water as I would disappear in the swell, the boat is in my signature and I have taken a wave over the cabin. I could get out of my slip ok, I guess it was too slippery when wet to get it back in ;)

For outboard powered boat , be sure to trim your Motor up some so if you have to hit reverse your thrust will be pushed UNDER the hull and not into it, this makes backing up a piece of cake.

never thought about it but this makes sense. i'll give it a try.

Check out some of these.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw8F_GyUBYU

This wouldn't be a "boat docking" thread without this one for all to enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eS_ec1jYH-M&feature=related

My wife and I were laughing so hard at those. They were great. Thanks.

The last one should be mandatory for every boater.

Jeff

And of course the best docking job ever..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIxQxr8sRJk

Not hitting the pilings is a direct slap in the face of the man who invented the rubrail. I was raised better then that. I would not treat anyone with such contempt.

I second trim up high when docking - sorta evens out the grab difference between forward and reverse on OBs

Don't sweat it. I'm usually pretty good docking my boat.....until this weekend when I had friends down to fish. Besides their sea sickness it took me three passes to get the boat in. X2 for everyone who says to go slow. if you panic and start hitting the throttles hard it just multiplies every mistake you make. to make things worse the third time my younger brother took over and backed it in flawlessly:banghead: it happens

It also helps to have some semi-competent people on board who can assist without having to be told what to do. Things like being able to throw a dock line, grab the boat hook, or just get in a position where they can fend off other boats, obstacles, etc.
I find that I have the most problems when I don't have anyone that can do anything to help and it increases the stress level.

It also helps to have some semi-competent people on board who can assist without having to be told what to do. Things like being able to throw a dock line, grab the boat hook, or just get in a position where they can fend off other boats, obstacles, etc.
I find that I have the most problems when I don't have anyone that can do anything to help and it increases the stress level.

It is best to tell people what to do and what not to do well in advance of docking. Worst thing is to wait till the last minute and start yelling commands. If I have someone on board who is not experienced I prefer they do nothing, sometimes doing something messes you up more (like pushing off a piling to hard and getting you diagonal in your slip). I usually tell people to just stay quiet, don't move around too much, don't grab the pilings or another boat (you could get hurt), and don't block my view.

I got only one person, my brother, who is allowed to help with docking. Yelling is not allowed even if I totally screw up and whack something that's going to put a dent in my checkbook.

I would prefer if no one did anything. If I screw up it's my fault anyway, not someone elses for not bailing me out.

If you give people jobs during docking, especially with a good wind/current your just asking for something that resembles Coxies Army when your done.

Not knowing how to dock will make your boating less fun. Get some help like I did and expect to screw up. We all do.

38 ft, twin detroits, 2/3 am, blood alcohol of 4 thousand, 6 not current, about 2 feet to spare between bow and stern neighbors........ done it many, many times without incident. You have to stay on your boat enough until the boat starts to feel small, when your boat starts to feel small, even in tight situations, you've mastered it.

But with that said, I'm a twin stick boat operator, give me 4 sticks and I'm like a monkey fuggin a football.

I agree - I do everthing myself and just go slow and the crew has only one job to push me off the boat nearest them - IF I ask them to - my new slip is at the end of the pier so its almost impossible to miss - no finger on one side. The Carver is twin screw inboards and that is almost a no brainer once you get the hang of steering with the shifters and leave the wheel alone.

Sometimes its better if you have a close slipmate as you just get your stern near his bow or midship, cut the engines and walk your self in using his rails.

I am actually pretty good if I do say myself only on very very windy days to I ever have to use a off idle throttle.

And don't be afraid to just move away safely and start all over again...

Years ago I was told by some of the best "If in danger or in doubt, kick her in the ass and she'll pull you out". Sometimes you have to be aggressive docking a boat. "Tentative" isn't an option. Just my lil' ol' .02.

Hang in there, you'll get the hang of it. My boat is a pain in the ass to back in a slip when there is even a light wind. It hates to turn left in reverse. You have to scope out the situation "before" you commit. Wind direction, tide, and as others have said, don't be afraid to use the pilings. And under 95% of the circumstances, I never approach a dock faster than I can afford to hit it.

Everyone has good days and bad days. I love it when the ones that think there pro's slam a dock. Kinda wonder why they didn't think there were human to start with.
Do a lot of fresh water fishing so have the throw over marker and set up a course for the GF several years ago by out dock and she practiced for months in every wind direction and its fun when your enjoying it and learning at the same time. Slow is the key but don't be scared to use your power.
Don't let it get you down. Lot of the seasoned Vetts on THT know more about docking a keyboard than their boat.. LOL
Welcome aboard. .......
I know I ain't a pro but I do know that if I didn't slam the dock sometimes I wouldn't get there.:grin::grin::grin:

I thought it was going to be a big bragging thing about the rubrail never touching anything. Also thought we would hear the guys that back into a dock with a wave 1 ft high and everyone on the dock hoping it shifts into forward before the cockpit is under the dock.Seen this more then once with the Young hot shot Sport fish capts. They always seem to blame it on the transmision.

IMO, Biggest help is having people who know to step off the boat with dock lines in hand (secured to cleats) as soon as they can safely do so. They then use the dock lines to assist you in stopping and positioning. I love watching people try to bear hug pilings while the captain is rocking the throttle back and forth because no one is helping. If it’s a larger boat and one person assisting, they should secure the spring line and then secure the bow if no bow thruster. The stern can always be controlled and repositioned. My 2 cents

This is how I do it;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXWiMMSg4ZI&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I69eg1P42Dk

http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxJwTcu93qo&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQQdKXWnNRY&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdI3-LHiCng&feature=fvw














I wish:Q

Chesapeake Bay Watermen, there's nothing better!





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It sound like you need a thruster to help your days out on the water.

It sound like you need a thruster to help your days out on the water.

You are responding to a post nearly 2 yr's old

I gotta say, I can put my 25' sterndrive boat anywhere I want, but when I had my straight inboard single I had a heck of a time.

Did you try putting some fur around it???

Fur? Like wool? :o

Boating Rule 1: Never approach a dock faster than you are willing to hit it.

Boating Rule 2: Don't drive where birds are walking.....

A six pack just before docking seems to make it much easier.

A six pack just before docking seems to make it much easier.

Also remember to squeeze off a few warning shots from your Glock and/or shotgun to scare away any onlookers who might make fun of you. Cuts down on your stress level...

Join the club. All I have is an 18' CC flats boat but that flat bottom can making docking and especially loading up kind of tricky. There are days I slide up to the dock like a pro or get it up on the trailer like it was laser guided and other days can't get anything right. The wind and/or a stiff breeze make it that much more fun.

This is exactly my scenario. 18' CC flat bottomed skiff. Just a touch of wind and that bitch is almost 90* to the dock or trailer. :banghead:

I consider my boat docking skills as a controlled crash. :grin:

ALL dockings of a boat are a controlled crash!!! :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Rubrails and fenders are there for a reason, dont be ashamed to use them.

Gosh you all are such cry babies!!!!! I have owned the same boat now going on 5 yrs and can dock in any wind, any wind direction, and any tides, PERIOD!!!!

It's called PRATICE......................
















OH, I almost forgot to mention the most important thing about being successfully at docking your boat. Owning a 15ft boat really helps. :grin::grin::grin::grin::grin::grin::grin::grin:

I can usually get the boat slipped on the first try or at most the second. But I visit some very tight marinas and there have been some close calls when trying to back out of the slip on windy days. Forward into the dock is no problem, it's reverse and the lack of controll in reverse that really throws me for a loop. And that's with a single I/O. I can't imagine having to do it with a single inboard.

Fur? Like wool? :o

Nhaaaa...


.

At least you admit it. There are so many folks who think they know everything and they don't. I worked at a marina for a summer and had no experience or confidence with twin engine boats but with practice and help from season guys I got it down, some attempts were better than others :) Go practice on a weekday for a few hours or hire a guy to help you like others have suggested. Everyone makes mistakes so no worries:) When I was learning to back down a trailer, dad took me down to the marina put the boat in the water pulled the trailer out got out and said have it...that was a longgg afternoon by the end of the day I had an audience just laughing. life lessons from dad:) But i learned to back a trailer down.

i cant either, doesnt bother me a bit
that's why i got an aluminum boat, i can just bang my way in!

no one bats 1000 but practice certainly helps. if you have a twin engine boat try it on one engine (on a calm early morning when no one is around) a few times and after that it will be easy with two. the other trick is dont aim for perfection...aim for getting it in the slip one way or the other. rub rails and pilings are your friends. figure out the windage and current before you start ...not during.

I agree with most of what you said except "Don't aim for perfection" That may get you in the hole but you may not ever improve. I used to think that way and became lazy and never got better.

I believe in the opposite. I aim for perfection every time (not that I achieve it) but when I don't achieve it, it makes me more aware of why and what I did wrong.

Not hitting the pilings is a direct slap in the face of the man who invented the rubrail. I was raised better then that. I would not treat anyone with such contempt.

My philosophy as well. It's called a RUBrail for a reason.

When i was younger and was on a single inboard, the torque gave me fits. I would get close and grab a line and pull myself in. ( if i bumped it was ok, it was my Daddy's boat.)

I couldn't dock a boat for sh*t until a licensed captain spent 4 hours teaching me on a nice windy day. Now it's a snap. That was the best 4 hours of instruction I ever had.

all i can say is approach slowly and practice.