Please help a new Sea Ray Owner

[wengerda]

I purchased a new Sea Ray 185 Sports. I am looking for someone that can provide me with basic training in docking the boat, still have problem getting to the pier etc. My boat stores in Goose Bay Marina in Welcome MD. Is anyone can provide me some training, I think an hour max of your valuable time in a weekend will be enough. I am available this Sunday if interested. I will really appreciate all your support. Thanks.

 

[katricol]

I'm too far away.....but I have to believe if you make some friends at a marina you will get loads of help. good luck

 

[Banagy]

I wold help but to far away. Practice very slow and you will get the hang.

 

[Kay Lee]

Ditto on the "very slow." Three pieces of advice I have is: above all don't panic, that's when worse mistakes are made; momentarily put the boat in gear when manuevering around docks unless you need more thrust to overcome wind or current; remember that boats steer from the rear not from the front like a car.

Larry

 

[skolbe]

I think a few keys to docking a boat are - neutral can be your friend, but once you start to dock and things are on track - remain committed to docking - don't panic. The other big factor is you have to be able to relax and stay focused - until it becomes second nature. I would ask your dealership if they would share an experienced employee - within an hour and with some practice - you will be in good shape.

 

[MaddyDean]

I think a few keys to docking a boat are - neutral can be your friend, but once you start to dock and things are on track - remain committed to docking - don't panic. The other big factor is you have to be able to relax and stay focused - until it becomes second nature. I would ask your dealership if they would share an experienced employee - within an hour and with some practice - you will be in good shape.

Ditto on this--Don't panic. I cannot tell you how many times people helping me would throw their hands up yelling, "what did you do, you had it, what the F is wrong with you."

You will get it.

 

[Tonka Boater]

The dealer should be more than happy to have an experienced person help train you with docking. Don't feel bad, docking takes a lot of practice and the more you do it, the better you will get. It will get a lot easier once you understand the basics and get the feel for your boat.

I will restate what everyone else already said: 1) Stay CALM. People overreact and over-correct under stress 2) Only use the gear when you needed, otherwise stay in neutral

I bought a book called "7 Steps to Successful Boat Docking" that did a good job of explaining the docking principals. A book like this along with practice and you will be an expert in no time.

http://www.amazon.com/7-Steps-Successful-Boat-Docking/dp/0971191131

 

[wengerda]

Thank you I really appreciate all the tips and techniques.

 

[jrm005]

From a newbie to a newbie. We just bought a 185 as well. I have found that docking is actually easier to learn then trailering. Like everyone said, go in slow, use the bump method. Bump it into gear (either forward or reverse) and then bump it back into neutral to get you going in the direction you need. Don't build up too much momentum. Our sales guy was great, he actually went out with us on 2 separate occasions to teach us different basics.