DouglasMB
New Member
ok please tell me that docking the boat will not be as difficult as the simulator....
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ok please tell me that docking the boat will not be as difficult as the simulator....
ok please tell me that docking the boat will not be as difficult as the simulator....
if you yell loud enough doesn't it act like a bow thruster :huh:
The suggestion to practice on a nice, calm, mid-week day is a good one. Spectators only add to the stress level. A couple of things to keep in mind.....
-there's no shame in taking a missed approach. Pilots do it all the time and it's much cheaper than fixing gelcoat.
-don't approach a dock any faster than you're willing to hit it.
-as you approach a dock/slip/fairway, see what the wind/current are doing and picture in your mind what effect they will have on your boat.
-If you plan your approach with the wind/current in mind, they can be your friend and make your docking easier.
-if you have a fairway to go down to get to your slip, use the full width of it....especially if there's a wind or current to contend with.
-as mentioned above, use only your shifters, not the wheel or throttles.
-as you approach your slip/fairway/dock, make sure your wheel is centered, then don't touch it.
-spend 90% of your time in neutral. Give the boat a command (by using the shifters sparingly), then give the boat a chance to respond.
-boats aren't like a car...they take time to respond to a change of direction command. Give them time to react and change direction.
-if you have guests on board, have them sit quietly while you're docking.
-your cell phone will ALWAYS ring at the worst possible time when you're docking....ignore it and questions from passengers. Don't let yourself get distracted.
-nobody jumps off the boat to the dock....people should STEP OFF only after the boat is alongside the dock and has stopped moving.
-take the time to get your lines and fenders set before you start docking.
-if you have a slip for the boat, keep your dock lines on the dock, already preadjusted for your boat.
-PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.....practice makes perfect.
The suggestion to practice on a nice, calm, mid-week day is a good one. Spectators only add to the stress level. A couple of things to keep in mind.....
-there's no shame in taking a missed approach. Pilots do it all the time and it's much cheaper than fixing gelcoat.
-don't approach a dock any faster than you're willing to hit it.
-as you approach a dock/slip/fairway, see what the wind/current are doing and picture in your mind what effect they will have on your boat.
-If you plan your approach with the wind/current in mind, they can be your friend and make your docking easier.
-if you have a fairway to go down to get to your slip, use the full width of it....especially if there's a wind or current to contend with.
-as mentioned above, use only your shifters, not the wheel or throttles.
-as you approach your slip/fairway/dock, make sure your wheel is centered, then don't touch it.
-spend 90% of your time in neutral. Give the boat a command (by using the shifters sparingly), then give the boat a chance to respond.
-boats aren't like a car...they take time to respond to a change of direction command. Give them time to react and change direction.
-if you have guests on board, have them sit quietly while you're docking.
-your cell phone will ALWAYS ring at the worst possible time when you're docking....ignore it and questions from passengers. Don't let yourself get distracted.
-nobody jumps off the boat to the dock....people should STEP OFF only after the boat is alongside the dock and has stopped moving.
-take the time to get your lines and fenders set before you start docking.
-if you have a slip for the boat, keep your dock lines on the dock, already preadjusted for your boat.
-PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.....practice makes perfect.
The suggestion to practice on a nice, calm, mid-week day is a good one. Spectators only add to the stress level. A couple of things to keep in mind.....
-there's no shame in taking a missed approach. Pilots do it all the time and it's much cheaper than fixing gelcoat.
-don't approach a dock any faster than you're willing to hit it.
-as you approach a dock/slip/fairway, see what the wind/current are doing and picture in your mind what effect they will have on your boat.
-If you plan your approach with the wind/current in mind, they can be your friend and make your docking easier.
-if you have a fairway to go down to get to your slip, use the full width of it....especially if there's a wind or current to contend with.
-as mentioned above, use only your shifters, not the wheel or throttles.
-as you approach your slip/fairway/dock, make sure your wheel is centered, then don't touch it.
-spend 90% of your time in neutral. Give the boat a command (by using the shifters sparingly), then give the boat a chance to respond.
-boats aren't like a car...they take time to respond to a change of direction command. Give them time to react and change direction.
-if you have guests on board, have them sit quietly while you're docking.
-your cell phone will ALWAYS ring at the worst possible time when you're docking....ignore it and questions from passengers. Don't let yourself get distracted.
-nobody jumps off the boat to the dock....people should STEP OFF only after the boat is alongside the dock and has stopped moving.
-take the time to get your lines and fenders set before you start docking.
-if you have a slip for the boat, keep your dock lines on the dock, already preadjusted for your boat.
-PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.....practice makes perfect.
GFC did a great job of explaining the procedure...
Never panic... it will only cause more problems
Only go as fast as you are willing to hit something
YOU have to drive the boat! Not the wind/current.
Never trust a dock hand to do what you expect them to do!
Don't yell at the admiral if she misses an upright. It is a two way street. The captain makes the 1st mate look good/ the 1st mate makes the captain look good.
Learn the lingo so you can explain what you want done in advance of getting in a tight spot. Never assume anything!
Take your time when you are learning how to drive. By owning a single then a twin screw the twins are magical once you learn to use them.
Keep us posted on your progress!:thumbsup: