Be honest, are you good .....

[Marcq]

At docking ?  :silent:
Marc..

[JoseGaspar]

I'd like to think I'm better than most only because my dad taught me at a young age how to work a trailer (boat, RV, etc..it doesn't matter).  Typically can be in water in less than a minute and out in under two.  Two things I've learned over the years.  1 - don't assume a nice boat = someone who knows what they are doing at the ramp.  2 - trust your mirrors.  

My biggest peeve at the ramp is the guy who backs down the ramp (while I'm waiting to get out or get in) and decides to load his gear on the boat while sitting on the ramp...come on people....load your gear before you get ready to drop her in.

JG

[seabob4]

Marc,
Do you mean like backing into a slip?  Slack tide, calm wind, protected marina, no prob.  Stiff wind, outgoing/incoming tide (read that current), un-protected?  A BITCH!  I'll just dock bow in, if you don't mind...and use my first mate to fend off!!

[gran398]

Yes, I'm pretty good. But not because I'm any better than anyone else. Was taught boat handling from a bunch of guys ( NC captains) in the 70's who were my age now (50's). Back when I was in my twenties. Was that last year?  

You've all seen the big boats when they come in to the dock. First and foremost, they are going SLOW. Real slow. The prudent Captain is judging the wind FIRST, tide second. Wind ALWAYS takes precedence over the tide.

Then, line her up, bump the engines as necessary, and EASE (back) her in. NO JUMPING on the dock. A crew JUMPING onto the dock, in any boat, from 16 to 60 feet...to 100 feet.....no good.

Shows inexperience. And also, shows the Captain has disregard for his crew. Most docking injuries occur when an arm/leg is caught between the boat/dock/piling, while under power. A nice day gone wrong. Quickly.

You don't need twin screws to properly dock your boat. Twin outboards are nice....but not necessary. If you guys take only one thing from this......GO SLOW.....let the boat settle in....feel the wind, feel the tide. Get at one with it it. And lay her in there, sweet.....and slowly.

With a single outboard....you may overshoot the drift/turn. Now is time to get a little aggressive in the running tide, throw the power to her in a spurt, spin the butt around. Immediately pull back, once you've turned her, and pull her up "Palm Beach Style."

[seabob4]

Yes, I'm pretty good. But not because I'm any better than anyone else. Was taught boat handling from a bunch of guys ( NC captains) in the 70's who were my age now (50's). Back when I was in my twenties. Was that last year?  

You've all seen the big boats when they come in to the dock. First and foremost, they are going SLOW. Real slow. The prudent Captain is judging the wind FIRST, tide second. Wind ALWAYS takes precedence over the tide.

Then, line her up, bump the engines as necessary, and EASE (back) her in. NO JUMPING on the dock. A crew JUMPING onto the dock, in any boat, from 16 to 60 feet...to 100 feet.....no good.

Shows inexperience. And also, shows the Captain has disregard for his crew. Most docking injuries occur when an arm/leg is caught between the boat/dock/piling, while under power. A nice day gone wrong. Quickly.

You don't need twin screws to properly dock your boat. Twin outboards are nice....but not necessary. If you guys take only one thing from this......GO SLOW.....let the boat settle in....feel the wind, feel the tide. Get at one with it it. And lay her in there, sweet.....and slowly.

With a single outboard....you may overshoot the drift/turn. Now is time to get a little aggressive in the running tide, throw the power to her in a spurt, spin the butt around. Immediately pull back, once you've turned her, and pull her up "Palm Beach Style."

Excellent advice...but takes practice...

[labboss2003]

Arrrrr I be better than Captain Ron........................................

[Marcq]

Marc,
Do you mean like backing into a slip?  

Yes, that's what I meant
Marc..

[labboss2003]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8alNxLjCBJc

[seabob4]

My favorite, especially the second part...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw8F_GyUBYU&feature=related

[gran398]

Now THATs the beauty of twin inboards!

[seabob4]

Now THATs the beauty of twin inboards!

I know the guy knows his marina, and aligns his pulpit with certain landmarks so he can throw her in reverse with just the right amount of throttle,  then swing her with opposing shifts, but I LOVE that video!  I mean look how close that prow comes to the dock, yet you always know he's in control...

[Marcq]

This guy is pretty good I must say ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHT-0llF ... re=related

As anyone tried that docking simulator?
http://www.spot.pcc.edu/~mtrigobo/docksim/index.html

Marc..

[seabob4]

[akbridge]

I can dock a boat generally.  You need to be able to judge the wind, tide, and other boats around while docking.  I have driven boats since I was 8.  At the age of 12 my dad would let me drive and dock his 26' Stamas.  Docking my AS is a lot easier than my old flat flat bottom skiff.  I would not turn in reverse.  Had something to do with an 8' beam, 16' long, no chine and a very high motor setting.

[fitz73222]

I consider myself to be pretty good and it is a bit of pride for me. Started off like everyone else at age 11 with my 12` Gamefisher and 7.5 Merc 40 years ago. I had the unique opportunity to befriend the retired president of Hutch footballs Inc, Russell Hutchinson and his wife Stella who had a new 40` Egg Harbor when I was 17 while I was working at a local marina in high school and he taught me how to drive a real boat; so much so that I used to captain the Egg from the flying bridge while he and his wife and friends would sip cocktails and cook while I piloted down the intracoastal here in Florida, including docking her; one of lifes true cool experiences that I took with me for the rest of my boating and fishing life. Now I can crab my old 22-2 up to a dock and walk her into a dock across her beam almost as if she has bow thrusters. Of course a lot easier to do with twins. I consider myself an experienced veteran on the water and love navigational challenges and am always am willing to help those who don`t have clue of which there are THOUSANDS OF THEM!!!