trashman":3mr5zpc9 said:
That is the
key item right there. :wink:
Close quarters handling of a single engine, bracketed, pilothouse boat in windy conditions can be challenging the first few times out, but there are a few things you can do to make it easier.
"Keep on practicing" is good advice. Taking note of current and wind conditions in the area you want to dock is another. Look at the AToN's and the bases of pilings as you approach a dock. Can you see moving water? Look at flags or other items to gage wind direction and speed...
Sandy Point State Park is an
excellent place to practice, and this time of year (before the crowds show up) is a good time to start. The ramps at SPSP are the best in the state, so at least you have the best possible conditions to practice under.
Launching and retreiving from your trailer is learned by doing it time after time. How far to dunk the trailer depends on whether you have a roller or bunk trailer. In this case, spending an hour or two watching others launch and retreive will be an educating experience. When you see it done right, you will know it. When you see it done wrong, you will know that too! :shock:
Learn from what you see others doing, both the good and the bad.
Sandy Point is also an excellent place to learn boat handling skills. With 22 ramps, a dozen slips, and a finger pier on the east side, you have all the objects you need to polish your skills.
As Dave said, watching the wind... and making it work
for you goes a long way toward gaining skill and confidence. If you cannot make the wind work in your favor, understanding what you have to do to make a successful landing. Modifying your approach and having your lines ready, can turn an unfavorable wind, into a non-event.
As Matt said, take your time and
don't rush anything.
Don't approach a dock any faster than you want to strike it, because in the beginning... strike it you will! :shock:
Put out your fenders (this is where you will determine if you bought the right ones, and the right number of them), and ready your dock lines.
Understand that your spring line is the most important line you have. You can make fast to any dock with your spring, and it will keep you in place while you affix your bow and stern lines (if needed).
After launch, idle out in the park harbor... Take notice of the wind direction and speed and select a launch ramp away from other boaters as your 'target'. Giving yourself a favorable wind, idle towards your chosen dock keeping the boat under control and your speed manage-able. If your speed is too high, kick the motor out of gear and coast to lower your speed. Still too fast? Bump the boat into, then out of reverse to lower your closing speed.
Practice coming into the docking pier under control, and at the proper distance away.
Do not over react and attempt to control a situation by using extra throttle. Anticipate the path you will take and react accordingly, but do so before hand. Boats don't have brakes, so you have to use wind, current, and prop thrust to control yourself.
If you blow the approach, don't dispair. Back out and try it again. Sometimes you just need to 'do it over'.
Once you are successful taking her in bow first, try backing it into the pier. You'll learn a whole new set of skills... Notice which way the boat moves while in reverse. Also notice that the reaction (and the pivot point) is different when you clutch into forward gear. File these facts away because you will need these skills later.
Once you're feeling a bit more confident moving the boat where you want to, practice landing in the slips, or over at the finger pier. Understand that you
are allowed to use your rub-rail against a piling to pivot into a slip. That's what pilings and rub-rails are for. Once you get better at boat control, you won't need to touch anything, but it's not a sin if you do use the pilings.
When backing a single engine, bracketed boat, it is helpful to raise your motor a bit (but not too much), so that the props thrust goes
under the hull instead of
against the transom. Practice this in the open water and you will see how much motor tilt your boat requires.
While performing this maneuver, notice that your boat does not have as much thrust (thus speed) in reverse as it does in forward gear. Remember this fact because you will need to apply this knowledge when maneuverung around the docks. :wink:
Remember that
neutral and
momentum can be your friend.
Too much momentum can be your enemy. :evil:
Remember to do everything slowly, and at idle speed.
Read that last sentence again. :wink:
Boat control is an art. When done well, nobody really notices.
When done poorly, everyone notices.
Above all... don't stress, and have fun. Practice, practice, practice.
Heck... I'm still practicing.
Good luck!
