Getting in the slip

rasbury

Still the worst part of the day...so I went out yesterday for a few hours, boat ran great with new plugs, rotor, cap and wires. Being mindful of storms that were expected later afternoon I headed back to my slip- strong cross wind I just could not over power safely. All I could do is get up again a piling so I could pivot off it into the slip. Fortunately the wind direction was pushing the boat to the right finger pier as I'm by myself and there is no one else on the dock. Any other more proper way to handle? Bow thruster sure would be nice!

aero3113

Use more power than on a calm day and use the piling if you have to like you did. When you line up to go in reverse, put the bow angled towards the wind, when you go into reverse the wind will straighten you out and hopefully you’ll be lined up but you have to commit with the power.

YYZRC

In wind I always go a bit faster than I think I should. Slow and steady = messy and embarrassing. 

J3ff

the 4 x 4 props helped slow speed docking immensely over here.. it felt very loose with 3 blades.. 

Handymans342

You can also use your anchor

aero3113

Handymans342 said:

You can also use your anchor

You can but would be tough if it’s a small marina. Would pi$$ a lot of people off 😂

Handymans342

aero3113 said:

Handymans342 said:

You can also use your anchor

You can but would be tough if it’s a small marina. Would pi$$ a lot of people off 😂

Got to know how to use it

YYZRC

Story of my life. 

aero3113

Handymans342 said:

aero3113 said:

Handymans342 said:

You can also use your anchor

You can but would be tough if it’s a small marina. Would pi$$ a lot of people off 😂

Got to know how to use it

How would you use it @Handymans342 ? Not set it? Just dip it in the water?

skennelly

I would think you want to drag the bottom with the anchor...you still need to be able to reverse.  The anchor would drag and prevent the wind from blowing the bow?

Handymans342

Well for example, I was fishing in about 70 feet deep and 6 ft waves. We dropped the anchor and swung around 180 degrees and dropped the bait down on a bunch of fish. Got two nice groupers. 

Handymans342

You can drop the anchor as you are backing up into the slip and use it as a pivot point 

rasbury

Then how do you get the dam anchor back? Sounds like a great plan so far...sounds like a trick maybe that sailors did back in the day...how they piloted those big sailboats is beyond me...

rasbury

I would have to practice in an empty slip on o calm day to power hard into a slip..just don't have the experience. 

YYZRC

@Handymans342 the problem is that @rasbury ‘s windlass only deploys. It doesn’t retrieve!

rasbury

Well, smarty pants @YYZRC, let's assume for a moment it works!

aero3113

I watch the yachts here at Port Jefferson drop anchor and dock all the time. They drop it, set it and then slowly back into the slip while letting the chain out.

YYZRC

Sorry @rasbury , couldn't resist.

I must say tho, if I had to drop anchor to dock I would give up boating.  That's too much effort for me.

aero3113

YYZRC said:

Sorry @rasbury , couldn't resist.

I must say tho, if I had to drop anchor to dock I would give up boating.  That's too much effort for me.

@YYRC that’s too bad, I was going to ask you to go half with me on a mega yacht. Looks like it will be me and @rasbury once he practices 😂.

aero3113

YYZRC

@aero3113 - that sounds like a great idea.  Wouldn't we have a captain to deal with docking?  After a great time at sea, I think we should take the chopper back to our compound and let the crew do their thing.

aero3113

@YYZRC , you’re right. I forgot we wouldn’t have to deal with that! ⚓️

YYZRC

Anyway, back on topic.  @rasbury have you considered a little foreplay?  I know you're probably tired after pulling up the anchor by hand but still...

rasbury

I was going g down the you tube wormhole...for one I should be backing into the wind so the bow is shining into the wind with the turn. Now most of you are saying "duh!" I'm sure but I have little experience with a marina. Most of my boati g is getting on and off the trailer not backing into a slip. 

I watched some mega yachts like above who think they are real talented with bow and stern thrusters...seeing those anchor lines out makes sense but if the fairway is narrow that can pose safety issues I'm sure...not sure I'll live long enough to get to the level you all are...I did not grow up with any boating, well a conoe...

raybo3

I would strong disagree with dropping anchor to dock in a crowded marina. That makes zero sense to me. What happens if you had to abort and pull out? IMHO dropping anchor to dock at a marina is absolutely crazy and insane. Backing into the wind and current is always optimal but totally impractical in most cases. What are you going to do, turn the marina around so the wind is at your back? LOL. Again IMHO most people when docking look at the stern I feel you should be keeping a close eye on the bow. The stern you can control the bow is what wanders the most. Bumping forward is how to control the bow. Slow and steady and practice practice practice is what works best.............. Just say'n 

rasbury

I could have turned the boat around in the space I had...might have helped..and the pictures above do show bow lines in the water but would figure that an area set up for large boats, no finger piers I'm sure...having my enclosure up adding to the sail affect probably was not a plus either...

MarkB

I think there is no issue pivoting off a pile.  That's a good trick most single boaters use.