Docking your Boat---boat content questions

[Ziggy]

I'm curious. I see different techniques on the docks so lets hear it from the Inmates aboard the RDP vessel.
.
Do you put out fenders on both sides and tie up both left and right sides of the boat?
Do you hang fenders on one side and tie to one side only?
How do you keep bow from moving forward and hitting the dock?
Do you back into slip before tying or only forward?
What else have you seen?
.
I've seen and tried multiple methods, none I seem to be very good at, or certainly I don't feel very graceful at doing it. What is your method and do you struggle with it or have you mastered the act so when you come back the boat is still safely moored without damage.

 

[Joker]

I'm curious. I see different techniques on the docks so lets hear it from the Inmates aboard the RDP vessel.
.
Do you put out fenders on both sides and tie up both left and right sides of the boat?
Do you hang fenders on one side and tie to one side only?
How do you keep bow from moving forward and hitting the dock?
Do you back into slip before tying or only forward?
What else have you seen?
.
I've seen and tried multiple methods, none I seem to be very good at, or certainly I don't feel very graceful at doing it. What is your method and do you struggle with it or have you mastered the act so when you come back the boat is still safely moored without damage.

I always have the same issues. Last time, I just tied off the rears and put the bumpers up front on the sides. This kept the nose from hitting the front of the dock, but it looked stupid. I never back in as I know I'll take off the swim step.

 

[Runs2rch]

One side. Driver usually. I have my bumper rope lengths set for front and rear. If the dock is abnormal I carry bungee cords and zip ties just in case.

Boat always stays safe and secure.

 

[fmo24]

if slips are short i back in. Tie off on one side. if cleats are located well on the dock the cleats on my boat keep it from moving forward or backwards. the reason i back in on short slips is it is easier for people to get on and off the boat from the back.

 

[shintoooo]

I put bumpers on one side only and tie off on one side only. I tie it pretty tight so it doesn't go forward and hit the dock. I always test the lines by pushing the boat to make sure it doesn't hit the other side or the front.

To be honest, I hate docking and sometimes look like the biggest idiot doing it but I'm getting better at it. I have my wife and son jump off the boat and guide the boat in by hand.

 

[Joker]

I put bumpers on one side only and tie off on one side only. I tie it pretty tight so it doesn't go forward and hit the dock. I always test the lines by pushing the boat to make sure it doesn't hit the other side or the front.

To be honest, I hate docking and sometimes look like the biggest idiot doing it but I'm getting better at it. I have my wife and son jump off the boat and guide the boat in by hand.

Glad I'm not alone. Sounds just like us.

 

[Runs2rch]

Just takes practice. That's what sucks if you only boat a few times a year.

 

[mentalmatt]

I typically put bumpers on drivers side and back in the slip. Then I hop out, tie up the back first on both sides and then tie up the front. That said, some docks suck... If we go to the bottom of havasu for breakfast, it seems like their tie up spots are in the wrong spot. I pull in forward bumpers on side I'm going to tie up on, hop out again, tie up back, then front. Will hang a bumper off the bow if I think it's gonna hit the front. Dunno if its right or wrong, just what I do. I've had to do some ghetto ass shit depending on the dock or spot.

 

[YoPengo]

Unless I am at the end dock, I put bumpers on both sides.

I pull bow in and depending where the cleats are... try to cross or "X" pattern my ropes.

I usually run a loop and connect to the bow "eye" to keep control of left to right movement.

I spend way too much time sorting it out and usually send everyone into the the bar ahead of me.

The biggest factor is cleat location and how many cleats do I have to work with.

 

[Kachina26]

On a single slip, I tie all 4 corners. I start with port aft, then I move to starboard fore then move starboard aft and finish with port fore. No fenders needed, and does not move forward into the dock.

 

[Buoy]

"Don't ever come in to dock any faster than you want to hit it"

I'm sure answers will vary quite a bit from I/O guys/jets/v-drives...

For me, (I/O) I look for a flag or something on shore to indicate wind direction/speed. Then I use neutral ALOT. Basically let the boat drift into dock, just bumping into gear to guide the drift.

And, make sure everyone in the boat stays seated. I don't need them shifting weight in the boat.

 

[Ziggy]

I put bumpers on one side only and tie off on one side only. I tie it pretty tight so it doesn't go forward and hit the dock. I always test the lines by pushing the boat to make sure it doesn't hit the other side or the front.

To be honest, I hate docking and sometimes look like the biggest idiot doing it but I'm getting better at it. I have my wife and son jump off the boat and guide the boat in by hand.

Glad I'm not alone. Sounds just like us.

I thought I've seen some one other than me like that...LOL whew

 

[HALLETT BOY]

Well apparently I've been doing it wrong all along ....I just lay the rope on the dock after I've tied up and walk away ,
looks like I'm supposed to coil it on the dock ...

 

[Havaduner]

I back in 99% of the time. If some one is gonna tag my boat with theirs, I want them to hit the bow, not knock the drive off. Backing in is a bitch sometimes. Get it close, walk it in. I tend to tie to one side. My bumper ropes are set to the height of the boat. Long ropes in front, short in the back. Tie so it cant move forward or back, which sometimes can be a bitch. Not too tight to the dock, but I don't want it bouncing around.
I only park in a double space if I am sharing with someone I know, or the boat there isn't leaving before I do. I don't need them or the next boat using mine as a bumper.

 

[NeverSatisfied]

I'm curious. I see different techniques on the docks so lets hear it from the Inmates aboard the RDP vessel.
.
Do you put out fenders on both sides and tie up both left and right sides of the boat?
Do you hang fenders on one side and tie to one side only?
How do you keep bow from moving forward and hitting the dock?
Do you back into slip before tying or only forward?
What else have you seen?
.
I've seen and tried multiple methods, none I seem to be very good at, or certainly I don't feel very graceful at doing it. What is your method and do you struggle with it or have you mastered the act so when you come back the boat is still safely moored without damage.

Use a spring line to keep bow off.
http://www.boatus.com/magazine/2013/February/docking-with-spring-lines.asp

 

[McRib]

For me it depends where the cleats are on the dock. My bouys are tied to my dock lines and the location of my pop up mushroom cleats are in places where I cross tie my lines. The back goes fwd and the front goes to the back. Doing this allow my permenantly mount bouys to be in the perfect spots. Some times if its windy ill throw an extra line from mt bow rail to the nearest dock cleat. The two main lines I pull tight and keep the boat snug to the dock. The opposing pulls keep it perfectly. Some docks due to cleat placement I have to back in but I stii cross tie my lines.

if I nose in I always put the left side of the boat against the dock. If I back in I always put the boat on my side (right side) I have no clue why. All I know is I feel awkward if it's done any other way. Lol

 

[Yldboyz]

I put bumpers on one side only and tie off on one side only. I tie it pretty tight so it doesn't go forward and hit the dock. I always test the lines by pushing the boat to make sure it doesn't hit the other side or the front.

To be honest, I hate docking and sometimes look like the biggest idiot doing it but I'm getting better at it. I have my wife and son jump off the boat and guide the boat in by hand.

Having the boyz in the boat is the best method for me, i don't even have to ask, they all have their asses and hands out ready to bump the dock and to tie us off.
Every time i have tried it, i end up hitting it or turning the whole boat around. Kinda like the new guy trying to back down the boat ramp.

 

[Motor Boater]

My answer to these questions will always change depending on the dock, the wind, current, the boat etc. it's never the same and I think u should have the ability to go to either side both backing in and pulling in. Sometimes I will choose a difficult docking scenario to make it easy to get out or vice versa. I really love docking a boat, I love the challenge and think its really cool when u nail a tough docking situation. I love ocean boating because I'm always amazed at the way some people can manuver a really big boat. As far as I'm concerned the bigger the boat the more fun it is. Add wind it gets to be a real challenge. When I was 12 I was taught a bunch about docking boats....in a 50 foot houseboat! Loved it ever since!

 

[Havaduner]

Something I've noticed last couple times at the Pirate. They've had a girl out there to help people dock their boats. You see everybody getting ropes, bumpers etc.. to dock, then the girl comes out to help guide them in the slip. Everybody in the boat is at the ready.... and they throw her the rope and go brain dead! Women go back to getting ready to go up to the bar, and the guys just sit there, like she's gonna do everything. Makes for some interesting viewing while having lunch.

 

[TBI]

I just drive that fucker up on the beach :tbi

 

[spectra3279]

I always back in. I can tie off so thing hits that way.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

 

[CampbellCarl]

On a single slip, I tie all 4 corners. I start with port aft, then I move to starboard fore then move starboard aft and finish with port fore. No fenders needed, and does not move forward into the dock.

Whats with the foreign language? Call it by its correct nautical term...........pointy end, flat end, left side, ride side.............'ya new around here?

 

[Tommy Gun Images]

What bumpers? Road Runner and Fox's both have big orange balls to slam into. I just bounce it off those things and throw a rope on whatever is on the dock... The last lady got kinda bent at me though

 

[rivergames]

I don't keep bumpers in my boat in Parker. I know the right spot in each place as to where I only need 2 ropes. So far it has worked out well :thumbup:

 

[shintoooo]

I always back in. I can tie off so thing hits that way.

Are we still talking about docking?

 

[Yldboyz]

Are we still talking about docking?

i think we are, he just has his docking definitions mixed up

 

[hav19]

Most of the Time Driver's Side - Always Forks Out - Cleats Line Up Much Better (boat to dock)

 

[Classic Daycruiser]

I'm curious. I see different techniques on the docks so lets hear it from the Inmates aboard the RDP vessel.
.
Do you put out fenders on both sides and tie up both left and right sides of the boat?
Do you hang fenders on one side and tie to one side only?
How do you keep bow from moving forward and hitting the dock?
Do you back into slip before tying or only forward?
What else have you seen?
.
I've seen and tried multiple methods, none I seem to be very good at, or certainly I don't feel very graceful at doing it. What is your method and do you struggle with it or have you mastered the act so when you come back the boat is still safely moored without damage.

Depending on the wind, water current, size and shape of boat, situation (emergency?), any which way could be correct.

Bimini top's act like a sail if there is wind. Take down the top before docking, will make it easier to control at low speed. Put it back up when your tied off.

Also, if your going to hit something, hit it at the slowest possible speed, and the engine out of gear.

If you can't parallel park a car, you'll never have an easy time docking a boat, or backing a trailer.

 

[Kachina26]

Sorry about that, I forgot where I was.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

 

[RiverDave]

I'm curious. I see different techniques on the docks so lets hear it from the Inmates aboard the RDP vessel.
.
Do you put out fenders on both sides and tie up both left and right sides of the boat?
Do you hang fenders on one side and tie to one side only?
How do you keep bow from moving forward and hitting the dock?
Do you back into slip before tying or only forward?
What else have you seen?
.
I've seen and tried multiple methods, none I seem to be very good at, or certainly I don't feel very graceful at doing it. What is your method and do you struggle with it or have you mastered the act so when you come back the boat is still safely moored without damage.

One educational video on how to dock your boat coming up! Next time I drop the boat in the water (next day or two)

RD

 

[fmo24]

Dave, if you have access to a boat over 27' you may want to include that as well. Some slips are rather short and this makes it a bit trickier

 

[28Eliminator]

One side only, and use a spring line for for back/forward movement.

Most docks I have to back into anyways, because they're all too focking small, and I cant get off the boat any other way :grumble:

 

[CampbellCarl]

One educational video on how to dock your boat coming up! Next time I drop the boat in the water (next day or two)

RD

Dave, if you have access to a boat over 27' you may want to include that as well. Some slips are rather short and this makes it a bit trickier

Yeah Dave, and as long as you're doing that, get one with counter rotating twins so's you can show us all how to crab walk a boat sideways into a tight spot.

 

[RiverDave]

Dave, if you have access to a boat over 27' you may want to include that as well. Some slips are rather short and this makes it a bit trickier

We'll start small and work our way up..

Yeah Dave, and as long as you're doing that, get one with counter rotating twins so's you can show us all how to crab walk a boat sideways into a tight spot.

Driving with twins is easy! Easier then a big single anyways..

 

[CampbellCarl]

Another important lesson to teach all of your passengers is that if they see you coming in a little too fast, make sure and throw a limb (arm or leg, don't really matter) between the boat and the dock.

Skin and bone heal up pretty fast while gelcoat and paint get real expensive....................

 

[stephenkatsea]

Conditions and docks vary. Usually, tying driver's side to the dock is most comfortable for most situations. Get familiar using fore & aft spring lines and their placement on the proper cleats. Slow is the way to go. Do not allow an anxious "helper" to jump from your boat to the dock.

 

[CampbellCarl]

We'll start small and work our way up..



Driving with twins is easy!

Driving yes, docking into a zero forward/reverse (read move the boat sideways).................thats what I wanna see you do.

 

[CampbellCarl]

Then of course we'll need another video of you showing us how to dock a single engine v-drive (two videos needed, one for left, one for right rotation props).

 

[RiverDave]

Another important lesson to teach all of your passengers is that if they see you coming in a little too fast, make sure and throw a limb (arm or leg, don't really matter) between the boat and the dock.

Skin and bone heal up pretty fast while gelcoat and paint get real expensive....................

I'd go with that.. LOL

Driving yes, docking into a zero forward/reverse (read move the boat sideways).................thats what I wanna see you do.

You can do something like that to a point. Watching the joystick outboards do true "side to side" movements is pretty trick.. I can post ya a video of that too if you'd like to see it.

RD

 

[CampbellCarl]

One educational video on how to dock your boat coming up! Next time I drop the boat in the water (next day or two)

RD

We'll start small and work our way up..



Driving with twins is easy! Easier then a big single anyways..

I'd go with that.. LOL



You can do something like that to a point. Watching the joystick outboards do true "side to side" movements is pretty trick.. I can post ya a video of that too if you'd like to see it.

RD

No, no! You said that you'd post up a video and that twins are easy.......................I just wanna see YOU do it...............

 

[lakemadness]

One side only, and use a spring line for for back/forward movement.

Most docks I have to back into anyways, because they're all too focking small, and I cant get off the boat any other way :grumble:

Four pages and only one guy says spring line. LOL

I see alot of guys saying left side of the boat, drivers side, back in, etc. Whatever happened to the terms Port side, Starboard side, bow in or stern in? I thought this was a boating site... Sounds like some guys here have no idea ho to dock, tie knots or correct terminology. LOL Fail

 

[stephenkatsea]

Boats with twin props will best "walk" move sideways if the props spin inboard when going ahead. Put the prop which is on the dockside in reverse and the other prop forward. On an inboard turning prop (turns inboard when place in fwd) when placed in reverse it will tend to "swim" towards the dock. The opposite prop when placed in fwd will tend to move the bow towards the dock at the same time. On most boats the wheel is turned in the opposite direction which you desire the boat to go. Although, most twin prop arrangements turn outboard. Outboard turning props will move sideways, but they tend to "crab". While inboard turning props will move smoothly to the side without a bow thruster.

 

[Hammer]

Four pages and only one guy says spring line. LOL

I see alot of guys saying left side of the boat, drivers side, back in, etc. Whatever happened to the terms Port side, Starboard side, bow in or stern in? I thought this was a boating site... Sounds like some guys here have no idea ho to dock, tie knots or correct terminology. LOL Fail

Which side is port and which side is starboard ? Which one is red and which side is green ? Why red and green for colors ?

And to Ziggy's question, I do what I'm told or ask the operator how he wants to dock so I can get the bumpers and dock lines ready just before we approach the dock. Everyone does it differently, I've learned several different ways to tie off a boat . Side tying a 42' fountain PR edition is the biggest PIA !!!

 

[RiverDave]

No, no! You said that you'd post up a video and that twins are easy.......................I just wanna see YOU do it...............

Sure.. No problem. We can do it this weekend at the dam run in Aaron's boat.

RD

 

[Hammer]

Sure.. No problem. We can do it this weekend at the dam run in Aaron's boat.

RD

We ? I call bullshit....

 

[2Driver]

I tie kind of loose and use snubbers so the cleats don't get the crap kick out of them. They really work if your in place that gets waves or wakes like Parker.

I tie with 4 ropes. Same on each side: Stern line pulls the boat in, mid bow line pull it out.

 

[shintoooo]

Sure.. No problem. We can do it this weekend at the dam run in Aaron's boat.

RD

You're going?

 

[RiverDave]

Which side is port and which side is starboard ? Which one is red and which side is green ? Why red and green for colors ?

All the short words on the left.. All the long words on the right..

Red - Port - left
Green - Starboard - right

RD

 

[RiverDave]

Boats with twin props will best "walk" move sideways if the props spin inboard when going ahead. Put the prop which is on the dockside in reverse and the other prop forward. On an inboard turning prop (turns inboard when place in fwd) when placed in reverse it will tend to "swim" towards the dock. The opposite prop when placed in fwd will tend to move the bow towards the dock at the same time. On most boats the wheel is turned in the opposite direction which you desire the boat to go. Although, most twin prop arrangements turn outboard. Outboard turning props will move sideways, but they tend to "crab". While inboard turning props will move smoothly to the side without a bow thruster.

That's a lot more indepth then I would've ever known.. I'm just a simple guy though, and I don't have 100's of hours of experience in twins.. I just put the steering wheel to center and use the sticks to pivot the boat as I need it.

You're going?

Yes we are. Stacy's mom is coming into town friday night, so we are going to drive up Saturday morning.

RD

 

[Hammer]

You're going?

Are you going ?