Learning the ropes...
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SassyRed
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The power squadron has a program called Practical On The Water training. This is an 8 hour class that includes 4 hours in class and 4 hours on the water on your own boat. This class is free if you join the power squadron. Covers everything from leaving the dock to docking.
Locally, the Bellevue group also runs a set of two hour seminars covering basic boat handling through using the radio and radar. Plus there are more comprehensive classes covering basic seamanship, navigation, electronic navigation, etc.
http://Www.usps.org
I have also heard that Anacortes Yacht Charter runs a two day session geared for people starting out where they take you from beginning through qualified to charter. Haven't tried it, but I know a few people who have said good things.
Good luck.
Locally, the Bellevue group also runs a set of two hour seminars covering basic boat handling through using the radio and radar. Plus there are more comprehensive classes covering basic seamanship, navigation, electronic navigation, etc.
http://Www.usps.org
I have also heard that Anacortes Yacht Charter runs a two day session geared for people starting out where they take you from beginning through qualified to charter. Haven't tried it, but I know a few people who have said good things.
Good luck.
H28
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Look, it isn't rocket science.
-If you can find a wide empty slip at the far end of the harbor go early when nobody is around and just practice. practice some more. the practice will give you the feel for the handling of the boat.
-take into account wind speed and direction and just TAKE IT SLOW.
-stay ahead of the boat: as in fenders out, dock lines ship shape and ready? neatness counts!
-most screw ups that I see are caused by people going to fast and/or not having situational awareness. Backing out into a fairway with other boats coming thru. I got hit once when a guy pulled out of gas dock w/out looking.
-these Ranger tugs with bow/stern thrusters make it so easy.....hard to really call it docking.....
-If you can find a wide empty slip at the far end of the harbor go early when nobody is around and just practice. practice some more. the practice will give you the feel for the handling of the boat.
-take into account wind speed and direction and just TAKE IT SLOW.
-stay ahead of the boat: as in fenders out, dock lines ship shape and ready? neatness counts!
-most screw ups that I see are caused by people going to fast and/or not having situational awareness. Backing out into a fairway with other boats coming thru. I got hit once when a guy pulled out of gas dock w/out looking.
-these Ranger tugs with bow/stern thrusters make it so easy.....hard to really call it docking.....
JamesTXSD
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All of the above suggestions for classes are excellent. Having an experienced captain give you some tips specific to your docking situation is ideal.
At absolutely no charge, I'll give you some things to work on:
We have all heard: do not approach the dock at any speed faster than you'd want to hit the dock. Neutral is your friend - shift to neutral to see what effect the throttle just had... glide for a bit.
Fenders are your friend - use plenty of them. You can also have someone on the bow and/or the cockpit with a "roving" fender, to put it between you and anything with which you might be about to make contact.
Practice away from the dock. In an area with no boat traffic, toss out an inflatable cushion and practice bringing the boat up to it... bow, stern, both sides, different places on the sides.
This is a biggie: boats do NOT drive like cars, in spite of that steering wheel. Boats steer from the stern (more like a forklift or driving your car in reverse). When you turn the wheel to port, the rudder is going the opposite direction, causing the stern to swing in that direction. You can use this to your advantage when you understand how the boat will react. Boats back differently from how they make forward direction; for many shaft driven boats, (depending on the prop rotation) you may find that it will not back to starboard... learn to pull forward to port, go to neutral (allowing the boat to continue the tuning movement), turn the wheel in the opposite direction, then put it in gear. If you turn the wheel while engaging the throttle, it won't turn as fast as the "back and fill" method.
When you understand how the boat will react to all this different input, then learn to use your thrusters.
Watch and learn to feel how the wind affects your movement - you can learn to use the wind and current to your advantage when you understand what to expect from it. Look for visual cues: ripples on the water, flags, wind indicators at the top of sailboat masts.
When you get some practice in, you should be able to rotate your boat in not much more than it's overall length. (See the above advice to practice AWAY from the dock.)
One of the commercial boats I drive has to come to the commercial docks between the Washington State Ferry and the San Juan Clipper, while making a 270º turn to back between another expensive boat and the dock. Single screw, not much boat below the water, no thrusters. My heart was in my throat the first 20 or 30 times I approached that dock. 😉 Practice.
If you have a significant other, communicate with that person to let them know what you intend to do. Don't holler. NEVER use the words "dammit." When I am training crew, I let them know that they are NOT to make a flying leap to a dock - if they cannot step off with a dockline in hand, stay on the boat and I will get them closer. Protect your first mate, and teach them to operate the boat (in case they need to "save" you). Never have them put an appendage between the boat and the dock (or another boat) - that's what a "roving fender" is for. Make sure the first mate knows what you expect once they step off with that dockline.
Just like being a pilot, people will judge a 4 hour trip by the last two minutes as you come to the dock. Practice.
Docking is a skill. The more you practice, the better you will get. Put in the time to learn, and you will "get there" faster.
Congrats on the new boat!
Jim
At absolutely no charge, I'll give you some things to work on:
We have all heard: do not approach the dock at any speed faster than you'd want to hit the dock. Neutral is your friend - shift to neutral to see what effect the throttle just had... glide for a bit.
Fenders are your friend - use plenty of them. You can also have someone on the bow and/or the cockpit with a "roving" fender, to put it between you and anything with which you might be about to make contact.
Practice away from the dock. In an area with no boat traffic, toss out an inflatable cushion and practice bringing the boat up to it... bow, stern, both sides, different places on the sides.
This is a biggie: boats do NOT drive like cars, in spite of that steering wheel. Boats steer from the stern (more like a forklift or driving your car in reverse). When you turn the wheel to port, the rudder is going the opposite direction, causing the stern to swing in that direction. You can use this to your advantage when you understand how the boat will react. Boats back differently from how they make forward direction; for many shaft driven boats, (depending on the prop rotation) you may find that it will not back to starboard... learn to pull forward to port, go to neutral (allowing the boat to continue the tuning movement), turn the wheel in the opposite direction, then put it in gear. If you turn the wheel while engaging the throttle, it won't turn as fast as the "back and fill" method.
When you understand how the boat will react to all this different input, then learn to use your thrusters.
Watch and learn to feel how the wind affects your movement - you can learn to use the wind and current to your advantage when you understand what to expect from it. Look for visual cues: ripples on the water, flags, wind indicators at the top of sailboat masts.
When you get some practice in, you should be able to rotate your boat in not much more than it's overall length. (See the above advice to practice AWAY from the dock.)
One of the commercial boats I drive has to come to the commercial docks between the Washington State Ferry and the San Juan Clipper, while making a 270º turn to back between another expensive boat and the dock. Single screw, not much boat below the water, no thrusters. My heart was in my throat the first 20 or 30 times I approached that dock. 😉 Practice.
If you have a significant other, communicate with that person to let them know what you intend to do. Don't holler. NEVER use the words "dammit." When I am training crew, I let them know that they are NOT to make a flying leap to a dock - if they cannot step off with a dockline in hand, stay on the boat and I will get them closer. Protect your first mate, and teach them to operate the boat (in case they need to "save" you). Never have them put an appendage between the boat and the dock (or another boat) - that's what a "roving fender" is for. Make sure the first mate knows what you expect once they step off with that dockline.
Just like being a pilot, people will judge a 4 hour trip by the last two minutes as you come to the dock. Practice.
Docking is a skill. The more you practice, the better you will get. Put in the time to learn, and you will "get there" faster.
Congrats on the new boat!
Jim
Boont Boater
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You're getting great advice here. I like what Jim says about neutral being your friend. I would also say that if I am in neutral and going in the right direction, even slowly, I relax and wait until I need to do something.
When you have potential problems with wind and currents, don't be afraid to ask someone to give you a hand. Most marina employees and boaters are very helpful.
One of my favorite books is "Coastal Cruising Under Power" by the Hamiltons. Lots of good information on using ropes for docking, prop walk, etc.
I put a few dings in the gel coat over the years. It is one of those things that keeps me humble 😉
Have fun and best of luck!
Jeff
When you have potential problems with wind and currents, don't be afraid to ask someone to give you a hand. Most marina employees and boaters are very helpful.
One of my favorite books is "Coastal Cruising Under Power" by the Hamiltons. Lots of good information on using ropes for docking, prop walk, etc.
I put a few dings in the gel coat over the years. It is one of those things that keeps me humble 😉
Have fun and best of luck!
Jeff
knotflying
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You may want to contact Glen Wagner. He does the whole Ranger Tug orientation and will be very capable in showing you the ropes. If you are interested PM me and I will send you his contact info.
BradOwens
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I second the recommendation of Glen Wagner. When we bought our tug he spent a day with us going over the boat and doing boat handling skills. Very thorough and easy to learn from.
sjreib
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Might consider hiring Leif Bertenson?sp for a couple of hours. Lives in Edmonds. Very good teacher and boat mechanic. You can get his number from Jacobsons Marine
Good Luck
Good Luck
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