Single handed mooring ..

LAKERtoo

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 13, 2014
Messages
166
Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C (Sterndrive)
Hull Identification Number
FMLR2130J405
Vessel Name
RIBBIT
.. was wondering what techniques some of you used to tie up single handed .. I was thinking of docks or fingers rather than pilings or buoy .. I was researching some of these mooring poles that are on the market and wondered if anyone had experience with them .. special situations where the wind or passing boat wake would cause you problems .. Rob
 
If you search the archives of the TugNuts you will find a lot on this subject.

I look at the wind and the current. Get my fenders and lines set out ahead of time where I have plenty of room. Approach the dock as slowly as I can and still have control. If my approach isn't good don't think twice about backing off and trying it again. And most importantly - practice, practice, practice - hopefully somewhere safe without loads of people watching you. I also believe that a few gel coat scratches are just part of the game.
 
I just got my R25. I got to the harbor early and went to the far corner of the marina where there was an empty slip and I just practiced and practiced. Had a lot of fenders out. No audience. No wife. No pressure. No worries.
 
Docking is my favorite part. I look at wind by looking at sailboats around me (flags or weather meters) and water current I can usually gauge if other boats are slacked in a certain direction (and how they move). I like to go in/out of neutral to "bump" the boat in the right direction. I also try to never use the thrusters so I'm in good practice when they stop working that "one time". Finally I leave dock lines tied to the dock so I can easily untie/tie up when I have guests on board. Everything is pre measured and set.

I've had some practice doing this but some days if I just don't feel right or the wind is just howling I'll just stay at the dock and wait for things to die down. Why stress? Good luck...
 
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