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Sailing vs Docking

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jmeadows
1st Mate

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52 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/29/2002 : 19:44:41

Hey all, I'm new to the boat, but both my wife and myself enjoy sailing with a little bit of wind (keyword here is sailing). Last weekend we had one reef in the main,no head sail and the GPS indicated over 6 knots. Not sure how good that is but we did have a ball!

The problem is my wife is very uneasy coming into our slip under these conditions. Our slip is almost as wide as the boat is long and she is having a hard time holding the boat until i can get off and help. There is no way she will take the helm coming in.

Anyone have any ideals? Currently I keep the lines on the dock. Is it easier to maybe keep the spring lines on board? Sure do not want to loose my sailing partner over this.

Jim Meadows
1989 Tall Rig WK
Fountain Hills, AZ

Edited by - jmeadows on 04/29/2002 19:46:30

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 04/29/2002 : 20:19:09

You could tie off a line at the bow with the eye led outside the lifelines aft to the cockpit. Size this line so when it is cleated the bow will not hit the dock. When motoring in, slip the eye over it's cleat to keep the bow from hitting and it will also pull the boat alongside the dock.

Another variation is to tie a line to the end of your dock and size it so that when the eye is slipped over a genoa winch, the bow will not hit the dock. When motoring in, grab the line from the dock, slip it over the winch and the bow will not hit and the boat will pull alongside the dock.

Don Lucier, Northstar
C25 SR/FK

Edited by - on

coldducks
Captain

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USA
342 Posts

Response Posted - 04/29/2002 : 20:27:47

HAVE I GOT THE THING FOR YOU!!! we felt the same way about docking. we were at the new england boat show about 2 years ago and saw this invention called a dock catcher. go to www.dockcatcher.com to view it. we have used it for 2 years, and hence several others have seen it and also decided to get one. we have one line tied off the the cleat on the dock and the other end hangs on the dock catcher about 3 feet above the dock. when you are entering your slip, you grab the spliced end and fasten it to the boat, then you automatically fetch up to the dock. you cant go any farther into the slip than the amount of line you set. (we throw it over the winch and it holds us long enough to be able to safetly step off the boat and secure it.). try his web site. you can contact him at www.dockcatcher.com. his email address is dockcatcher@mediaone.net.

COLDDUCKS
FANTASY #409 C250WK

Edited by - coldducks on 04/29/2002 20:32:05

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coldducks
Captain

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342 Posts

Response Posted - 04/29/2002 : 20:33:47

i forgot to tell you that when you look at this dockcatcher, you will see that the line is at arms reach when you are comming into your slip. you dont have to bend down to try to reach the line. it is right there....

COLDDUCKS
FANTASY #409 C250WK

Edited by - on

Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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Response Posted - 04/29/2002 : 20:56:52

It really helps if you approach the dock like a butterfly with sore feet landing on a lawn! i.e. absolutely as slow as possible but still maintain directional control.
Derek on "This Side Up"

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John V.
Admiral

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559 Posts

Response Posted - 04/29/2002 : 23:23:12

I like the butterfly model Derek. You can also let the wind help you in. A cross wind can put you right against the dock if you manage your forward speed at next to nothing. I see a lot of sailors use way too much power comming in. I like to stay in neutral most of the time with little bursts of thrust. Several years ago I watched as several newcomers to the craft attempted a docking in a 20 something pocket cruiser. As the skipper motored toward the slip his passengers rushed to the bow to fend off, their weight lifted the outboard auxillary completely out of the water just as the flustered skipper threw it into reverse. With a lot of momentum the new boat crashed into the pier amidst cursing and recriminations from the poor skipper's wife. What a scene

John V. Nin Bimash II
1977 C25 Sk #153

Edited by - on

Douglas
Master Marine Consultant

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1595 Posts

Response Posted - 04/29/2002 : 23:56:59

One other good thing to do is practice. Lots of practice. You can use your own dock or you can use a swim raft in a lake or what ever. Over time you will find your comfort zone.

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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6855 Posts

Response Posted - 04/30/2002 : 08:57:11

Beside the practice part, here is what I do when I singlehand the boat. I dock starboard to so if your a port to, reverse everything.

While still at the dock tie a spring line from the last post on your dock to the forward winch (if you only have one winch it will do). When you leave the dock, be sure to put this line somewhere within reach. This is where the dock catcher would work great.

Have your fenders set well in advance. Who cares if you look like a stink boater coming in.

As you approach the dock on the return, grab the spring line and throw it on the winch. Two things here, 1. this will keep you from going too far forward and crashing the dock. 2. This isn't a speed brake, you still need to approach the dock gently and slowly. The winch will be able to take the load, but not repeadetly at 5 knots.

If at this point you push your tiller to port, the boat will round into the dock (remember you already put out your fenders)

Grab you starboard stern line and attach that too. With those two on the boat won't be able to drift left into Captain Dave's boat or whatever DBO docks next to you.(Ever notice the guy next to you at the marina is always the moron, I wonder if they think that too?).

At this point, it should be really easy for someone to get off and cleat the bow.

Done...

Duane Wolff
"The Flying Wasp"
C-25, #401 std,sk
Chief Measurer C-25/250 national Org.
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2dc20b3127cce9cd2f45b211a0000004010" border=0>

Edited by - Duane Wolff on 04/30/2002 15:26:49

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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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4382 Posts

Response Posted - 04/30/2002 : 09:13:23

I used to sail into my slip until one time another boat started backing out of their slip without looking first . . . <img src=icon_smile_angry.gif border=0 align=middle>

Steve Madsen
#2428
OJ (Ode to Joy)

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 04/30/2002 : 09:46:00

Duane,

My docking setup is basically the same as the one you describe, and when coming in gently, this setup works great. Another thing I do is hang a set of fenders on the dock bumper boards for the season so I never have to set them out when coming in. I have more fenders aboard that I use for rafting or mooring at other places, and since they are only used occassionally, they are always clean and new looking. Have you ever rafted with someone who was using old, nasty fenders that looked like they were covered in pine tar? <img src=icon_smile_angry.gif border=0 align=middle> I prefer to use my nice, clean ones so I don't have to go over the side to scrub off the fender marks.

Don Lucier, Northstar
C25 SR/FK

Edited by - on

coldducks
Captain

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USA
342 Posts

Response Posted - 04/30/2002 : 09:54:23

we also have bumpers attached to our slip. works great. another idea is to buy those swimming pool NOODLES that the kids play with. they are styrofoam and have a hole through the middle for running a line through. we have lined our slip with them. it makes a nice straight run of protection.

COLDDUCKS
FANTASY #409 C250WK

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MattL
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 04/30/2002 : 14:06:42

When I went to Ed Montague's boat a couple of months ago, I noticed his, and many other boats had a catch rope set up. Their slips are one boat wide and they attach a H shaped arangement of ropes and snubbers that act as a break, catching on the tow hook on the bow. My slip is two wide and would not work, also I don't have a tow hook.
He said it worked great and looked like a good deal to me. Maybe Ed can describe it better if he reads this note.

Matt
EC Rider
Cat 25 86'
FK SR

Edited by - on

LOREN SOUERS
Navigator

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USA
100 Posts

Response Posted - 04/30/2002 : 16:31:14

Jim,
No one has mentioned buying a copy of Chapman's Piloting, which I consider more or less a boater's bible. Chapman's discusses various circumstances which haven't yet been addressed here, namely, wind direction.
I do agree with most of what has been said, but wind direction, any current, tide,wash, etc. all play a factor.
I do like the contraption and might be interested. You are not alone. Keep positive.

Loren Souers
Canton, Ohio

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Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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3323 Posts

Response Posted - 04/30/2002 : 18:21:34

MattL- I have a similar set-up to Ed. I have a single slip, and have one line from each side about 3/4's way to the open end, tied to the center of the cross dock about 18" apart. About 3' from the crosswalk is a cross tie to both of these lines through a 12" diam fender. The fender acts as a true "BUMPER" in case I have to come in a little hot because of the wind. ("This Side Up" is kept on a hoist so I have to hit the precise center 3' of the slip entrance, otherwise I make serious contact with one of the flotation tanks).
Coldducks - I also have those noodles tied around the entrance to the slip (make sure you buy the big ones) - they are a lot cheaper than fenders! They protect the hull when we pull out of the slip in a stiff crosswind - which seems to be 85% of the time these days!
Derek

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coldducks
Captain

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342 Posts

Response Posted - 04/30/2002 : 18:42:01

i knew i was not the only one with noodles!!!! you are right. they are cheaper (and they look pretty cool too!) hahahahah

COLDDUCKS
FANTASY #409 C250WK

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LOREN SOUERS
Navigator

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100 Posts

Response Posted - 05/01/2002 : 11:28:06

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
MattL- I have a similar set-up to Ed. I have a single slip, and have one line from each side about 3/4's way to the open end, tied to the center of the cross dock about 18" apart. About 3' from the crosswalk is a cross tie to both of these lines through a 12" diam fender. The fender acts as a true "BUMPER" in case I have to come in a little hot because of the wind. ("This Side Up" is kept on a hoist so I have to hit the precise center 3' of the slip entrance, otherwise I make serious contact with one of the flotation tanks).
Coldducks - I also have those noodles tied around the entrance to the slip (make sure you buy the big ones) - they are a lot cheaper than fenders! They protect the hull when we pull out of the slip in a stiff crosswind - which seems to be 85% of the time these days!
Derek

<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Derek,
Thanks for the "noodles" idea. I was just about to buy some of those polyurethane dock liners. I think I'll just tie on some noodles.
What about in front. If I come in hot, I'm not sure a noodle is enough? Maybe I'm not familiar with the big noodles (which might suggest I have a small noodle)?!

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LOREN SOUERS
Navigator

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USA
100 Posts

Response Posted - 05/01/2002 : 11:32:40

OOPS!
I reread your note and you said you use a 12" fender in front. But the 12" fender is probably no more than 2 ft long. Maybe a bundle of noodles...

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Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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3323 Posts

Response Posted - 05/01/2002 : 13:45:19

Loren - the 12" diameter fender is the "terminus" of the bridle - it just gives the boat something soft to hit but still firm enough to stop it - the lines all have "give" in them which also absorbs the boats motion. The long lines to the open end of the slip actually guide the bow onto the fender. It really does work like a charm!
Derek

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coldducks
Captain

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342 Posts

Response Posted - 05/01/2002 : 18:01:46

the beauty of the noodles, is that because of the hole in the center, (by the way, all noodles do not have the hole, so check) that you can string several one top of the other and lay them lenghtwise. they are about 5 feet long so you get lots of protection.

COLDDUCKS
FANTASY #409 C250WK

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Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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Response Posted - 05/01/2002 : 19:20:34

Coldducks - the idea of the fender, which is about 3' from the dock crosswalk, is to prevent the bow from hitting the crosswalk.The noodles would collapse under the pressure. Remember the bow is higher at deck level than at the waterline. The 2' wide fender is plenty wide enough for the width of the bow at the very front.
Derek

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coldducks
Captain

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Response Posted - 05/02/2002 : 00:40:43

i know that. but WHO ever hits the bow of the boat in the slip? you are much more apt to kiss the side of the boat and between the noodles an the fenders, you are pretty safe, dont you think!!

COLDDUCKS
FANTASY #409 C250WK

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
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Response Posted - 05/02/2002 : 00:47:47

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote> but WHO ever hits the bow of the boat in the slip? -Colddducks<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

It happens more than you think. From the looks of the bow on my boat, the DPO used the bow as either an emergency brake or a battering ram. Hopefully, this weekend the battlescars will be replaced with new gelcoat and boweye. Also, as I wander around the marina grounds I see a lot of bows with chips and dings.

Don Lucier, Northstar
C25 SR/FK

Edited by - dlucier on 05/02/2002 00:49:17

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LOREN SOUERS
Navigator

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Response Posted - 05/02/2002 : 17:05:50

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
Loren - the 12" diameter fender is the "terminus" of the bridle - it just gives the boat something soft to hit but still firm enough to stop it - the lines all have "give" in them which also absorbs the boats motion. The long lines to the open end of the slip actually guide the bow onto the fender. It really does work like a charm!
Derek

<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Aha! Now I get it, and it sounds like it works great. Unfortunately, it seems that that particular rig will only work with a single slip. You've got kind of a sling shot rig, a "V" with the fender at the bottom of the "V." My slip is at the end of the dock, open to the lake on my starboard side. (It's just a narrow lake, no big fetch for waves.) I think I might have to use something wider for the unfortunate, but not uncommon, bump against the dock with the bow.
Any further ideas. I love the ideas I'm getting off here.

Edited by - on

ltenny
1st Mate

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Response Posted - 05/02/2002 : 17:50:53

As my venerable sailing instuctor once told me:

"You should never approach a dock faster than you are comfortable crashing into it..."

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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Response Posted - 05/02/2002 : 17:52:10

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
As my venerable sailing instuctor once told me:

"You should never approach a dock faster than you are comfortable crashing into it..."
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

The guy who I learned most of my sailing from refers to docking as a controlled crash

Duane Wolff
"The Flying Wasp"
C-25, #401 std,sk
Chief Measurer C-25/250 national Org.
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2dc20b3127cce9cd2f45b211a0000004010" border=0>

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
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Response Posted - 05/02/2002 : 18:48:30

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote> The guy who I learned most of my sailing from refers to docking as a controlled crash -Duane Wolff<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Duane,

Is it a good thing to learn to sail from someone who refers to docking as a "crash"? <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Did he refer to tacking and gybing as a "controlled broach"? <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Don Lucier, Northstar
C25 SR/FK

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