Docking - Maxum Boat Owners Club

JD · 09-09-2008, 02:51 PM

Is there a video I can buy showing docking procedures? I've been doing well backing my 03 2700 scr into my slip but would like to see a pro docking. The other boats at the marina either never go out, have twin screws or dock worst than me.

Thanks
John[/b]

seapuppy · 09-09-2008, 03:38 PM

John, bout the only thing I know of is a video game that you can manuver the little boat into a slip....
the best thing you can do is practice ...practice....practice......it takes time and effort to master docking....I've been docking my 2700 for about 4 yrs now..and I will say that even I crash into the dock upon occasion....
so the best advice I can give is never approach the dock faster than your willing to crash into it..hopefully one of the other members will chime in with a site or something....

Sp

JD · 09-09-2008, 06:16 PM

Thanks SP. I know nothing beats pratcice but it would be great if someone came out with a video showing docing 101.

racer2c · 09-09-2008, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JD

Thanks SP. I know nothing beats pratcice but it would be great if someone came out with a video showing docing 101.

I remember seeing some docking tips with flash video clips. they detailed which way you should be steering based on backing in and wind direction and what type of docking you are doing. I'll see if I can find them.

seapuppy · 09-09-2008, 06:47 PM

do you know an experienced capt. out your way??...maybe ping him for some one on one ....docking is never the same twice...winds...tides...currents...all play havoc with your best docking experience....

SP

Aquia Cruiser · 09-10-2008, 03:35 AM

And....bad docking is proportional to the number of people on the dock watching you. the more people watching, the harder time you'll have getting into the slip easily

.

Mad Max · 09-16-2008, 04:01 PM

Try searching www.youtube.com

I found numerous examples of good/bad docking. I used 'boat docking' in the search window.

JD · 09-16-2008, 04:18 PM

I have many times. I'm still looking for something more detailed. I've been practicing and getting better everytime i go out.

rgreenwell8962 · 09-19-2008, 06:44 PM

I feel very pathetic after watching this.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw8F_GyUBYU

Mad Max · 09-19-2008, 08:28 PM

Funny. That was the 1st one I watched! Very humbling, to say the least. At first I expected the worst (crashing through the boathouse). Honey, I'm hooooooooome!

cj · 09-20-2008, 04:30 PM

Try going to Dusty Millers site. He is always on TV and in the Magazines teaching about boating stuff. I believe it is www.milleryachts.
cheers
chris

Fly Boy · 09-23-2008, 06:53 PM

The first time I (we) tried to load up our boat after purchasing, there was a crosswind of about 20-25knots. I had all intentions of tying off to the dock on the right... never happened... We drifted to the left in a hurry and nearly hit another boat. After some serious back and forth throttling, I managed to get it on the trailer and head home, tail between my legs. Nowadays, if I think I am gonna need help, I'll ask anyone on the docks to catch a line. If theres no-one there, then I'll get some practice in. Now, if I could just remember to raise the dang prop before towing up the ramp.... ugh... Everyone always eems to get a laugh out of that one, fortunately theres been little damage to this point.

jman32 · 10-20-2008, 08:37 PM

Guys it's not that hard! Seapuppy has it right -- Practice, Practice, Practice. Backing a dual prop boat is simple if you follow these simple steps.

1. Reduce throttle to idle
2. Position your boat for the best angle of approach which is depending on the wind and current if any.
3. Turn your body around and face aft. Don't over think the situation. Treat the controls the same as if your pulling forward.
4. Get your hands on the gear shifts
5. Turn left by backing on your new port engine (remember not to over think) and forward on your new starboard engine. Visa versa to move to the right. Push boths controls to move in the direction of travel.
6. Now that was easy huh. Practice out in a nice quite spot and see how easy it really is.

I hope this helps. I just got a round of applause when I docked my boat yesterday. They could believe how nice the boat reacted to my control. Good luck and happy boating.

seapuppy · 10-21-2008, 02:54 AM

jman32

the original poster is running a single engine...your method works great on twins..but a single as you probably remember is alot tougher to dock in windy conditions and with tides...I've gotten pretty good but some days it's a controlled crashed...

bout the only thing I can recommend is as I stated..practice...but never approach the dock faster than your willing to crash into it!!..

SP

SilveradoSS · 10-28-2008, 07:18 PM

Our favorite watering hole is on the river where there is a substatial current. When we got that place down it was time to cheer. Many missed approaches.

ops:

mauiwaui · 10-28-2008, 08:21 PM

Practice is the key. I have found that slower approach is always the best. I mean, start slowing to a craw way before your slip. This helps with slow manuever skills sense we mostly throttle up and go and rarely worry about slow manueverability once out. This also helps you clear your mind and judge current/wind direction. Try to maintain a stationary position just before you pull in...this allows time for mental processes to catch up with your surroundings. Yes, an audience is terrifying at first, but just think of them in their underwear befor you dock

BayBoy · 03-26-2009, 12:18 PM

I ordered a few videos from Bennett Marine. I have a twin screw and they were very helpful. They also have single screw videos as well. Here is the link: http://www.bennettmarine.com/boating.html Hope it helps but as everyone else has stated, practice, practice, practice. I have to reteach myself at the start of every season but it does get easier.