Undocking
09-13-2018, 03:05 AM
#1
Registered
Thread Starter
Undocking
As silly as this might sound, what is the best way to get away from the dock when parked parallel? My previous boat was a 25 Outlaw, current boat is a 382 Fastech. Docking is cake. I've always been good at walking them wherever I want them. However, when pulling away from the dock when tied parallel, I always have trouble unless I can get a good shove off from the bow to get the boat rotating away. Any tips?
09-13-2018, 06:53 AM
#2
21 and 42 footers
Platinum Member
Get the stern going first. Bump the bow towards the dock, then the stern backing away. Repeat again and likely after 2 cycles of this your far enough out to go/do whatever needed. (In tight spaces it's easier to move the stern than getting the bow to go where you want)
09-13-2018, 06:56 AM
#3
Registered
Thread Starter
Thanks. I really need to go play at an empty dock sometime.
09-13-2018, 07:25 AM
#4
21 and 42 footers
Platinum Member
09-13-2018, 08:18 AM
#6
21 and 42 footers
Platinum Member
That's exactly what I was talking about. Except with a twin engine boat you can do that with the drives instead of using a dock line.
09-13-2018, 08:28 AM
#7
Exactly, turn full lock on the helm, 1 engine forward the other reverse and the boat should walk sideways. I could not find a video for that.
09-13-2018, 01:28 PM
#9
VIP Member
Many folks when starting their learning curve on a twin engine boat...
...want to keep using the steering wheel.
For the most part, don't do that. (Staggered boats, and some boats, you HAVE to though).
For most situations, ensure that before you cut loose, that your drives are straight. Do this by peaking over the transom yourself.
Now, using both shifters to walk and maneuver the boat takes a bit of practice; but most folks can pick it up within a few weeks.
However, once you feel comfortable with using the shifters to maneuver the boat, NOW, start using the throttles as well. You can power up one drive to make the boat work against it's own prop thrust, and pivot 'more aggressively' than if they are just at idle.
But, you have to remember to bring them back to idle before you shift.
This takes quite a bit more practice. But in a breeze and/or a current; especially when either is pushing you TOWARD the dock or whatever you want to move away from...
...you will definitely need to master this skill.
...want to keep using the steering wheel.
For the most part, don't do that. (Staggered boats, and some boats, you HAVE to though).
For most situations, ensure that before you cut loose, that your drives are straight. Do this by peaking over the transom yourself.
Now, using both shifters to walk and maneuver the boat takes a bit of practice; but most folks can pick it up within a few weeks.
However, once you feel comfortable with using the shifters to maneuver the boat, NOW, start using the throttles as well. You can power up one drive to make the boat work against it's own prop thrust, and pivot 'more aggressively' than if they are just at idle.
But, you have to remember to bring them back to idle before you shift.
This takes quite a bit more practice. But in a breeze and/or a current; especially when either is pushing you TOWARD the dock or whatever you want to move away from...
...you will definitely need to master this skill.
Last edited by Sydwayz; 09-13-2018 at 10:01 PM.
09-13-2018, 06:52 PM
#10
Good answer Sydwayz. Its like driving a bulldozer. I suggest to go out and put a buoy out with a weight on it and practice using just the gear selector in a calm remote cove. Or if a friend has a nice padded dock pull up to it and start getting a feel how the boat reacts using the forward and reverse gears.
When I had my 38 Fountain TE with Trip Verados I had a steering ram go out...leaking. The steering wheel no longer worked. I got the engines straight and drove the dang thing home to my dock just using the 2 outside throttles...spun it around in the canal and onto the lift....all with throttles and gear select.
When I had my 38 Fountain TE with Trip Verados I had a steering ram go out...leaking. The steering wheel no longer worked. I got the engines straight and drove the dang thing home to my dock just using the 2 outside throttles...spun it around in the canal and onto the lift....all with throttles and gear select.
