Tips for Easy Docking - Handling a New Boat
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- čas přidán 2. 10. 2020
- First in a new series we're producing about docking techniques and boat handling skills.
We all get pretty good at learning to handle our own boats over time, but if we step onto a friend's boat or take the helm on a bareboat charter yacht that we're unfamiliar with, we quickly remember that each boat has its own personality and quirky behaviour.
In Docking a Sailboat, we go over basic docking techniques demonstrating how to go bow-to a dock, as well as stern-to. But first we give you a few procedures to do to quickly get the feel of a boat that you are handling for the first time.
00:05 Snapping Turtle & Fall Colours
01:10 Boat characteristics that effect handling
02:15 Remove all lines except spring-line
02:50 Handling a twin-rudder sailboat
03:21 Learning how she maneuvers under power
03:54 How to turn a sailboat in a confined space
05:18 Backing in to a dock
08:07 Docking Bow-to for the first time
Can’t get enough of these! Docking is my greatest fear!!! Thanks for also showing how relaxed the skipper should remain.
This addresses one of the more stressful aspects of sailing. Would love to see more videos like this.
Noted! Thanks for your comment, brunsonr.
There are many "how to" videos on docking. They tend to show how skilled the demo skipper is, doing handbreak-turn-boat-parking and such. What are doing here is really practical, step by step and how I would *want* to do it! Excellent, very much appreciated!
Please find time to produce more episodes similar to this, there are so many sailing channels that feel sometimes a little like im watching someone's holiday video, you have always been informative and for a newby wannabe sailor such as myself I find your how to vidoes a fantastic resource. Thank you to you both. Chris UK 🇬🇧
This "back and fill" turning maneuver is one one of the most fun and useful things I learned in sailing class.
Hello Max how are you doing😊
Will be interesting to see how to dock the boat in the slip with strong current
I’m a new boat owner and maneuvering is tight places is still worrisome. This video had great tips. Please make more like this one.
Hello Chris how are you doing😊
Great intro to marina handling. Love to see something with stronger cross winds and tides.
Love the docking videos, as even the most experienced sailors can always use more tips and tricks for docking.
Great video, would love to see more of this in slightly windy conditions
For sure more. Addressing the difference in which way to turn the wheel in reverse vs a tiller is something that a lot of new boaters don’t know.
More please. Simple! We love from The Solent, UK. We miss you both...
Hello Claus how are you doing😊
What gorgeous fall color!
But yes, more of these videos!
You got it!
I like the way how calm and deliberate you handle the boat. You take your time. That's the point where many beginners get into trouble - too much thrust, too much counterthrust, oversteering, panic ensues.
I'd like to see a docking video about reversing a full keel boat with a stern hung rudder. A different beast entirely.
Impressive control on an unfamiliar boat. Terrific demo.
Thanks so much, Patrick! Glad you enjoyed the video.
Yes he is very proficient at boat handling skills. He's a great teacher.
This is impressive boat handling for a familiar boat😁
Hello Patrick how are you doing😊
I find that a mid ship cleat and a spring line does help a lot in docking. You could make a video on that technique alone, I am sure many would learn from it. Cheers, Richard
I'd like to see the spring line tricks used for rotating a boat against the wind off a dock. I've used them a few times but not often enough to have them fresh. Thanks for figuring out how to create content when you're away from the boat.
Great suggestion! Thanks.
Keep'em coming, my wife and I need work in this area. Well done!
Thanks! Will do! The teamwork when docking with your mate can be very satisfying when you get the techniques down and establish a good system of communication, Robert. We look forward to seeing you on the water sometime.
I will tell you that I would LOVE a video on single handed docking. To add a bit, I have a small 6 meter "pocket yacht" (Canadian built Paceship P2-20) and my power source is a 4 hp Evenrude outboard. I trailer my boat to the launch site and after putting her in I always turn her around so she is facing the lake. The positioning would be just like your first example here.
But being single handed means I have to undo the lines at basically the same time as I start the outboard. This can be VERY tricky. Plus, if the wind is blowing into the launch area my boat can be blown sideways toward obstacles before I can get to the tiller and accelerate the motor.
I know you guys are used to bigger sailboats but there are probably a number of us out here with smaller boats. A smaller percentage put their boats in every time they sail. And an even smaller percentage have to do it single handed. But demonstrating how to handle the MOST complicated undocking and docking procedure would probably answer lots of people's questions regarding small sailboat handling.
BTW - I have always found that coming in to dock is sooooo much easier. I can often do it with nothing more than wind power. Scott W PS- That was one BIG snapping turtle!
I'm a new boat owner, got a Hunter 33 and when I picked it up from the previous owner it was my first time docking any boat... I was sweating bullets but thankfully only bumped the bow in the slip at low speed. Getting better each time I go out. Next step is reversing in, this video helped me understand better, thanks!
You handled the boat carefully and smoothly. Also noted the easy, in time, communication between you and your 1st mate.
I love docking videos. Can never have enough. Thank you.
Nicely done! No matter how much experience you have, docking is always a challenge.
Very true!
Yes. Dealing with prop walk has been a challenge for us, learning to handle our new-to-us canoe stern boat.
It really helped me to explain to my son, how the pull of the prop and delay of the rudder to act until pressure is agaisnt the rudder. That drone footage really helps see the reaction of the vessel.
Always try to feel the boat through my feet when I get on a boat to figure out how it's going to react. Like becoming one with the boat.Glad to see you're doing great. God bless you all, be safe.
Love that, Alex! Great tip! Thanks for your kind words.
Nice, calm explanation. No stress no panic. Never enough of docking videos. Great job, keep recording.
Thank you! Someone promoting the mid cleat warp first!!! Be nice to see the contrast of single rudder and vectored thrust over it. Sail Safe Guys, Ant, Cid & the pooch crew.
More videos like this please. Reverse docking into a narrow slip is what I'm faced with on every return to our club. It's an adventure every single time. Thanks!
Yes, we love these videos. A video leaving a snug berth with no room in the back would be awesome.
You guys make it look sooo easy to dock, especially the first time... Well done kodus... Like magic...
Please do more. Very comprehensive and well done.
Shows what I know.....I always thought that twin rudders would give better control, over a single rudder, even at low speeds. Extra is always better....is not always true. Thanks for this excellent demo!
Enjoyed the video, have to admit, the drone shot from above made me gasp when seeing the under water rocks so close to you. Good stuff, keep it up!
This is a great video. We have watched it (and an earlier Southampton one) several times. Using a midships spring every time (almost) makes life so much better and yet so many CZcams sailors don’t know about this. Practice is the only true way to learn something. But familiarity by watching and rewatching techniques is a safe (thus potentially cheaper) add-on. It would be fantastic to get more such videos as I am always learning new methods and if not new, a good reminder when stress hits and the mind goes to the nearest memory. Thanks for these and please make more ;-)
Miles, thanks so much for the positive feedback! So glad this docking video was helpful. We'll be doing more "how-to" docking videos in the future.
Hello how are you doing😊
I’m a big fan of the docking videos. I would love to see a variety of situations. The trickier the better.
Found twin rudder little more challenging. No real prop wash. Enjoyed the video.
The quality of your video gear is excellent . Very useful tips for me as I am a new skipper .
Good reminder points for unfamiliar boats. Please do more.
yes, i really like boat handling videos like this one. the overhead drone shots were helpful as were the graphics on the lines. good job, this is what i want to see. a lot of crazy stuff around the docks and slip and would love any videos with tips and guidance.
The "how to" videos are great. They are very helpful and I enjoy them as much as the cruising life variety.
Thank you so much for some very practical instruction. One aspect of learning to sail that I have not yet seen done so elegantly.
This was very helpful! More like this please.
Hello Jeff how are you doing😊
I’m trying to learn how to dock my new to me sailboat solo. Very helpful to see how the spring line can be used to help. Thanks
Paul LOVE this video.. watched it 5 times already. LOL
you gonna laugh - was fully certified for commercial skipper in the eighties.. just picked up a 30 footer to get some trainingwheels and hate docking now..
Going to go spend the day in-out of the slip until the dock master tells me to knock it off. nothing like repetition to refine rusty moves.. LOL
more of the painful basics please.
Wonderful. More docking please :)
Hello Mark how are you doing😊
the last 2 videos you have put out have been about docking. here is my question: do you have any techniques for solo docking? We hear a lot about solo sailing but never about solo docking. after watching your videos I am convinced of the need for 2 to safely dock a boat. when there is no one around, what would be some of your limits for solo docking? would you be so kind as to expound on your concerns and possibly some tips for solo docking? solo docking is not such a big deal on docks for launching and retrieving a smaller boat. Just curious in the situation that is presented in this video what your thoughts/techniques would be. thanks for your most excellent videos. I learn more from these videos than any other. BTW: I have "walked" a boat in to a dock before so I am not necessarily a novice.
Thank you for posting this video!
excellent demo! keep'em coming!
Definitely helpful - thanks!
This brought back memories. I lived and worked in Lagoon City in the 80's
Great video Paul and Sheryl! Love the view of the snapping turtle and your canoe. Great instructional video.
Getting a "new to me" Menger 19 catboat soon to replace my CD Typhoon Senior and this was right on target! Thanks
Écho others. Nicely done. Makes me want to go to the dock tomorrow and practice. Good to see you in your homeland, but hope you get back to Distant Shores soon.
Hello Steve how are you doing😊
Liked the video. Would like to see more of videos like this, maybe with wind. We live in Croatia so many Bora wind unpredictable gusts situations while docking, as you have experienced I think... Also instructions on anchoring in relatively high wind situations in somewhat crowded anchorage would be really helpful from so experienced sailors like you two.
Yes, great video. Let's see more like it!
Good video and very well explained; one small point I think your crew placed the spring on the forward docking OVER the railing rather than under. that would damage the railing if you drove forward with any pressure to bring the boat alongside.
Hello David how are you doing😊
Super helpful. Thanks for posting.
Always great to learn little tricks...thanks!
Very nice video! I would love to see more! The drone footage was great! Thank you!
Hello Mike how are you doing😊
Definitely more videos like this. Fun to see you guys on different boats.
Helpful. Thanks!
Very helpful video!
Absolutely enjoy your how-to videos. One always picks up a lesson or two. Thanks! Cheers 🍻
Great video, please do more like this!
very professional!
Thanks, keep them coming.
Another great informational video. Thank you
Great video!
its always nice to learn something new
Fantastic video.
yes, more like this!!! very helpful
Hello Don how are you doing😊
Yes more, very useful.
Thank you so much for this, very helpful--especially prop direction and turning. My issue with any boat, is where we launch: the Ogeechee River in Ga. Beside endless possibilities to run aground, the river is fast moving, and unless we time it to go out, or return, at slack tide, we live in fear of hitting rocks near to either our marina entrance or the public boat ramp.
I'm just returning to a sail boat and restoring a MacGregor 19'. I am currently ensuring she is sea worthy as a motor sailor first, before putting the mast and running gear back on board. So, learning to maneuver her is now! Again, thanks for the video.
Hello John how are you doing😊
Good info, thanks
Good demonstration, very helpful!
Great video. Keep them coming!
Will do, Mark!
Thank you and what a lovely part of the world. The colours in the trees are stunning.
I really enjoy your how to videos. The experience you both have commands my attention, and the simple straight forward dialogue makes it easier to understand. Thanks! SK in the UK.
Great video, as always.
Can't go wrong with more docking videos under different circumstances.
Thanks!
Great video, how about one with a 3-4 knot tide and a 15-20 knot cross wind - maybe in front of a bar (drinking version) on a busy afternoon! Welcome to the Hamble, as you well know 🥴 Hope you are both keeping safe, thanks for keeping us entertained & educating us at the same time!
I like it Gary! :-) We love the Hamble and have docked in there a few times... always a bit exciting as you say the current can be ferocious!
Thanks for your video! I would like to see more about spring lines. I see that you use a prepared loop to put around the piling - can you explain more about how to determine where to put this loop along the line from the clear, and then how you and the crew handles it to stop the boat?
Very helpful......thank you.
You make it look so easy
Really good and taught me about my own „stern kick to port“ on my Hanse. Should have realised bows in port side to, will be easier....very helpful. Thank you.
Thanks, We just got a new boat and handling it is a bit of a mystery. I didn't know about backing off the throttle in reverse so that the rudder can do it thing, very helpful tip. I'd love to see a video about spring lines.
Excellent tips. Great refresher. I will look for other videos where you share your experience.
Here is a list I'd like to see:
Back and fills in fairway
Med mooring
Spring lines while side tied with little room
Fueling safely
Propane tank safety
Rigging preventer lines
Nice video. Very well explained.
Definitely would like more videos like this one.
Helpful!
Great lesson - so nice when you know how. Having coffee here in Bethel, Alaska, and thinking of you two. For a while I had a 15' West Wright Potter here on the Kuskokwim River. Great sailing down river, and fun sailing up river. Take Care!
good stuff ty!
Thank you so much for the tips. You two are completely professional. me and my wife are looking forward to hanging up our hats on our motorhome diesel pusher and hitting the water in a few years.
Hi! Great video as usual. But even greater as it is highly hands-on and full of tips! I would appreciate other videos like that about releasing sequence of bow/stern/spring lines; also about buoying. Take care both!
Great video, more please
Good information. Please keep the instructional videos coming! Looking forward to your next season, as well.
Would love more videos like this please!
Thanks for your feedback, Lilith!
Lovely video, thank you. We are about to start our blue water chapter, having spent a couple years lake sailing. This video really helps to visualise the theory before we give it a go ourselves. And, as many others have said, you are in a beautiful part of the world.