Before undertaking docking in a "tight" space, practice with the boat in open but
protected water to get the "feel" of the boat. Don't let the skipper's ego get in the way of safe
operation, and remember, if the slip is too tight you can always dock somewhere else! And
don't forget the boat's overall length is approximately 50 feet! Operating from the flybridge is
usually best until you are very familiar with the boat because of its much better visibility.
You should usually dock "bow in"; remember, the stern is what is turned by the rudder,
so you should "point the bow where you want it" when entering a slip, then swing the stern as
necessary. Remember, too, that the rudders are normally effective only when the props are
going forward. Usually, it is best to center the rudder and use the engines to steer the vessel.
Finally, use the bow thruster sparingly and only as necessary (remember, thousands of
fishermen run boats bigger than this one without thrusters and only one engine!) As you will
read later in this manual, if used too much, more than a couple of minutes in a single docking
session, a thruster can get hot enough to open its thermal overload relay and will then be
inoperative for 10-15 minutes while cooling.
3B3: Anchoring
Anchoring can be accomplished safely with a minimum of fuss if you are prepared. Or,
if you are not ready, it can be stressful and dangerous for you or the boat.
Before attempting to anchor, select an anchorage with a soft bottom such as sand, mud,
or gravel, if possible. Look at the charts and cruising guides for tips on good locations. Then,
choose the spot in the anchorage where you have room to “swing” on the anchor without
disturbing other boats. Remember, responsibility for leaving room goes to each successive
boat to arrive, for the first boat has priority in the anchorage!
Here in the Northwest, because of the deep waters, all-chain rodes and small bays, we
anchor a little differently than in the Gulf of Mexico or Carribean, for example. First, except in
severe weather we use anchor chain scopes of only 4-to-1 or 5-to-1. For example, in water
that is 40 feet at low tide in the typical anchorage, we might use 160 feet of chain unless the
weather was to be gale force or greater winds.
Second, because of the small bays and steep bottoms, we often rig a shore line from
the stern of the boat to shore. The best example of this would be at Todd Inlet at Butchart
Gardens: Here is a bay that can accommodate 8 - 10 boats, yet it is only about 150' wide and
200' long! Boats attach their bows to the mooring buoys or, in a few cases, anchor; and then
their sterns are secured to rings provided in the steep cliffs overlooking the bay. Boats are
thus perhaps only 15-20' apart, side to side.
Third, boats often will “raft” side by side in busy marinas, although this is not very
common.
Fourth, courteous boaters will call vessels coming into busy bays and offer to let them
raft to the same buoy, if signs on the buoys do not limit usage to only one boat depending
upon length.
Anchoring safely requires two persons, one at the helm maneuvering the boat and one
on the bow operating the anchor. Putting the bow of the boat over the spot where the anchor is
to be placed after checking the depth on the depth sounder, the windlass foot-switches are
used to lower the anchor slowly toward (but not onto) the bottom, by watching the chain
markings, which are painted
every 25' on the anchor chain.
Section 3B: Maneuvering Suggestions 3.4
