Everglades 2012 350 LX, Owner'S Manual, Page: 29 / 164

29
Operation
line. The number of lines and their configuration
will vary depending on the dock, the range of the
tide and many other factors. Usually a combi-
nation of bow, stern and spring lines is used to
secure the boat.
Maneuvering to the Dock
Notice:
If your boat is equipped with triple engines,
we recommend turning the center engine
off and using the port and starboard engines
to maneuver the boat to the dock or back it
into a slip.
Approach the dock slowly at a 30 to 40 degree
angle. Whenever possible, approach against the
wind or current. Turn the engines straight & shift
to neutral when you feel you have enough mo-
mentum to reach the dock. Use reverse on the
outboard engine while turning the steering wheel
towards the dock to slow the boat and pull the
stern toward the dock as the boat approaches.
Straighten the engines and use both engines to
stop the boat if it is still moving forward against
the pilings. If you executed your approach prop-
erly, the boat will lightly touch the pilings at the
same time the forward momentum is stopped.
Have the dock lines ready and secure the boat as
soon at it stops. Use fenders to protect the boat
while it is docked. Keep the engines running until
the lines are secured.
Backing into a Slip
Approach the slip with the stern against the wind
or current and the engines straight ahead. Use the
engines and turn the steering wheel to maneuver
the boat into alignment with the slip. Reverse the
engines and slowly back into the slip. Shift from
reverse to neutral frequently to prevent the boat
from gaining too much speed. Move the stern
right and left by shifting the engines in and out
of gear or turning the wheel. When nearly in the
slip all the way, straighten the engines and shift
to forward to stop. Keep the engines running until
the lines are secured.
Securing Dock Lines
Securing a boat that is tied along side the dock
typically requires a bow and stern line and two
spring lines. The bow and stern lines are usually
secured to the dock at a 40° angle aft of the stern
cleat and forward of the bow cleat. The after bow
spring line is secured to the dock at a 40° angle aft
of the after bow spring cleat. The forward quar-
ter spring is secured to the dock at a 40° angle
forward of the stern cleat. The spring lines keep
the boat square to the dock and reduce fore and
aft movement while allowing the boat to move up
and down with the tide.
Securing a boat in a slip is somewhat different. It
typically requires two bow lines secured to pilings
on each side of the bow, two stern lines secured
to the dock and two spring lines that prevent the
boat from hitting the dock. The bow lines are
typically secured with enough slack to allow the
boat to ride the tide. The stern lines are crossed.
One line runs from the port aft boat cleat to the
starboard dock cleat and the other line runs from
the starboard aft boat cleat to the port cleat on
the dock. The stern lines center the boat, control
the forward motion and allow the boat to ride the
tide. Two forward quarter spring lines typically
are secured to the stern cleats and to mid ship
pilings or cleats. The spring lines keep the boat
from backing into the dock while allowing it to
ride the tide.
Leaving the Dock
Always start the engines and let them warm up
for several minutes before releasing the lines.
Securing The Boat Along Side A Dock (Typical)
Securing The Boat In A Slip (Typical)
Bo
w L
ine
Forward Q
uarter Spr
ing Line
After Bow Spring Cleat
Bow Cleat
Stern Cleat
After Bow Spring L
ine
Stern
Line