OPERATION
22
CASTING OFF
Procedures vary depending on wind, current and traffic. Some general guidelines are:
- Start engine before casting off.
- Put adequate space between boat and dock before trying to move away.
- Two secrets of successful manoeuvring:
- Since a boat turns at its stern, the stern must have enough clearance to move back
toward the dock as the bow moves away from the dock.
- Use wind and current to move a boat whenever possible, aided by spring lines as
needed.
-Power slowly ahead about 1 meter (3 feet) with the after bow spring line fastened.
(See Operation – Handling Dock Lines.) At the same time, turn the vessel toward the
dock. The combination of rudder/propeller action and the spring line will swing the stern
away from the dock.
- Bring aboard the spring line and fenders.
- Check for loose or trailing lines which can foul the propeller.
- Back the boat with rudder/propeller centered until well clear of the dock.
- Swing the bow away. The stern will move toward the dock, but if you have allowed
enough room, it will not hit the dock.
- Proceed slowly, sounding a long horn blast to alert other boats.
LEAVING MOORING
- Because the boat is heading into the wind and the stern is already clear, this is fairly
simple.
- Untie from mooring buoy and back slowly away several boat lengths.
- When you can see the mooring buoy, it is safe to move forward, giving the buoy wide
clearance.
APPROACHING DOCK
Procedures vary depending on whether you tie up at a:
• Pier (parallel to shore) or wharf (not parallel)
• Slip (between piles, at right angle to pier or wharf)
• Mooring (anchoring buoy away from shore)
Some procedures apply in all situations:
• Move slowly.
• Plan manoeuvres ahead of time.
• Use wind and current whenever possible to move or slow the boat.
When other boats are at dock,
approach at greater than normal angle
(“A”). At position “B”, attach spring
line from forward cleat aft to pier.
Ease forward with right rudder to
swing boat into berth (“C”).
