Monterey Boats 350 Sport Yacht, Owner'S Manual

Page: 103 / 196

103
350 SPORT YACHT
ters in less than ideal conditions. You should also
practice away from the dock during windy condi-
tions.
Dock lines are generally twisted or braided nylon.
Nylon is strong and stretches to absorb shock. It
also has a long life and is soft and easy on the
hands. The line's size will vary with the size of
the boat. Typically a 30 to 40 foot boat will use
5/8-inch line and a 20 to 30 foot boat will use
1/2-inch line. The number of lines and their con-
figuration will vary depending on the dock, the
range of the tide, and many other factors. Usu-
ally a combination of bow, stern and spring lines is
used to secure the boat.
Maneuvering to the Dock
Approach the dock slowly at a 30 to 40 degree
angle. Whenever possible, approach against
the wind or current. Turn the outdrives straight
& shift to neutral when you feel you have
enough momentum to reach the dock. Use re-
verse on the engines while turning the steering
wheel toward the dock to slow the boat and pull
the stern toward the dock as the boat ap-
proaches. Straighten the outdrives and use the
engines to stop the boat if it is still moving for-
ward against the pilings. If you executed your
approach properly, the boat will lightly touch
the pilings at the same time the forward mo-
mentum 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 se-
cured.
Backing into a Slip
Approach the slip with the stern against the
wind or current and the outdrives 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 fre-
quently 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 outdrives 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 quarter spring line is secured to the dock
at a 40° angle forward of the stern cleat or the
stern spring cleat. The spring lines keep the boat
square to the dock and reduce fore and aft move-
ment 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, con-
trol the forward motion, and allow the boat to ride
the tide. Two forward quarter spring lines typi-
cally 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. Boats
steer from the stern and it is important that you
achieve enough clearance at the stern to maneu-
ver the boat as quickly as possible. Push the
stern off and maneuver such that you get stern
clearance quickly. Proceed slowly until well clear
of the dock and other boats.
Mooring
Approach the mooring heading into the wind or
current. Shift to neutral when you have just
enough headway to reach the buoy. Position a
crew member on the bow to retrieve the mooring
with a boat hook and secure the line. Keep the
engines running until the line is secured.
Leaving a Mooring
Start the engines and let them warm up for sev-
eral minutes before releasing the mooring line. The
boat will already be headed into the wind, so move
it forward enough to loosen the line and untie it.
Back the boat away from the mooring until you
can see the buoy. Move the boat slowly away
from the mooring.