Scout Boats 245 Abaco, Owner'S Manual

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momentum to reach the dock. Use reverse (on
the outboard engine on twin engine boats) 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 engine
and use it to stop the boat (use both engines on
twin engine boats) if it is still moving forward
against the pilings. If you executed your approach
properly, 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 engine (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 and/or turning the wheel. When
nearly in the slip all the way, straighten the engine
(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 usu-
ally 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 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
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
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 engine or 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
maneuver 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.