OPERATION
9-7
Leaving a Dock
Because boats steer from the stern, the stern first moves in the direction opposite your desired turn. It is
especially important to understand this characteristic when leaving a dock. If you simply turn the wheel to steer
the bow away from the dock, as you would when driving a car out of a parking space, you will drive the stern of
the boat into the dock. Following is a basic maneuvering technique which can be used in most circumstances.
1. With engine idling and the bow still moored to the dock, turn the steering wheel toward the dock. This will
start to move the stern of the boat away from the dock.
2. When the stern is out a few feet, release the bow mooring then steer in the direction you want the bow to
move. Open the throttle slightly and begin to move away from the dock.
Section 9_horiz 11/3/03 2:44 PM Page 9-7
