Welcraft 232 Coastal, Owner'S Manual

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• Fill the fuel tank to near full to reduce
condensation. Allow enough room in the tank for
the fuel to expand without being forced out
through the vent.
• Turn off all electrical equipment except the
automatic bilge pumps.
• If you are going to leave the boat for a long
period of time, put the battery main switches in
the “OFF” position and close all seacocks.
• Make sure the boat is securely moored.
10.5 Docking, Anchoring and Mooring
Docking and Dock Lines
Maneuvering the boat near the dock and securing
the boat require skill and techniques that are unique
to the water and wind conditions and the layout of
the dock. If possible, position a crew member at the
bow and stern to man the lines and assist in docking
operations. While maneuvering close to the dock
consideration must be giving to the wind and
current. You should anticipate the effect these
forces will have on the boat and use them to help
put the boat where you want it. It is important to
practice in open water using an imaginary dock
enough to develop a sense for the way your boat
handles in a variety of docking scenarios. You must
be able to foresee the possibilities and have
solutions in mind before problems occur.
Approaching a dock or backing into a slip in high
winds or strong currents requires a considerable
amount of skill. If you are new to boat handling, you
should take lessons from an experienced pilot to
learn how to maneuver your boat in tight quarters in
less than ideal conditions. You should also practice
away from the dock during windy conditions. 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 configuration will vary
depending on the dock, the range of the tide, and
many other factors. Usually 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 engine straight & shift to
neutral when you feel you have enough momentum
to reach the dock. Use reverse to slow the boat and
pull the stern toward the dock as the boat
approaches. Use the engine(s) to stop the boat 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 as it stops. Use
fenders to protect the boat while it is docked. Keep
the engine(s) running until the lines are secured.
Backing into a Slip
Approach the slip with the stern against the wind or
current and the engine straight ahead. Use the
engine(s) to maneuver the boat into alignment with
the slip. Reverse the engine(s) 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
engine(s) in and out of gear. When nearly in the slip
all the way, 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 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 that 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.
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