3B: Maneuvering Suggestions
3B1: Docking & Undocking
Usually it’s easier to dock bow in. Have your mate at the swim step, ready to step off
and secure the stern line, against which you can pull to swing the bow in toward the dock. By
having your mate ready to disembark when close to the dock, he/she will not have to jump to
the dock, risking a turned ankle or falling overboard. It is the skipper’s job to put the boat next
to the dock so the mate needn’t jump, but merely step off!
Because the aft bulwark doors open out, there is a
risk that they will be damaged:
A. when the boat is approaching or leaving a dock;
B. when the boat is at a dock and is rolled by a wake;
and
C. when the boat is rafted with another boat.
As a result, you should have the aft bulwark doors
closed whenever approaching or leaving a dock, if there
is any chance a wake will roll the boat when at a dock, or
when rafted with another boat.
The forward bulwark doors by the pilothouse are not
affected by this caution.
Approaching a dock, have
fenders out as required and have the
bow line already rigged, passed
through its hawse pipe, and draped
back on the side of the boat between
the stanchions so it can be reached
from the dock. Never put a line from
a cleat over a rail: the boat’s weight
will damage the stanchion or break
the rail if it pulls against the line! When the mate’s ashore, the line can be easily reached!
If dock clearance permits, spring the boat forward so that it pulls forward on the stern
line. This will bring the stern close to the dock. Let the bow line out enough so that the boat
can rest against the stern and midships fenders.
3B2: Maneuvering in a Harbor
Because of its substantial weight, this boat is predictable! Take advantage of its
momentum/inertia: you will find that if you maneuver slowly and thoughtfully you can maintain
control at all times.
Port aft bulwark door by salon. The aft
doors opening out requires caution!
Forward doors open in, so no problem!
(These near the pilothouse each side)
Section 3B: Maneuvering Suggestions 3.3
