Tips for Easy Docking - Handling a New Boat
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- Опубликовано: 22 авг 2024
- First in a new series we're producing about docking techniques and boat handling skills.
We all get pretty good at learning to handle our own boats over time, but if we step onto a friend's boat or take the helm on a bareboat charter yacht that we're unfamiliar with, we quickly remember that each boat has its own personality and quirky behaviour.
In Docking a Sailboat, we go over basic docking techniques demonstrating how to go bow-to a dock, as well as stern-to. But first we give you a few procedures to do to quickly get the feel of a boat that you are handling for the first time.
00:05 Snapping Turtle & Fall Colours
01:10 Boat characteristics that effect handling
02:15 Remove all lines except spring-line
02:50 Handling a twin-rudder sailboat
03:21 Learning how she maneuvers under power
03:54 How to turn a sailboat in a confined space
05:18 Backing in to a dock
08:07 Docking Bow-to for the first time
This addresses one of the more stressful aspects of sailing. Would love to see more videos like this.
Noted! Thanks for your comment, brunsonr.
Impressive control on an unfamiliar boat. Terrific demo.
Thanks so much, Patrick! Glad you enjoyed the video.
Yes he is very proficient at boat handling skills. He's a great teacher.
This is impressive boat handling for a familiar boat😁
Hello Patrick how are you doing😊
Please find time to produce more episodes similar to this, there are so many sailing channels that feel sometimes a little like im watching someone's holiday video, you have always been informative and for a newby wannabe sailor such as myself I find your how to vidoes a fantastic resource. Thank you to you both. Chris UK 🇬🇧
Will be interesting to see how to dock the boat in the slip with strong current
There are many "how to" videos on docking. They tend to show how skilled the demo skipper is, doing handbreak-turn-boat-parking and such. What are doing here is really practical, step by step and how I would *want* to do it! Excellent, very much appreciated!
I’m a new boat owner and maneuvering is tight places is still worrisome. This video had great tips. Please make more like this one.
Hello Chris how are you doing😊
Can’t get enough of these! Docking is my greatest fear!!! Thanks for also showing how relaxed the skipper should remain.
Great intro to marina handling. Love to see something with stronger cross winds and tides.
This "back and fill" turning maneuver is one one of the most fun and useful things I learned in sailing class.
Hello Max how are you doing😊
More please. Simple! We love from The Solent, UK. We miss you both...
Hello Claus how are you doing😊
Great video, would love to see more of this in slightly windy conditions
Keep'em coming, my wife and I need work in this area. Well done!
Thanks! Will do! The teamwork when docking with your mate can be very satisfying when you get the techniques down and establish a good system of communication, Robert. We look forward to seeing you on the water sometime.
I'd like to see the spring line tricks used for rotating a boat against the wind off a dock. I've used them a few times but not often enough to have them fresh. Thanks for figuring out how to create content when you're away from the boat.
Great suggestion! Thanks.
I find that a mid ship cleat and a spring line does help a lot in docking. You could make a video on that technique alone, I am sure many would learn from it. Cheers, Richard
Love the docking videos, as even the most experienced sailors can always use more tips and tricks for docking.
What gorgeous fall color!
But yes, more of these videos!
You got it!
Thank you! Someone promoting the mid cleat warp first!!! Be nice to see the contrast of single rudder and vectored thrust over it. Sail Safe Guys, Ant, Cid & the pooch crew.
Always try to feel the boat through my feet when I get on a boat to figure out how it's going to react. Like becoming one with the boat.Glad to see you're doing great. God bless you all, be safe.
Love that, Alex! Great tip! Thanks for your kind words.
I will tell you that I would LOVE a video on single handed docking. To add a bit, I have a small 6 meter "pocket yacht" (Canadian built Paceship P2-20) and my power source is a 4 hp Evenrude outboard. I trailer my boat to the launch site and after putting her in I always turn her around so she is facing the lake. The positioning would be just like your first example here.
But being single handed means I have to undo the lines at basically the same time as I start the outboard. This can be VERY tricky. Plus, if the wind is blowing into the launch area my boat can be blown sideways toward obstacles before I can get to the tiller and accelerate the motor.
I know you guys are used to bigger sailboats but there are probably a number of us out here with smaller boats. A smaller percentage put their boats in every time they sail. And an even smaller percentage have to do it single handed. But demonstrating how to handle the MOST complicated undocking and docking procedure would probably answer lots of people's questions regarding small sailboat handling.
BTW - I have always found that coming in to dock is sooooo much easier. I can often do it with nothing more than wind power. Scott W PS- That was one BIG snapping turtle!
Yes. Dealing with prop walk has been a challenge for us, learning to handle our new-to-us canoe stern boat.
For sure more. Addressing the difference in which way to turn the wheel in reverse vs a tiller is something that a lot of new boaters don’t know.
This is a great video. We have watched it (and an earlier Southampton one) several times. Using a midships spring every time (almost) makes life so much better and yet so many RUclips sailors don’t know about this. Practice is the only true way to learn something. But familiarity by watching and rewatching techniques is a safe (thus potentially cheaper) add-on. It would be fantastic to get more such videos as I am always learning new methods and if not new, a good reminder when stress hits and the mind goes to the nearest memory. Thanks for these and please make more ;-)
Miles, thanks so much for the positive feedback! So glad this docking video was helpful. We'll be doing more "how-to" docking videos in the future.
Hello how are you doing😊
I'm a new boat owner, got a Hunter 33 and when I picked it up from the previous owner it was my first time docking any boat... I was sweating bullets but thankfully only bumped the bow in the slip at low speed. Getting better each time I go out. Next step is reversing in, this video helped me understand better, thanks!
I love docking videos. Can never have enough. Thank you.
Here is a list I'd like to see:
Back and fills in fairway
Med mooring
Spring lines while side tied with little room
Fueling safely
Propane tank safety
Rigging preventer lines
I like the way how calm and deliberate you handle the boat. You take your time. That's the point where many beginners get into trouble - too much thrust, too much counterthrust, oversteering, panic ensues.
Nicely done! No matter how much experience you have, docking is always a challenge.
Very true!
You guys make it look sooo easy to dock, especially the first time... Well done kodus... Like magic...
You handled the boat carefully and smoothly. Also noted the easy, in time, communication between you and your 1st mate.
Very nice video! I would love to see more! The drone footage was great! Thank you!
Hello Mike how are you doing😊
Thank you so much for this, very helpful--especially prop direction and turning. My issue with any boat, is where we launch: the Ogeechee River in Ga. Beside endless possibilities to run aground, the river is fast moving, and unless we time it to go out, or return, at slack tide, we live in fear of hitting rocks near to either our marina entrance or the public boat ramp.
I'm just returning to a sail boat and restoring a MacGregor 19'. I am currently ensuring she is sea worthy as a motor sailor first, before putting the mast and running gear back on board. So, learning to maneuver her is now! Again, thanks for the video.
Hello John how are you doing😊
yes, i really like boat handling videos like this one. the overhead drone shots were helpful as were the graphics on the lines. good job, this is what i want to see. a lot of crazy stuff around the docks and slip and would love any videos with tips and guidance.
It really helped me to explain to my son, how the pull of the prop and delay of the rudder to act until pressure is agaisnt the rudder. That drone footage really helps see the reaction of the vessel.
the last 2 videos you have put out have been about docking. here is my question: do you have any techniques for solo docking? We hear a lot about solo sailing but never about solo docking. after watching your videos I am convinced of the need for 2 to safely dock a boat. when there is no one around, what would be some of your limits for solo docking? would you be so kind as to expound on your concerns and possibly some tips for solo docking? solo docking is not such a big deal on docks for launching and retrieving a smaller boat. Just curious in the situation that is presented in this video what your thoughts/techniques would be. thanks for your most excellent videos. I learn more from these videos than any other. BTW: I have "walked" a boat in to a dock before so I am not necessarily a novice.
I would love to see Cheryl at the helm for docking or anchoring. :)
Oh, you like disasters at sea videos. Me too.🤣
@@andre1987eph oh that’s just mean ;). I’m thinking she might show us that women can do it, too.
More videos like this please. Reverse docking into a narrow slip is what I'm faced with on every return to our club. It's an adventure every single time. Thanks!
Please do more. Very comprehensive and well done.
Nice, calm explanation. No stress no panic. Never enough of docking videos. Great job, keep recording.
Thank you so much for some very practical instruction. One aspect of learning to sail that I have not yet seen done so elegantly.
Getting a "new to me" Menger 19 catboat soon to replace my CD Typhoon Senior and this was right on target! Thanks
Enjoyed the video, have to admit, the drone shot from above made me gasp when seeing the under water rocks so close to you. Good stuff, keep it up!
I'd like to see a docking video about reversing a full keel boat with a stern hung rudder. A different beast entirely.
I’m trying to learn how to dock my new to me sailboat solo. Very helpful to see how the spring line can be used to help. Thanks
This was very helpful! More like this please.
Hello Jeff how are you doing😊
The quality of your video gear is excellent . Very useful tips for me as I am a new skipper .
Shows what I know.....I always thought that twin rudders would give better control, over a single rudder, even at low speeds. Extra is always better....is not always true. Thanks for this excellent demo!
Found twin rudder little more challenging. No real prop wash. Enjoyed the video.
Good video and very well explained; one small point I think your crew placed the spring on the forward docking OVER the railing rather than under. that would damage the railing if you drove forward with any pressure to bring the boat alongside.
Hello David how are you doing😊
The "how to" videos are great. They are very helpful and I enjoy them as much as the cruising life variety.
I really enjoy your how to videos. The experience you both have commands my attention, and the simple straight forward dialogue makes it easier to understand. Thanks! SK in the UK.
Good reminder points for unfamiliar boats. Please do more.
Écho others. Nicely done. Makes me want to go to the dock tomorrow and practice. Good to see you in your homeland, but hope you get back to Distant Shores soon.
Hello Steve how are you doing😊
Paul LOVE this video.. watched it 5 times already. LOL
you gonna laugh - was fully certified for commercial skipper in the eighties.. just picked up a 30 footer to get some trainingwheels and hate docking now..
Going to go spend the day in-out of the slip until the dock master tells me to knock it off. nothing like repetition to refine rusty moves.. LOL
more of the painful basics please.
Liked the video. Would like to see more of videos like this, maybe with wind. We live in Croatia so many Bora wind unpredictable gusts situations while docking, as you have experienced I think... Also instructions on anchoring in relatively high wind situations in somewhat crowded anchorage would be really helpful from so experienced sailors like you two.
its always nice to learn something new
Thank you so much for the tips. You two are completely professional. me and my wife are looking forward to hanging up our hats on our motorhome diesel pusher and hitting the water in a few years.
Very well explained. I like the use of the spring. It seems to make things pretty easy. I just bought a 15m Aluminiumship 4 months ago and she is nothing like my 11m Jeanneau I had before. My wife and I made good experiences with using midship springs for docking. Excellent video. Please do more of those
I like these larning vids soon to buy a 40ft sailboat next year mayby a boat like Delos they have a beautiful boat and like how to sail one man until I get some to help later but short trips up an down the west coast to learn how to sail love all your videos to bad your not sailing I miss your videos my friend from Seattle Wa USA
Hello Ben how are you doing😊
Wonderful. More docking please :)
Hello Mark how are you doing😊
This brought back memories. I lived and worked in Lagoon City in the 80's
I’m a big fan of the docking videos. I would love to see a variety of situations. The trickier the better.
Yes. Helpful, interesting and good level of detail. I just need to get a boat and start trying it out.
Glad it was helpful! Good luck on your search for a boat.
@@DistantShoresTV Watching this again! Going out later on my first solo rental. I've got a long list of things to practice.
Ever see Mr Roger's Neighborhood? It came on TV when I was a teenager, we thought it was creepy that this guy always sits down and changes his shoes, ties them, then puts on a cardigan with a zipper. When my son was a toddler I realized Mr Rogers was tapped right into what little kids were passionate to learn. This is like that for sailing. I'm going through the ASA books, sometimes it's just a flurry of words. I would love a fat book or a series of videos that just goes step by detailed step through everything. All the things the boom vang does, Why some boats don't use preventers. Really basic stuff. I always 'go back to the basics.' I was the best student on my first kayak stroke class. A year later I took it again. "Why are you here???" I'm sure there are improvements I can make. Yep.
Thanks for the reinforcement, it was a great reminder of what I have learned earlier this month. I just complete my ASA 101/103 on a Catalina 445. Plan on doing the 104/106 next spring.
Wonderful!
yes, more like this!!! very helpful
Hello Don how are you doing😊
Love it. Would,likemto see more spring line techniques
More to come, Torsten! Thanks for your suggestion.
Great video, thanks!
A spring line is single handers best friend. I use it every time when docking, with a block close behind the pivot point and led back to a winch next to the tiller.
Thank you and what a lovely part of the world. The colours in the trees are stunning.
very professional!
Great video Paul and Sheryl! Love the view of the snapping turtle and your canoe. Great instructional video.
Thanks, We just got a new boat and handling it is a bit of a mystery. I didn't know about backing off the throttle in reverse so that the rudder can do it thing, very helpful tip. I'd love to see a video about spring lines.
Yes, we love these videos. A video leaving a snug berth with no room in the back would be awesome.
Excellent tips. Great refresher. I will look for other videos where you share your experience.
Lovely video, thank you. We are about to start our blue water chapter, having spent a couple years lake sailing. This video really helps to visualise the theory before we give it a go ourselves. And, as many others have said, you are in a beautiful part of the world.
This is so great. Yes please do more. They.are jewel to watch. A great education. Just got to say "Slow is pro" As I tell a new guy at the launch. Stay safe and Thank you!
Professional explanation & demonstration. for me it was nice to see teamwork !! very important. ☯️
Always great to learn little tricks...thanks!
Thanks for your video! I would like to see more about spring lines. I see that you use a prepared loop to put around the piling - can you explain more about how to determine where to put this loop along the line from the clear, and then how you and the crew handles it to stop the boat?
Helpful video. I’m about to buy a Sabre 34 which has an offset prop…So similar handling of a twin rudder because there’s no prop wash. Good demo of prop walk! Overhead shot was excellent.
Very well shot with the added drone video footage that really added to the demonstration.
The explanation of prop walk is something most other video creators seem to leave out of similar content. We have the opposite prop rotation which I think is much more uncommon. Most sailboats tend to favor docking on the port side and we often get dockhands advising us to do so and sometimes other unhelpful advice assuming handling characteristics of our boat that are not correct.
I've sailed and docked perhaps a dozen other boats before we bought our Rasmus and it is by far the most challenging sailboat I've ever experienced in tight docking manuevers.
I would love to see another video using spring lines.
Thanks for your thoughtful and informative comment. We hadn't thought of the challenge of having the opposite prop rotation with regards to docking at marinas where they assume you have the more common prop walk. Good point.
Great video, how about one with a 3-4 knot tide and a 15-20 knot cross wind - maybe in front of a bar (drinking version) on a busy afternoon! Welcome to the Hamble, as you well know 🥴 Hope you are both keeping safe, thanks for keeping us entertained & educating us at the same time!
I like it Gary! :-) We love the Hamble and have docked in there a few times... always a bit exciting as you say the current can be ferocious!
Yes more, very useful.
Good demonstration, very helpful!
You make it look so easy
Thanks Paul. I have twin ruddered boat with a wing keel. (MG Spring 25) It's also fitted with a two bladed folding propeller. Life gets interesting in a strong cross wind. I would love to see more of these videos but could you also include boats with a tiller so we get an appreciation of how over you're pushing the rudder.
Really good and taught me about my own „stern kick to port“ on my Hanse. Should have realised bows in port side to, will be easier....very helpful. Thank you.
Definitely more videos like this. Fun to see you guys on different boats.
Good stuff. More please
You got it, Kenneth! Thanks for your comment.
Very clear presentation of docking techniques and very well shot with multiple cameras and views. Congrats.
Thanks for your feedback, Sgt-Bond. More to come!
Btw.. Super important for us. As club members we can to sail different boats at different lengths each time we go. We try to establish common procedures not just for docking but from the moment we on board to we are back. The only part without procedure is from the moment sails are up. Would love to hear your procedures, especially how you pick up on the boat sails rigging...
Liked this a lot. Useful to see how you do it. You always make it look smooth and easy. It would be useful to also see common mistakes and how to correct them.
Thank you Sheryl & Paul. This is really helpful to me and I’m sure many others. Dreaming of a trip aboard your new boat in the Pacific with my wife. Take care for now.
More like this please guys.
Yes please. More of those and more of how to... Also question on how you manage the spring line knot... D you measure ahead of time how much slack you give it? Can you easily change the length? Can you show what was that knot? It wasn't Bowlin, wasn't it?
Another great informational video. Thank you
Yes very good and helpful. It would be good too if you could indicate rudder direction and power level (round gage) in the aerial view to show the control sequence, maybe.
Thank you for posting this video!
Great video, as always.
Can't go wrong with more docking videos under different circumstances.
Thanks!
Great lesson - so nice when you know how. Having coffee here in Bethel, Alaska, and thinking of you two. For a while I had a 15' West Wright Potter here on the Kuskokwim River. Great sailing down river, and fun sailing up river. Take Care!
Would love more videos like this please!
Thanks for your feedback, Lilith!
Super helpful. Thanks for posting.