Seriously can't thank you enough. I've been so afraid of not knowing how to control my boat when the wind and current change the position of my bow. Now I feel more confident after this video.
Good vid. My tip to newbies... 100% neutral is your friend. Steer in direction needed then a short burst neutral. Steer in direction needed then a short burst neutral. Repeat as many times as needed until docked. Thank me later.
I am a Freedom Club member. I found your video to be very helpful especially your pointing out bump & go. I feel more comfortable in knowing how to position my boat when approaching a dock . Thank you
very very good tutorial! just bought a new (old) boat and of course im a novice so this was incredibly informative.... appreciate the overhead and clear concise instruction!!
Nicely done. We just joined FBC here in Southport NC and completed the required onboard training yesterday. I am 74 and bought my first sailboat when I was 20. I have minimal experience with power boats. A point our instructor made yesterday was to obtain the tightest turning radius you should FIRST fully re-position the outboard motor before PUTTING IT IN GEAR. You follow that in practice but I suggest pointing it out. I also agree untying the stern lines first.
Very nicely done. After 23 years as a coxswain in the Coast Guard Auxiliary, there are some things I would do differently that I think are safer. Rather than attach a bow line as a first line, I always attach a stern line first and then go forward on that line to bring the boat in. If the bow line gets pulled in too tight -- which often happens if you hand the line to someone on the dock -- it may be impossible to bring the boat parallel to the dock, and on most boats it requires that someone lean out over the water, reach down, and grab a cleat as he did. The bow on most boats is much higher than the stern. If you bring the stern in first, particularly in a wind blowing you off the dock, you can reach the cleat easily, then just put the boat in forward at clutch speed and wait for the bow to come around. Then you can put a breast line (midship line) on. On most boats, you can just drop the stern line over the cleat. The helm is normally closer to the stern than the bow and is quicker to get there if operating alone. I would also use a locking hitch on a cleat only if my line is too short to use the Coast Guard required method of cleating a line: Go under each horn once, two figure eights, around the base twice, no locking hitch ever. That way your hands and fingers never get near the cleat, and you can remove the line from the boat with a little lasso work. You can also attach it from the boat without leaning over the side.
Alex, good job BUT, you could have stated in the beginning that the technique for strong winds is different as you only said to consider winds etc. It would have been good to show how to lasso the dock cleat and it is always much stronger and less load on the top of the cleat when you start with a full 360 degree wrap. That will put the force on the strongest part of the cleat at the base. The hitch is unnecessary if you add another cross, then you can finish with a full wrap. That way there is no tension on the crosses and it can be quickly undone even from the boat to the dock. You can tie up that way also from the boat. This method is more secure with the modern lines and will save your boat from being pulled off the dock in a strong wind. Your method works fine with the old fibre ropes as there is more friction on them. I asked other boating companies why they promote your method and they said they use a 100 year old book on knots as their bible. Test the strength of your cleating and you will be surprised at its performance compared to the OXXO method. André
Very good training overall. At the end he talks about “flat docking” which is a great technique. After he ties his first line he did not state that he turned his motor hard to port and put it in reverse which pulls the stern of the boat to the dock.
Great video. Tried to do this for the first time today without any advice and you can properly figer out how that went. Thanks for the video I'm sure after watching this I'll stand a better chance next time
When freeing your dock lines, start at the stern and do your spring line last. You always want to start at the transom because if a gust of wind or something unexpected occurs, you will be able to use your motor to regain control. If the stern is tied up you lose the ability to motor.
It would be great to see a video with a single engine cabin boat (no walkaround), that does not allow for safe access to bow lines when operating alone.
You would use the stern cleat and power forward with wheel turned towards the dock to bring the boat in parallel to the dock in that case. If the wind is at your stern or aft quarter into the dock you won't even need power, it will do the work. Alternatively- especially if it's your normal berth- have a spring line made up to your midship cleat ahead of time and run it back to the cockpit for easy access. In that case, if room doesn't allow for backing on the spring line, you would go forward on the spring line with your rudder (or motors) turned away from the dock .
@@fi8215 Thank you for taking the time to comment. I do usually keep a spring line tied up behind me for quick access while mooring alone. Too bad dock cleats are not that common in my area so you have to get off the boat to pull the rope through and back.
Probably better to advise people to put a forward spring on as the first line in case they are carrying some pace. A Spring astern first does not make much sense
Hey there, I'm a new boater. I am wondering if there isn't a mistake here at 2:20. He says he is turning to the port side, but isn't he turning starboard? I'm confused.
You are approaching the docks "too fast" for the average weekend boater. I woud like to see you use neutral more, as well not just forward and reverse all the time. Most marinas are much more congested than your location so boaters do not have the room you have to manuver with so much slip/fairway width. Additionally, you should always show the lines going out to the dock for tying up. I never see ropes on a dock. Otherwide, good video.
I think he’s teaching fundamentals here. When it’s inclement weather the same fundamentals still apply. You just have to alter them to the current environment.
Yesterday I tried docking my boat on the starboard side with a breeze coming off the dock. In other words pushing the boat away from the dock. My first mate wife always goes to the stern when I dock so she can jump off and grab the boat. There was no way I could get the stern in close enough for her to jump off before the bow swung out. I'm thinking that maybe in that case she should of jumped off the boat to the dock from the bow and held the boat there so I could then swing in the stern. Does that make sense?
If you have the bow nosed in close enough for her to jump, instead just get as close as you can and then go neutral and turn your wheel away from the dock all the way and then bump reverse. It will keep you stationary but swing your stern in.
@@ronvavra Sorry I meant toward the dock, so the prop is facing the dock. Just make sure to only bump reverse after you’ve turned the wheel all the way so you don’t move forward
Keep this in mind, turn the wheel in the direction you want your bow to go forward or your stern in reverse. In the situation when wind or current is making it hard to dock into your slip and you have the luxury of another passenger to help you, consider the option of getting that passenger off at a fuel dock or another easier location in the marina and meet you at the slip. I am generally not a fan of having anyone jump off the boat onto a dock, especially with engine(s) running. Lastly, since I am often alone on the boat with no walkaround, I tie stern first and then get off to pull the bow in by hand.
@@Mequence hes following the rules of boating safety and the law. Life jackets are not a requirement, and he is in a calm inland marina on a safe vessel. No reason at all for him to need to wear one with what he is doing. He isnt engaged in high speed travel, in rough waters, rough weather, engaged in water sports etc.
Seriously can't thank you enough. I've been so afraid of not knowing how to control my boat when the wind and current change the position of my bow. Now I feel more confident after this video.
Glad we were able to help you! Keep an eye out for more
Good vid. My tip to newbies... 100% neutral is your friend.
Steer in direction needed then a short burst neutral. Steer in direction needed then a short burst neutral. Repeat as many times as needed until docked. Thank me later.
It's one thing to do what comes naturally from years of experience but entirely another thing to teach it. Well done 👍🏼
Very helpful clear instructions, thanks for that!
I am a Freedom Club member. I found your video to be very helpful especially your pointing out bump & go. I feel more comfortable in knowing how to position my boat when approaching a dock . Thank you
very very good tutorial! just bought a new (old) boat and of course im a novice so this was incredibly informative.... appreciate the overhead and clear concise instruction!!
Awesome, thank you!
Nicely done. We just joined FBC here in Southport NC and completed the required onboard training yesterday. I am 74 and bought my first sailboat when I was 20. I have minimal experience with power boats. A point our instructor made yesterday was to obtain the tightest turning radius you should FIRST fully re-position the outboard motor before PUTTING IT IN GEAR. You follow that in practice but I suggest pointing it out. I also agree untying the stern lines first.
Excellent video, great job explaining all the phases of docking and maneuvering.
Nice to watch a skilled operator. Good work young man and thanks for the enlightenment. ;-)
Very nicely done. After 23 years as a coxswain in the Coast Guard Auxiliary, there are some things I would do differently that I think are safer. Rather than attach a bow line as a first line, I always attach a stern line first and then go forward on that line to bring the boat in. If the bow line gets pulled in too tight -- which often happens if you hand the line to someone on the dock -- it may be impossible to bring the boat parallel to the dock, and on most boats it requires that someone lean out over the water, reach down, and grab a cleat as he did. The bow on most boats is much higher than the stern. If you bring the stern in first, particularly in a wind blowing you off the dock, you can reach the cleat easily, then just put the boat in forward at clutch speed and wait for the bow to come around. Then you can put a breast line (midship line) on. On most boats, you can just drop the stern line over the cleat. The helm is normally closer to the stern than the bow and is quicker to get there if operating alone.
I would also use a locking hitch on a cleat only if my line is too short to use the Coast Guard required method of cleating a line: Go under each horn once, two figure eights, around the base twice, no locking hitch ever. That way your hands and fingers never get near the cleat, and you can remove the line from the boat with a little lasso work. You can also attach it from the boat without leaning over the side.
First time boat owner here, thx great video. Slow is the way to go.
It sure is!
Great video. You should create a complete video series for all FBC locations. Thanks.
Alex, good job BUT, you could have stated in the beginning that the technique for strong winds is different as you only said to consider winds etc. It would have been good to show how to lasso the dock cleat and it is always much stronger and less load on the top of the cleat when you start with a full 360 degree wrap. That will put the force on the strongest part of the cleat at the base. The hitch is unnecessary if you add another cross, then you can finish with a full wrap. That way there is no tension on the crosses and it can be quickly undone even from the boat to the dock. You can tie up that way also from the boat. This method is more secure with the modern lines and will save your boat from being pulled off the dock in a strong wind. Your method works fine with the old fibre ropes as there is more friction on them. I asked other boating companies why they promote your method and they said they use a 100 year old book on knots as their bible. Test the strength of your cleating and you will be surprised at its performance compared to the OXXO method. André
great video. Learned a lot, thanks
Glad it was helpful!
Very good training overall. At the end he talks about “flat docking” which is a great technique. After he ties his first line he did not state that he turned his motor hard to port and put it in reverse which pulls the stern of the boat to the dock.
12:16
I think in his case it was a full turn to starboard + reverse, not port.
Great video. Tried to do this for the first time today without any advice and you can properly figer out how that went. Thanks for the video I'm sure after watching this I'll stand a better chance next time
Great job explaining it all. Thanks for putting this together.
Look easy but I’m have new experience in driving me boat is hard to control it but this video show me is better I’m trying
When freeing your dock lines, start at the stern and do your spring line last. You always want to start at the transom because if a gust of wind or something unexpected occurs, you will be able to use your motor to regain control. If the stern is tied up you lose the ability to motor.
Awesome video. Worth the membership to do things right!
Great video, wish you had shown creating a spring line
Very solid video. Great pace.
Much appreciated!
It would be great to see a video with a single engine cabin boat (no walkaround), that does not allow for safe access to bow lines when operating alone.
You would use the stern cleat and power forward with wheel turned towards the dock to bring the boat in parallel to the dock in that case. If the wind is at your stern or aft quarter into the dock you won't even need power, it will do the work. Alternatively- especially if it's your normal berth- have a spring line made up to your midship cleat ahead of time and run it back to the cockpit for easy access. In that case, if room doesn't allow for backing on the spring line, you would go forward on the spring line with your rudder (or motors) turned away from the dock .
@@fi8215 Thank you for taking the time to comment. I do usually keep a spring line tied up behind me for quick access while mooring alone. Too bad dock cleats are not that common in my area so you have to get off the boat to pull the rope through and back.
What a great video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great job all around
Awesome video! Thanks for sharing.
Our pleasure!
Really informative... Thankyou 👍
Glad it was helpful!
👍Terrific info & video. Very very helpful. 🙏💝
Glad it was helpful!
Your video was well explained, very helpful to new boaters I'm sure. Please continue to teach future boaters and ignore the posse below :) :) :)
Thank you very much, will do!
Great video awesome tips
Outstanding
With your example, it looked like very calm conditions.
Thanks
Good video but should typically untie transom or stern first
Good video, but I wish the drone shots were from a bit higher up to get a better picture of the overall setting.
thanks young captain
Damnnn...so smooth.
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it
Excellent video. A suggestion for a minor modification....consider us Jet boaters....we can't look to stern to see what way our motor is turned ;')
Good point! Thank you
Well done
Probably better to advise people to put a forward spring on as the first line in case they are carrying some pace. A Spring astern first does not make much sense
Very good but it's better with fenders for the last docking, isn't it?
Hey there, I'm a new boater. I am wondering if there isn't a mistake here at 2:20. He says he is turning to the port side, but isn't he turning starboard? I'm confused.
Nope. The steering wheel is being turned to port. Watch the motor and visualize the wheel being turned to port
You are approaching the docks "too fast" for the average weekend boater. I woud like to see you use neutral more, as well not just forward and reverse all the time. Most marinas are much more congested than your location so boaters do not have the room you have to manuver with so much slip/fairway width. Additionally, you should always show the lines going out to the dock for tying up. I never see ropes on a dock. Otherwide, good video.
Last part of the video you should of had your fenders out at least 2 of them.
nice calm day lol
Seems nice and easy when not a hint of a breeze. 😂
It's easy when it's calm , what if it's very windy , and rough
I think he’s teaching fundamentals here. When it’s inclement weather the same fundamentals still apply. You just have to alter them to the current environment.
Pretty sure it's a piling, not a pylon.
Great boat
Yesterday I tried docking my boat on the starboard side with a breeze coming off the dock. In other words pushing the boat away from the dock. My first mate wife always goes to the stern when I dock so she can jump off and grab the boat. There was no way I could get the stern in close enough for her to jump off before the bow swung out. I'm thinking that maybe in that case she should of jumped off the boat to the dock from the bow and held the boat there so I could then swing in the stern. Does that make sense?
If you have the bow nosed in close enough for her to jump, instead just get as close as you can and then go neutral and turn your wheel away from the dock all the way and then bump reverse. It will keep you stationary but swing your stern in.
@@Blaine.W.A Wouldn't that just push the stern farther out? I'm confused.
@@ronvavra Sorry I meant toward the dock, so the prop is facing the dock. Just make sure to only bump reverse after you’ve turned the wheel all the way so you don’t move forward
@@Blaine.W.A Whew! Thanks, thought I was totally messed up. Appreciate your time to respond.
Keep this in mind, turn the wheel in the direction you want your bow to go forward or your stern in reverse. In the situation when wind or current is making it hard to dock into your slip and you have the luxury of another passenger to help you, consider the option of getting that passenger off at a fuel dock or another easier location in the marina and meet you at the slip. I am generally not a fan of having anyone jump off the boat onto a dock, especially with engine(s) running. Lastly, since I am often alone on the boat with no walkaround, I tie stern first and then get off to pull the bow in by hand.
What kind of boat 🛥 is this?
It's a 2021 Wellcraft 222F - Center Console. All our club boats are newer models!
That gel coat is a mess.
Hey bro, whats this boat's model ?
It’s a wellcraft 222 fisherman
@@tomdrummy4984 Thanks man. I appreciate...
Look at the hull of that boat. Pretty beat up.
..cause members don't heed his instructions...
@@warrensteffen8415 hire car usage -people don’t care…
Easiest way to dock; exactly how you did it. Best and easiest? Your method, and NOBODY watching.
Where are the fenders, my friend? Please attach your fenders before you start docking, use common sense.
Those seats are ulgy. That diamond pattern crap!
Where is your life jacket????
Adults aren't required to wear a life vest. Only that they have access to one on the boat
@@stevelinzey bad leadership example.
@@Mequence hes following the rules of boating safety and the law.
Life jackets are not a requirement, and he is in a calm inland marina on a safe vessel. No reason at all for him to need to wear one with what he is doing. He isnt engaged in high speed travel, in rough waters, rough weather, engaged in water sports etc.
@@Mequence snowflake. The Coast Guard states you don't have to wear one. Not good enough for you ?
There's always one in every thread.
i bet youre super fun at a party
excellent video, well explained, very helpful. Thank you!
You are welcome!