Solo Docking a 32 foot Sailboat ⛵️ ⚓️ 🔱 Single-handed docking Technique 😠 Captain's Vlog 32
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- Опубликовано: 8 июл 2023
- In this lengthy Captain's Vlog I tackle Solo Docking. I've solo docked before (not a euphemism for mastribation) but I'm not very good at it, so I'm practicing.
Here are Ten of my solo docking attempts with various degrees of success.
Dagny is a 32 foot Ericson and can be very challenging to dock when you're alone. In the past I have simply floated aimlessly into the dock, jumped off at the last moment, and tied it off, however this does not work in stronger conditions.
I received a youtube comment informing me that there was another way.
This is a video of me parking a sailboat 10 times... are you listening youtube?
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I found it interesting to watch - I have'nt had to do this more than once because I don't frequent marinas. The one time I did it, I came in slow and put it in reverse, quick blip and we're alongside the dock. Seems like that is what you are naturally drawn to. I would think there is more danger the other way, which gives you less time to save yourself if you miss the cleat. I am going to try reverse thrust followed by the loop around the cleat in that order next time. Thanks for the highly instructional video.
You are most welcome 🙏 thanks for watching and commenting. Yes, I think that reverse blast right at the last moment will become standard operating procedure. Reviewing the video, it is clearly the way to go.
I have to practice this. I tie up to starboard , backing out the current and wind at times blows my bow to starboard where I have to back out. Not easy thank you
@@redwood1957Same situation for me. Would prefer a port slip to use the prop walk to my advantage.
I think the issue you were having where your bow was still swinging out to starboard even when you had your line from the winch to the dock cleat and the engine in forward, is because the boat is secured towards the stern (at the winch, which is aft of midships), so the boat still has some freedom for the bow to swing away from the dock if the wind is strong enough. If the line is tied to a midship cleat then the boat will be more stable against tthe dock with the engine in forward. Other people have indicated that if you turn your rudder towards the dock, i.e. push the helm to starboard, that the prop wash will tend to pivot your bow back towards the dock, although I don't know if that would be enough in strong conditions. I had midship cleats installed on my boat specifically to do this type of docking because I'm often out with sailing novices which is kind of like being solo. So the version I learned is using a line tied to the midship cleat that will be tossed over the dock cleat and then run back to the winch which takes up the slack once I've snared the dock cleat, then I power forward against the line which pushes me up against the dock after which I or any crew can step off and secure bow and stern lines at our leisure.
Unfortunately there is no midship cleat on my boat 😞 several have suggested this so I'll be looking into adding one.
I am commenting to help not to criticize. We all had to learn and the smart people are still learning.
Do not "water ski" with the line use the pontoon cleat, put a turn on it straightaway. All so put a couple of turns on the winch. You do not need to fight the boat. I tend to put the fixed end of the dock line to the cleat and the working end to the winch. That way I can quickly shorten the dock line once I have caught the pontoon cleat. If you had turned the rudder to turn into the dock the prop wash would keep your bow against the dock. have a wee line set up that you can loop over the tiller to keep it hard over. Keep practicing and posting.
is the no "water skiing" because of safety? The "tug" is usually not very great and I like the feedback, like you could do it with your eyes closed. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Yes, this is a great technique! 👍 Good on you for practicing this. I need to do the same the next time I'm at a marina or dock. 🤙⛵️
Thanks 😊
Duncan Wells (Stress Free Sailing) calls a similar maneuver a stern bridle. He fixes the line to the midship cleat and wraps the other end around the winch in standard fashion with one or two wraps so you can pull up the slack.
A Stern Bridle? I like that.
thanks for your video. well done!!!. Some people call it the "THE MOITESSIER STERN TIE" as he wrote about it in one of his books a long time ago......
Are you pulling my leg 🦵 😳 The Moitessier Stern Tie? You'll have to explain that one. I was thinking about calling it the Seaton Slip 😉 Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!
Thanks for posting this. I’ve been jumping off for a few years, but have wondered about a more gentlemanly approach to docking. Spent the day experimenting after watching you video.
Gentlemanly 😉 thanks for watching 👀 🙏
I think this is the Bernard Moitessier Stern-Tie way of single-handed docking. It's described in one of his books. Only I don't recall his using the boat cleat. You can use it for leaving the dock as well.
In any case yesterday I ran into a video by Patrick Lane EP32 "Improving my solo docking technique with the 'Docking Stick'". The docking stick helps with the looping around the dock cleat.
Hey! Thanks for watching and commenting! You're the 2nd person that has mentioned this, Bernard Moitessier. You're probably right, but I've never heard of this guy. Was he French? I saw that Partrick Lane video too. I wonder how much that docking stick costs.
@@EdwardSeatonSailings Moitessier is one of the more famous solo sailors that has ever sailed. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Moitessier
@@championskyeterrier thanks for the link! I'd never heard of this fellow.
Thank you, Ed. I am grateful to you for including your learning process. I am happy to watch from home with slightly sweaty palms as you find what works and what doesn’t.
I’ve repowered my 1965 Pearson Ariel with an outboard after its A4 died, so I am learning a new docking process. You’ve given me great ideas.
Thank you! You're most welcome 🙏 I made the video that I wished I had seen. I'm so glad that folks are finding it useful. Best of luck to you and film it if you can.
I find this a very good method. Thanks for showing how it works for you. If I can make a small suggestion: Rather than using a loop around your winch, I would put the loop around your clear and the loose end around the winch. Bring the loose end around the winch like you would with a sheet and fasten it through the teeth of the winch.
If your docking line is at the correct length, you don’t need to do anything with the line and in particular you don’t need to hold it with your hand. If the line is too long you can pull it in very quickly and easily by pulling on the end that sits on the winch. Holding a line in your hands is usually not the best option and putting the end you usually hold in your hand around the winch makes it much easier and safer for your hands.
Anyway that is how I do it but keep on practicing until you are happy with what works for you.
I've moved on from this particular dock and haven't had a chance to practice this yet.
I have just bought my first sailboat, and although not in the water yet, I have been very nervous about my first docking. I will not be solo, this knowledge (viewing experience) has given me a great deal more confidence. Thank you!
Most welcome 🙏 good luck getting your boat in the water! Go slow. You'll be fine 🙂
big like! will try this too. thx for sharing.
Thanks for watching 👀 and commenting! Sincerely appreciate it.
I enjoyed this verymuch thank you.
Thanks for watching 👀 🙂 🙏
Well Done for putting yourself out there and showing us real life situations.It's no different to the first time we all try to park a car at the shopping centre,its just that this is a boat. It's a skill that you need to learn by practising and i am learning vicariously though you,Thanks!
Most welcome 🙏 I recommend you film your practices even if you don't posy them to YT. Great way to learn. Thanks for watching 👀 and commenting!
Great video. Very helpful. Thanks for sharing your practice. Inspires me to do the same with my new boat.
Good luck! Buy fenders.
Using prop walk as a tool is a skill one does well to develop. Practice is sweet. You are becoming more proficient with each lesson learned. And no skipper has become talented by making no mistakes!
I am just beginning to love my prop walk!
Great advice dude, I will never forget it.
Thanks for commenting 🙂 😀
Good stuff. Thanks for sharing. Going to have to learn all these lessons when I move up to a larger sailboat.
Does your smaller boat deal with prop walk? That's the trickiest bit.
very nice, will try this too next weekend! :-)
Don't forget the video camera.
:-) @@EdwardSeatonSailings
Great video instruction!
Thanks for watching 👀 and commenting and subscribing! Really appreciate 🙏
Great job Edward.I’m on a budget but I’m a proud owner of an 1972 New Zealand made Allan Wright Variant. 23ft sounds small at sea but I still have the feeling I’m operating a super yacht entering the marina….lol. Thanks for sharing your docking knowledge.very helpful buddy. Sailing is a great family
Thanks! I'd have to say that smaller is better for a beginner like me. Maneuvering in tight marinas has been the hardest part so far. Happy to report that it's getting easier and easier.
Your video is an excelente lesson. Congrats
thank you!
I do a lot of solo docking and use a similar method but with one difference; I stop boat at dock, go to Neutral, step off and tie the spring line then get back on board and put it into forward and turn the wheel to get the boat parallel. It can take some work and on some boats, the spring line needs to be closer to the mast , but aft of the mast.
I've been using my winch because I don't have a midship cleet.
Understood! you may find it easier to attach line to your cleat, take it to the dock then back onto your winch and you can then use winch handle to adjust as needed@@EdwardSeatonSailings
Another RUclips skipper here! Fun to watch the progress. We took a docking class at the Maryland School of Sailing and one that will help is have the wheel away (tiller left, turn to sb) when you’re locked in with a spring. The counteracting forces of the spring and the prop wash will lock you in a little better. Have fun!
Thank you! 😊
Awesome demo. Liked it Edward . Way to Go!
Thanks!
Very, very interesting and useful recording
Thanks for commenting 🙂
I'm curious as to how this works with the dock to starboard, and the propwalk pushing the stern AWAY from the dock. Great video, thank you.
Theoretically, it'd be about the same as once you've got that line over its forward pressure, pushing you into the dock.
I’m usually in favor of the wind when docking but I’m definitely trying this!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Rather than relying on placing a pre tied loop of the exact length needed exactly onto the cleat with your hand or with a boat hook, you could use a longer length of line that you toss over the cleat and then take up the slack. The advantage of suck a tecknique is that you don't have to be nearly as close to the cleat to secure it, although you do have to fiddle with the line after you snag the cleat in order to take up the slack quickly. You can use this method of tossing the line to catch the cleat: ruclips.net/video/iRG0QpRKaUU/видео.html
I think this is was I trying at the beginning, trying to toss a line over the cleat proved to be rather difficult while using the boat hook I was able to try repeatedly for the cleat until I got it whereas when tossing it, you really only have time for 1 shot.
That's how we do it, but you could put the loop on your cleat instead of the winch.run up to a mid fairlead , then as you come in loop over dock back to winch,then it pulls the boat in at the centre if you leave on tickover forward.with a couple of wraps around the winch you can adjust forwar😊d as you want.
I don't think I have a mid fairlead 🤔 😕 😐
If you have mid ship cleats this technique works well .
I dock 47 foot boat solo the same way.
unfortunately I don't have a midship cleat :(
Nice work buddy
Hi Edward, very-very interesting video.
I wish I could have the time (and guts!) to decide to leave the dock and come back, again and again to gain practice.
Most of the time docking comes at the end of a day sail, each time in a different marina with different conditions (wind, current, obstacles...). Docking is always a new challenge.
So when I'm docked and lines are secured, I never had the desire to untie the boat (39 feet), reverse and come back again for experiment and practice, surrounded by expensive boats and anxious skippers.
Say your dock is on portside when you arrive and you moor on starboard, then your bow points towards the dock and if you miss, you hit the dock.
But if your dock is on portside and you moor on portside, then your bow points towards your neighbour's boat and if you miss, it could become embarrassing...
At my boat's home harbour (in the river Charente - France), all boats are stored on the dry so obviously I can't practice there.
Concerning your technique:
- In France (and maybe other countries) there is not always a cleat at the end of the finger. Very often it is a U-shaped bar that forms a closed "ring" at the end of the finger (don't know if I made myself clear here). You would have to drop the line into it then pick it up under it.
- In many situations, the finger is shorter than the boat, and it makes it even more difficult.
Anyway, I wish there were more videos like yours, of people docking in all possible conditions!
Thanks again - Patrick
Thank you for the wonderful comment! I've moved on from the dock featured in this video and have had various degrees of success. I also had a slip with these rings you speak of which was very stressful. So far the best overall method is to slow the boat as much as possible while getting close enough to safely leap off with bow and stern lines in hand.
Hi Edward! This maneuver is called the Moitessier stern tie after the sailor of the same name. Works a charm for me as it has for decades. The boat hook is almost necessary in my opinion. I enjoyed the video - thanks.
Thanks for the name clarification 👍 and the watch/comment!
I think I would reverse the rope by that I mean tie it to the cleat on the boat, loop it around the cleat on the dock and then give it a couple wraps around the winch. That would allow you to take up slack quickly and give you a better mechanical advantage stopping and pulling the boat in.
I think that's what I ended up with.
I currently have a Cornish Shrimper 19. I'm thinking about getting a bigger boat but i sail mostly by myself so don't want to get to big but standing down below would be nice. Always my concern is arriving and leaving a port I'm not familiar with. Thanks for the videos.
hey Edward. I'm gonna try this myself. I have tried a variation with some sucess (but haven't used the forward throttle step) . every boat is different but I find that if you want the tension on the winch dock cleat to push your bow to the dock that affixing your line you currently have on the winch to just slightly forward of midship on the toe rail (center of rotation) it works better. on my boat if u apply that tension as far back as you are (in the winch), it pulls the stern in and spins the bow away (toward my neighbour) from the dock. I suppose that's why as the last step you give it some throttle and that counteracts the bow spinning out maybe?
of course take my advice with a grain of salt.... as yesterday coming home solo, my wife and dog were dockside to meet me. I tripped over the lifeline getting off the boat and almost did a header on the dock.... good news is nobody but my wife saw me... and she's used to me fxxxing up!
Correct! If I didn't apply some forward throttle after the boat has come to a halt, she would bounce or swing over to starboard and ruin someone's paint job, though there'd be more than enough time to also hop off, grab a bow line and secure her that way too. The reason I didn't go more midship is because I don't have a cleat there, and I like that the only thing I have to do to prepare for this procedure is lay the looped end of a dock line over the winch, and standby with the boat hook. Theoretically this would make switching docking sides easier if you had to in a hurry. Of course you are right, every boat is going to act differently. I found it interesting that I could dramatically change the bow angle by adjusting the tiller. If you try the powered up into the dock thing, make sure you play with the tiller or wheel. I'll be experimenting with this too. Thanks for watching 👀 and commenting!
Nice work!! Good video! I want to do the same, practice docking. It's not as fun as sailing but it's well worth the time and effort! Thx for sharing!
He pulls it out, he puts it in… 😂
interesting angle
@@EdwardSeatonSailings Lol, for some reason your video reminded me of a buddy of mine in Canada, and when we younger and were trying to put the boat in, he would watch people at the ramp backing in crooked and then pulling out and it was sometimes funny how many times people would “put it in and pull it out” 😂😂😂 just old school boating memories for me.
@lesleegile2611 that guy sounds alright 👍
Great video. I had recently seen another video or social media post on this technique. Good of you to practice solo sailing. Even if you sail with another person, it's always good to be able to singlehand your boat in case your crew is somehow incapacitated.
Thanks for watching 👀 🙂 🙏 and thanks for the comment too! Did this other post give this technique a name? I'm trying to find a name for it. If I can't find one I'm gonna call it the Seaton Slip 😉
@@EdwardSeatonSailings I don't recall. Maybe the "How not to wreck your boat solo docking"?
Next you need to practice on a breezy day. Also any pointers for picking up a mooring ball and anchoring solo?
@@dahveed284 I have yet to snag a mooring ball... I have so much to learn 😩
One thing to remember when jumping to the dock. Always put a bite on the cleat first rather than trying to pull it in. It will stop boat quicker and maybe keep you drier.
"Bite on the cleat." I like that.
@@EdwardSeatonSailings I was in the Navy for 28 years. Must have heard it some where. Like the videos. Keep it up
@@Jyock I have found that one of the hardest things to learn has been the lingo. Thanks 😊
I have a 33 foot monohull that I bring into a dock solo using this technique with one difference. My stern line is tied at both ends making a loop that I hook over the piling/cleat. I recommend pre setting the stern break loop.
I've heard rumors of such a technique. I shall have to try it. Thanks for watching and commenting!
My finger dock is short and there is no bumper protection on the finger pier or the main dock so for me trying to dock solo is not possible at this time the marina as far as I know has no plans on putting bumpers around the wood either so perhaps I will do it myself when I can afford it
Do you have any fenders? That's probably your best option. Never know what the next marina will be like.
The best way to dock single handed I have used a lot is to have one end attached to the midship cleat, the boat will then stay parallel to the dock while you get a bow or stern line attached at the upwind end of the boat, with no panic. And then the other end is secured, then the spring lines. You will never hold a bigger or heavier boat with one turn on the winch. A cleat has much more friction, and 2 turns is mandatory or you will not hold it or worse crush your fingers! Use reverse to stop the boat where you want it, and then put your first line on.
I always use the cleat midships to dock her
Unfortunately, Dagny doesn't have a midship cleat.
I think that the first thing I would be doing, would be re-inventing that tiller.
I'm trying to reinvent the wheel first.
@@EdwardSeatonSailings I think a wheel may be the only answer
@@arkadybron1994 no. I'm reinventing THE wheel. I love my tiller.
Here's what I do when docking a 26 ft sailboat. Idle thrust from 500 to 100 yards away to slow the boat, then neutral to coast the rest of the way in. As the bow of the boat slowly passes the end of the slip/finger I move to the shrouds, and holding them I step over the lifelines and onto the dock. I grab the bow and stern lines preplaced over the lifelines. Cleat one, then cleat the other. Before I leave the cockpit I put the tiller in a position to manuever the boat the last few feet, either straight ahead or port or starboard.If you avoid the reverse blip then you'll be practiced for sailing the boat into the slip if the need arises. Adjust as necessary for wind and current. If you're not comfortable stepping over the lifelines at the shrouds then practice that while tied to the dock.
This has been the method of docking I've been doing since leaving that dock (in this video). It seems to be the most reliable 😳 until we fall in
You can't be an expert at anything if you are a part time player.
You have to do it all the time and you will get perfect and it will not be a thought in doing it. Martial artist get perfect by always doing it as a lifestyle . So does carpenters, race car drivers,ect.
Practice makes perfect.
i'm no expert and you know more than me. The few times that i've been out i've been taught that after you've used boat hook and got a wrap around the winch and then applied forward. The next step is to turn the tiller handle towards the dock. It's counter intuitive but this keeps my boat pinned on the dock finger with forward thrust. (my prop walk is same direction as yours) . Is there an easy way to do this with the lifelines in place? I notice you've removed yours?
I haven't had much experience with a lifeline yet. Not sure how you'd do that.
Looked like if the line was not attached to winch but further forward, it would be easier with bow control ?
Unfortunately, Dagny doesn't have a midship cleat
should be using a midship cleat to be able to better balance the boat.
Yeah but my boat doesn't have a midship cleat.
Hmm I have a 38 foot Ericson. my thoughts are that you are using the engine way too much. When I enter my slip (the fairway ) check the wind speed and direction and the boat speed I adjust my speed so that I can coast in in Neutral. Only when the boat is half way in the slip will I use reverse to stop the boat. Part of the reason I do this is because on the way in your engine can suddenly stall and if you are going slow you don't accidentally drive up on the dock. One method I used for practice was Man overboard drills. where I can practice bringing the boat to a stop exactly in one place and pick up the bleach bottle. My goal os t approach the bottle and reach down and pick it up. Do that 100 times successfully and docking is a lot easier.
The problem with using the engine at slow speeds is the prop walk is super bad so you slowly end up spinning into the slip.
@@EdwardSeatonSailings You can use that prop walk to spin the boat in both directions. At low speed the walk is more effect on the boat than the forward back momentum of the boat. Take your time . practice practice and do it when you don't have to worry about hitting anything.
Using an aft spring line as he’s showing is my go-to method, but to pin the boat to the dock the wheel or tiller needs to be positioned so the boat is being steered away from dock. With my steering wheel once turned away I can lock it down, and in forward gear the boat is firmly pinned allowing one to get off boat to make the other lines.
You call it an Aft Springline?
@@EdwardSeatonSailings springline is named in the direction it's going from the vessel to the dock. Normally a spring line is attached midships and going either back towards the stern- aft, or towards the bow- forward.
@antknee8695 very helpful 👏 👌 👍 thank you.
I believe it's called a spring because it may be used to "spring" the boat away from the pontoon as you've also noticed. Well done for putting in all the practice and experimentation. Thanks for sharing it too 👍
Is your sailboat a full keel? I have a full keel sailboat and backing it up can be stressful I haven't tried going out by myself yet. Depending on the wind and direction leaving and coming back gets me anxious lol. Great video! I think I'll try doing what you did but I'll have some one there watching in case things don't go as planned lol. Have a great day!
Thanks for the wonderful comment! My boat has a fin keel, but theoretically, a full keel should be less susceptible to prop walk which is the trickiest part for me. Dagny has a twitchy backside. Best way to start is to tie it up, engage the throttle and then just play with it while you're safely at the dock. I've been at it for just over a year and I still get anxious on launches and landings. Everything in between is pretty easy 😉
This is my second season with my sailboat and once out I'm fine. I'm definitely going to dedicate some time going in and out. Thanks for the advice and the video.
I have a 32ft nicholson longkeeler and use spring lines a lot to get out of a berth when difficult tides or winds. She's a bad lady in reverse😂😂😂
@@johan8724 bad lady 😆 🤣
@@johan8724 😂
You were so close--change the loop from the winch and put it on the midship cleat instead.
My boat doesn't have a mid ship cleat 😞
Nice. Please tell me what sailboat she is?
She's an Ericsson 32 from 1975 😀
How about reversing into the dock?
Thought about it but it would require to do a 360 in the channel 1st to be the right way around for the maneuver. More importantly though that'd put my stern up against the dock for the whole world to see into me boat. I live on my boat so this would get annoying really fast.
@@EdwardSeatonSailings it is another important skill in your locker. Especially if you intend to sail across to my side of the planet
@@clivebrowne9888 that's interesting 🤔 is it a rule over there or just custom?
@EdwardSeaton less marina space so a lot of marinas have a stern to mooring. Depends where you go
@@EdwardSeatonSailings 180 should be enough ? But you can come in reverse from quite far away, though I do not know exactly your channel
wouldn`t it be easier stern-to?
Not sure. I haven't tried that... so probably not easier
put a bolfender on de wich, problem solfd
First approach with miss is too fast
Indeed!
Oh no not another attempt there's no way I can go to sleep now😅😅😅
Oh yeah don't be wearing your sunglasses don't be nervous be confident and go slow Coast in tie off the stern on the side of your controls.
You're not being plagued by coming into you slowly you're being plagued by trying to tie up on the portside which is opposite of your controls which is taking time from you looking at where you're going and operating the controls knock it off I need to go to bed 😡
Was it really necessary to post like 20 comments on this video saying all similar things?
It doesn't have to be pretty it just has to be safe go slow🎉🎉🎉
You better not let the dock Masters see you do that he's going to ask for a million dollars in insurance and hull damage.
Bro the only thing embarrassing is you got the Gaff out and you're trying to use it.
I just subscribed cuz you need help.😮😮😮😮😮😮
Oh my gosh you got the gaff out put that thing away go slow first line to tie is the one next to the controls what should be starboard side
Why are you trying to tie off the port side first. Your focus needs to be on starboard side where your controls are so that you can easily grab the cleat while you're operating the controls stop and calm down and go slow don't use the throttle. Appreciate your honesty but you're driving me crazy right now😮
Look at you sunglasses on using your foot on the throttle and shifter totally unsafe you need to tie up on port side first on the stern go slow are you left-handed is that the issue honestly this video is making me just crazy right now where do you live let me fly to you and help you because you need help brother you need help take your glasses off tie off the port Stern I told you like 10 times already I'm trying to go to sleep right now and you're making it really hard😂😂😂😂
Bro just go slow🎉 have your lines ready all four of them
By far this has been the worst video I've seen on docking please stop it please no more no more this is why we all have to pay insurance to have a slip.
Okay the team is watching I'm stepping in as the coach don't ever use that gaff or is your calling it boat hook I don't know why you would call it a boat hook show me that you can hook a boat with at first and then we'll call it a boat hook it's called a gaff listen to me listen closely going slow tie off on starboard side Stern if your bowel is pointing port put it in gear without throttle to starboard and your bow will swing over. Never mind me being a patreon or sending you money. You send me a plane ticket and I will teach you how to park your boat.😂😂😂😂😂😂
Oh no not another attempt there's no way I can go to sleep now😅😅😅