Maneuverability of a Full Keel Sailboat when backing

[PappiRoy]

I'm a long keel fan but many arguments for being otherwise. In the UK magazine Practical Boat Owner this month is an article about manoeuvring long keelers in marinas.


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[Pendragon35]

Originally Posted by GrowleyMonster

Actually, I backed away from a wall just a couple days ago. Wind <5kt over the stern, docked starboard side to, right hand prop. Someone actually asked if I had twin screws, or a bow thruster, because my movement was an almost perfect lateral crab away from the wall. Of course the electric drive helped, because there is no minimum idle speed.

Not saying the classic spring maneuver isn't a good one. It is extremely effective. But I am often or I should say mostly singlehanded, and I dislike scrambling back and forth between the bow and helm. I am more likely, actually, to back against an after spring than come ahead against a forward spring, because I can work the line from the cockpit while I tend throttle and rudder. Depends on circumstances. Sometimes a judicious shove from the appropriate spot in the appropriate direction is the most valuable tool at my disposal. Sometimes the rudder is more useful while making sternway with the prop stopped. More than one way to skin a cat, and being familiar and practiced with them all makes one a better boat handler.

I single hand an Alberg 35 and backing against an after spring is how I normally get away from parallel docks. As you say, it lets me work everything without going forward.

Backing out of my slip I use a line from a stern cleat to a cleat on the port dock to a winch. I let it run until the bow is almost out then harden up. This turns the boat, I release the line at the stern and recover on the winch. It's very effective

[Don C L]

The Alberg 30 is such a sweet little boat, whatever challenges you face in backing (and you will overcome) will soon be forgotten once you are out sailing.