Docking a Catamaran in 15' slip

[Doug Maloney]

Hi. I'm a monohull sailor considering buying a Gemini catamaran. I have a slip that is 15' wide. The Gemini's beam is 14'. The slip location has about a 2' tide. There are pilings on each side with rubber bumpers. Any suggestions on whether this is doable, and if so, how would be most appreciated. Thanks.

[Nicholson58]

Docked our 16 Beam X 58 LOA IN A 17 X 50 for three years. A few bumps resulted.

[sailormed]

A better title for your post would have been:*"Docking a 14’ Catamaran in a 15’ slip".

[Snore]

Yes it can be done, but I would wrap the likings in plastic. Unlike rubber, or using a fender, you can lay a hull on the plastic and ease her back along it with no scuffs.

Also, if you wish, you can find an ASA Instructor who teaches 114 and hire him to work with you on handling the cat.

[thinwater]

Yup, did that for 10 years with a similar sized PDQ.


Carpet on the pilings helps the boat slide. You have only a single engine, so you will bump, but you do have rub rails, which is a great help. More than anything... practice. Backing a mono with a steerable leg is different than backing a mono, more like backing a power boat, so Google that.



Unless it was a really great deal, I might look for something wider. A foot on each side (16') is better. But 15' will do.

[onavegador]

Hi
I have a identical situation in the slip of my catamaran. On both sides of the cat I fitted at the location of the post a long flat type semi rigid fender as sold by plastimo.
https://www.plastimo.com/en/defenses-plates-10230.html
No problems until now.
good luck
James

[KJThomas]

Teflon fenders.

[danielamartindm]

Have you considered placing fender boards, say on the port side of the vessel and securing it to the tie poles on that side with bow, stern, and spring lines; and then just tying two spring lines from the starboard side of the vessel to the starboard tie poles and using those to "hold her just off" the port tie poles? Only a thought.

[Kita]

I currently live on a Gemini & it's definitely doable, but in a breeze or current getting out is so much easier than getting in! I put mine in a 15 ft fuel dock in a stiff cross wind solo! Was a bit interesting but the Gemini steers pretty well ...with the boards up a crosswind makes it tough as it does not take much to blow the nose around & you really got to be on top of it,but usually before I come into a marina where I know they have enough depth I will put one of the boards down even if it's just part way so that the cross wind does not blow the nose around so much

[Dave_S]

Speaking from experience of being crap at it.

I think it depends a lot on how much room you have in front of your slip. If you have plenty of room to abort a run and regather for another run you should be ok. If you don't and might blow on to someone else it's a bit tricky unless there is a public dock or somewhere easier you can you park it overnight.

[Training Wheels]

Having had a Gemini for 5 years I can attest that the Gemini handles very well. We backed her into a 16’ wide slip, with never a scratch. Having the drive leg turn with the rudders give you great control. Always maneuver with the boards down, or the boat will slide sideways.

[Davy J]

My Gemini is in a slip that is just over 15' wide. Getting her in and out has become routine. At first it will take some practice. Our marina is very well protected from wind and current however, so if you will be exposed to those, it may be more difficult.

I added a second set of cleats to the stern down by the bottom steps. Allows me to spring line the stern as well as the bow.