My First Big Boat !

[Loquat]

I am so excited! And nervous. I have always wanted a Bermuda 40 and it is finally coming to reality. I grew up sailing and have had a slew of Hobies and whalers and raced in the local races. I nervous about docking. I guess I will need alot of practice and learn how the boat wants to be handled.

There will be many questions and concerns to follow. I hope this forum will be an useful resource.

If anyone is interested, the boat is listed on yachtworld. just use the 'advanced search' for Hinckley in Castine ME.The boat is called Fair Lady.
She just had a serious refit in 2008. What do you think?

[Weyalan]

Congratulations is what I think, heh

[imagine2frolic]

Worried about docking? That's what fenders are for...........i2f

[aquarian]

I'm jealous. . . . Not really. She's beautiful! CONGRATS!!!

[Dockhead]

Docking was worry 1, 2 and 3 for me when I bought my first big boat. It's scary and remains scary for a long time but you eventually master it and get used to it.

Docking a bigger boat is a black art where not everything is obvious, so it pays to read up and get some instruction. It becomes particularly "interesting" when wind and current are involved.

[hummingway]

Nice boat. If you have a choice of slips try to get one where the wind will blow you against the dock not away form it 'cause when da wind blows da bow goes!

[Intrepid]

Bermuda 40 is a beautiful design-congratulations on your classic! Spend a morning practicing picking up moorings, until you feel comfy with your slowing down speed...enough gas to keep steerage, slow enough to avoid crunchage! Then you're ready for docking! By the way, try to dock to leeward-much easier on the topsides!

[camtep]

Originally Posted by Loquat

I am so excited! And nervous. I have always wanted a Bermuda 40 and it is finally coming to reality. I grew up sailing and have had a slew of Hobies and whalers and raced in the local races. I nervous about docking. I guess I will need alot of practice and learn how the boat wants to be handled.

There will be many questions and concerns to follow. I hope this forum will be an useful resource.

If anyone is interested, the boat is listed on yachtworld. just use the 'advanced search' for Hinckley in Castine ME.The boat is called Fair Lady.
She just had a serious refit in 2008. What do you think?

I know the boat well. Familiar with her before and after the refit. She's almost as nice as mine. Congratulations.

[nico105]

Congratulations on the boat. Btw docking is nothing more than a controlled crash... or semi controlled.
Well said w/ the line, "learn how the boat wants to be handled", and that is just it, learn how she does best and as you learn it you will become more proficiant at it all.
David

[felixqld66]

Congrats

I am in the same position first big boat very exciting and steep learning curve ahead for both of us.

Cheers Alex

[NotQuiteLost]

There are many reasons that boats are associated with the female gender. They are at times wildly unpredictable, no two are alike (even if they look identical on the outside), and they take a long time to learn how to properly maneuver.

And, like a woman you've finally 'figured out,' they can be quite a rewarding mistress. Congratulations on the boat, it's a real beauty!

[Ben M-P]

Welcome to CF. Great looking boat(touch envious as I am still looking). Good luck with the docking. Learn how to spin the boat propwalk etc. Also, if you practice by holding her in a fixed position facing different directions from wind it makes avoiding smashing things easier. And NEVER get between the boat and ANYTHING, a smaller boat you can fend of with a leg a larger boat will...just don't.

[Pyrate]

For docking, I've got a couple of suggestions.

1) Never approach a dock faster than you want to hit it.
2) Irregardless of #1, sometimes power is called for when wind and current are trying to take control.
3) Figure out which way your stern backs. Rudders don't usually work too well in reverse, and when slowing down, the stern tends to walk one way or the other. It's usually to port in American built boats, but just make sure.
4) As mentioned earlier, practice away from a dock (man overboard drills with fenders, or 'rubber docking' drills are great).

Good luck, and remember to keep thinking 'what would I do if ___ happens?'

Pyrate

[cat man do]

Originally Posted by Loquat

If anyone is interested, the boat is listed on yachtworld. just use the 'advanced search' for Hinckley in Castine ME.The boat is called Fair Lady.
She just had a serious refit in 2008. What do you think?

This one here?


1974 Hinckley Bermuda 40 MK II K/CB Yawl (IN THE WATER -

Pretty

[aquarian]

Originally Posted by NotQuiteLost

There are many reasons that boats are associated with the female gender. They are at times wildly unpredictable, no two are alike (even if they look identical on the outside), and they take a long time to learn how to properly maneuver.

And, like a woman you've finally 'figured out,' they can be quite a rewarding mistress. Congratulations on the boat, it's a real beauty!

I hate to admit it, but I thinks its true. At least we aren't boring.