Hello
First off I admit that I am terrible at
docking my home. On more than 3 occasions I have hit the
dock or ran into something. I also have had a few close calls with my neighbors
boat where my
bowsprit wants to kiss his stern.
So whats the best way to
dock a heavy
displacement full keel boat?
I am under the impression speed is needed to steer the boat, so I try approaching the slip with speeds over a
knot. Then I swing wide and make the turn in a effort to
head into the slip but it never works that way. I then slam the
motor into reverse and give it some RPMs to slow this weight down. By this time the boat is crossed up and people begin filming for youtube while others come running asking for a line.
I would love to take a
docking class but nothing is in my area. Whats your
advice? I know I need practice but where can I get some so that I dont tear the new expensive cheaply made
boats apart.