Docking a Full Keel Heavy Displacement Sailboat

[zeehag]

formosa 41.. so i wouldnt know a thing about docking her after some 6 yrs of ownership....
midship line bow line then stern. adjust after you are still. approaching dock you have of course called on vhf radio to arrange for helpers,, and go for it . oonly way to do it is to practice

[ijiraq]

If you have a big rudder, you don't need as much speed/discharge current. reversing DEAD SLOW is advisable with an unbalanced rudder, especially with something like a large keel-hung rudder on a full keeler. With a tiller steer, she'll overpower you in a heartbeat. My rule of thumb is just enough power to overcome wind and/or current. I generally take the slow and steady approach.

If you are docking in a tidal steam or a river or somewhere like that, halt the vessel somewhere nearby with safe distances to maneuver all around her, and do practice runs. If you get sneers from other boaters, just remember that you are the worthy seaman in doing so.

Have at least your bow line lead aft, and I like to have a short and long stern ready for use. I will often secure a line, and then use the line as a lever to finish my maneuvers. If I need to secure a bow line but don't want it to pull the bow yet, I'll let it pass through an aft winch without a wrap until I am able to set it proper...

I would take this approach of a "dry run" many times when I had my first some large keelboat.

[Hahser]

Here in the eastern med reversing to a dock is standard. In crowded marinas this is often a bit tight and crossed anchor chains are common. I must admit to difficulty getting used to my Bavaria 42 in reverse - OK in no wind but there seems to be a weather rule which kicks up to 15kt on the side just as I start reversing. Most boats are Ok and helpful but occasionally someone gets upset that you have disturbed their anchor. I get it wrong about 1 in 5. Practice I suppose.

[zeehag]

just do not drive your sailboat as if you are parallel parking yer beemer.

life is an adventure meant to be LIVED!!!

[Pacificsailor2]

Originally Posted by Abrain

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.

Hi John, My name is Ed Erickson, I lived aboard a cal 246 in Vancouver BC for 12 years and sailed the gulf islands since 92. I learned a few simple helpful tips that frankly changed my anxiety levels and docking comfort for ever. It's really all about using prop wash most effectively. A good plan would be to have 1-2 crew aboard while you spend a couple hrs. of practice. I would prefer chatting on the phone if possible. Warm regards Ed

[Pacificsailor2]

The method is quite basic and runs hard against basic instinct. Once I learned and practiced say 20 times, I felt as though something had shifted in me and could actually park a 100' if I were asked.
Tidal water and wind will change everything every time and must be practiced and learned each time.
In a floating nut shell.
have some safety crew on board and on the dock if you can.
Set fenders and extra ones if it comforts.
Set midship, bow and stern lines and set them ready to walk off with in hand. (I Would take bow and midship together. Stern later unless you have crew.
Imagine the dock space is 10' longer than you vessel.
Pointing on a 45 deg. angle at the rear fwd. point of the first 1/3 of the dock space, begin to approach the dock.
Moving Dead slow (No throttle) on a long straight super slow glide toward the dock point, shift from fwd. to neutral in order to slow as much as possible.
Here's the odd point. Once you think your bow has just overlapped the dock... shift to fwd. and turn away from the dock quickly.(this should all happen very slowly like the boat is turning on the keel centre. Shift into neutral 1 sec. reverse to stop fwd. motion. back to neutral. Step off with 2 lines and pull only midship hard.
At first the shift to fwd. goes against all basic instinct until you realize it is the prop wash over the rudder which is the power necessary to move your little monster.
I rarely need to touch the throttle but on occasion a little shot to stop fwd. motion. Always shift back to neutral or you will be trying to tie mid ship under a very disturbing load.

I do hope this helps. Note. I have had instructors tell me I'm dead wrong but when I park 18 tons like a VW solo with not an element of sweat.... it feels so so good. Good docking Lad! EE