Docking Single-Handed

[Rayallyn]

I single hand sail my 25 Rhodes Meridian. Docking usually isn't a problem unless I run up against a stiff wind and strong current especially if the two are working together in the same direction and my engine craps out just as I am approaching the dock. I found the problem with engine (slightly sticky throttle cable). I have a 9.9 hp Johnson and found that if I leave the outboard well hatch open I can turn the outboard and rudder together to get her into some pretty tight spots.
Don't get me wrong I am not advocating in favor of outboards. I hope to have an nice 37 to 42 blue water cruiser in a few years with a nice dependable diesel.

[PatrickS]

Originally Posted by Microship

... I'll just play with a pair of Minn-Kota trolling motors (because I have them). ...

The new iPilot models look like they could work nicely, with remote control of direction and speed.

Minn Kota Motors

Could make for an easily deployable/stowable bow mounted thruster.

[Microship]

Those do look nice. I'm just using a pair of 10-12-year old models with about 65 pounds thrust, and very simple PWM switching. I'll start a thread on this soon...

Cheers!
Steve

[weldertim]

What is a spring line? I've seen the rubber cylinders that you wrap the mooring line around. Is this a spring line?

-Cheers

[Efraim]

Originally Posted by weldertim

What is a spring line? I've seen the rubber cylinders that you wrap the mooring line around. Is this a spring line?

-Cheers

The line in red is the spring line.