[C320-list] FW: Docking

[Chris Burti]

Greg,

I have the same situation as you and I always back
into our slip regardless of the wind conditions. We
are fortunate in that we have virtually no current to
deal with. 

When there is a crosswind, I find it fairly easy to
back into my slip by simply heading downwind in the
channel three or four boat lengths past my slip. Stop,
reverse and get a little speed under way. Once you are
moving at least 1 knot stern into the wind, you will
find that the 320 will steer just like a car. The only
time there is any significant prop walk is when you
first start moving backwards. Once you get a good flow
of water accross the rudder, it will take over and
provide good control.

Also, don't over steer. Going hard over to the stops
acts as a brake and steering control actually
decreases. A half turn is plenty.

Go slow...don't approach hard objects any faster than
you are willing to hit them.

I tied a 5/8 line from my starboard piling to the dock
stretched tight and located between us and our slip
mate. It can help to control the boat on bad handling
days and the added confidence it gives, seems to help
minimize the frequency of those occurring.

--- Greg Battersby <gjbattersby at probatter.com> wrote:

> I recently stepped up to a 320 from a C-30 which I
> had had for a number of
> years.  I’ve been sailing a variety of different
> sailboats for more than 25
> years.  
> 
>  
> 
> The configuration with a swim platform on the back
> seemed conducive to
> backing into my slip rather than going in head first
> as I had done over the
> years with the C-30 and other boats. I share a slip
> with a 28’ powerboat and
> when I back in, the finger pier is on my port side
> and he is on my starboard
> side.  There are no pilings.  It’s pretty tight and
> there isn’t a tremendous
> amount of room between me and my neighbor.
> 
>  
> 
> The first couple of times I came in I was able to
> back the boat in with
> minimal problems.    I approached from the starboard
> side, slowed down,
> swung to starboard as I was passing my neighbor;
> came to a dead stop, kicked
> it into reverse, and backed in with a little help
> from the dock wheel and
> prop wash that took me to starboard--against the
> dock.   Today there was a
> little more wind than before and it was a disaster. 
> After about 5 tries and
> thoroughly embarrassing myself (Happy Father’s
> Day!), we finally made it in.
> Fortunately, my neighbor was out or else the
> disaster would have been a
> catastrophe.
> 
>  
> 
> Anyone have any sage advice on docking, particularly
> the backing in type?
> I’m struggling enough with a couple of able body
> hands on board--the thought
> of trying to single-handedly dock this boat is now
> intimidating.
> 
>  
> 
> Greg Battersby
> 
> C-320  #210
> 
> Windeage
> 
> Westport, CT
> 
> 
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Chris Burti
"Commitment"
Catalina 320, #867, 
Farmville, NC

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