[C320-list] FW: Docking

[John Van Vessem]

Greg,
 
Seems to me you are creating your own problem.  Sure it's nice to step on the boat from the stern, but is it really worth the potential problems of backing in with a strong wind.  Stearage is pretty much zero when backing down unless you have reasonable headway (or is it sternway?).  I have an inexpensive step on the fiinger to step up to the deck, it's not an elevator but it works.
 
John Van Vessem
Sojourn 645
Vallejo Yacht Club 



----- Original Message ----
From: Greg Battersby <gjbattersby at probatter.com>
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Sent: Monday, June 19, 2006 7:20:17 AM
Subject: [C320-list] FW: Docking


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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