[C320-list] FW: Docking

[allan.field at comcast.net]

As soon as I start to turn-out, I shift into reverse and start to increase RPM's.  By the time the boat is lined up with the slip, I am at about 2,000 RPM's, the prop walk has been neutralized and the boat is moving backwards in a straight line.

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: Greg Battersby <gjbattersby at probatter.com> 

> 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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