[C320-list] Backing into slip in New York $2600 later

[Mikeleavitt1 at aol.com]

Greg
MY husband figured it out from the get go. Having a fine ego which REALLY 
helped and having taken sailing lessons at Annapolis Sailing school the answer 
was easy. The guys at Annapolis appointed him captain in charge of everything 
and me...........first mate in charge of non-sailing..............."driving" was 
my job. That was 32 years ago and I am still the helmsperson.  I bring it 
into every port which really helps my 6'5" husband as he is capable of jumping 
off on to those docks 6 feet down or over or up while I bring it in.  If I mess 
up the landing ...................................."hey what do you 
expect".................right....you "guys"."  Anyway I love a good fight with a dock a
nd rarely, as in never, mess up.  That was the case with our 380.   
HOWEVER........... when we recently got our 320 (which turns out we both LOVE).....well 
it was another story. 
 
 This summer with our brand new boat we came into the dock with 11 people and 
I ran into the dock and caught the stantion "under" it.  Under was never an 
option with the 380/ We could not get under if we tried.  So this was a new 
experience costing us $2600 dollars in repairs.
 
Needless to say, I am no longer so confident, but definitely not ready to 
give up.  Mike takes the wheel a lot more but I "keep on keepin on" so as not to 
lose my confidence.  In backing up  I have found that neutral is a gear and 
use it in low wind.  In higher wind I shove it into gear a rev up the engine and 
hope for a nice landing.............so far so good.............with the 
exception, of course,   of the $ 2600 dollar landing.
 
We go in head first in most instances which is the popular way on Lake 
Ontario.
 
Get your wives at the wheel if your ego's can stand it..................then 
you can stand back and watch the fun...........................and utilize 
your bellies as fenders.
The ladies will stay with you if they feel useful, I can guarantee it.
Chris



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