[C320-list] Backing into slip

[Len]

I always head into my slip, in neutral at less than one knot; sometimes slow
enough not to have to put in reverse before getting off to tie up.  Can't
imagine why you BACK in. A tip: reverse the two lifelines on the side you
get off, so you can unhook alligator clips from helm before you head into
slip, and climb off onto steps quickly to secure boat.

Len
AQUA5    #1070

On Oct 29, 2007 7:42 PM, Randy Averill <randy at averillnet.com> wrote:

> Another new owner question.
>
> I've had my 320 for less than a month and my biggest problem right now is
> parking.  My previous boat was much smaller and lighter, and I learned to
> maneuver it into the slip rather easily with its outboard motor and
> tiller.
> Now I would greatly appreciate the voice of experience helping me out.
>
> I approached my first couple times into the new slip with the 320 with
> great
> caution.  This boat can coast a long way and I can't afford to overshoot
> my
> slip (I'm at the end of the runway) so I slowed to a crawl.  I used a "Y"
> approach in that I came forward down the runway to my slip, turned hard to
> port (away from the slip), and then backed in after completing a 90 degree
> turn to port.  I actually parked fairly well, but it took forever because
> I
> was going so slowly.
>
> Last time out was my first problem because there was some wind blowing me
> into the dock.  I think if I came in faster the wind would have less
> effect
> (i.e., it would have less time to blow me around), but I don't know how
> fast
> is too fast.  Does anybody have a rule of thumb you could offer?  If
> you're
> coming in a idle, how early do you put your transmission in neutral?  How
> much time to stop the boat with reverse?  Any good way to get a better
> feel
> for this on open water?  I'm not sure I trust my ability to transfer the
> open water experience to the marina because it's so tight.  Any good
> stories
> to make me laugh and relax?
>
>
> Randy Averill
> Tesoro (#29)
>