[C320-list] Latest adventure with docking

[wflowe3 at netscape.net]

 This might help. I bought a pair of huge (18") dock corner wheels. Everyone laughed but now they want them too. In very windy conditions, I use the down wind wheel as a sort of target bumper. The hull bounces off the wheel and glides right into the slip sort of like a big pin-ball game.? Also protects when backing out.

Bill


 


 

-----Original Message-----
From: Brad Kuether <bkuether at comcast.net>
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Sent: Fri, Aug 7, 2009 11:08 pm
Subject: [C320-list] Latest adventure with docking










Hello everyone,

I read and took to heart EVERY post on my docking issue.  I just wanted everyone 
to know what happened on my second time out, and to thank them for replying.

I took the kids out with their cousins, as my wife is on vacation with her 
sisters.  I was aprehensive about it.  Two weeks ago was a fiasco.

I put the snubber back on, and told myself I could figure this out.  We got back 
and I did three dry runs in the creek.

THE BOAT CAN TURN TO PORT GOING BACKWARDS!  

After the practice I dropped it into the slip, on the first try.  No panic, no 
fending, nothing.

I got the boat speed up in reverse, put the transmission  in neutral, and was 
able to turn.  I think the prop was working against me and having it not turning 
while I was turning the boat made the difference.

We had a great two hours just outside Middle River and the kids think I am "so 
cool" for taking them out.  I am so cool either way..... Now that I can dock my 
boat.

-Brad, Mary, Monica, and Jarod
"Independence"
2004 Catalina 320 Hull 1006
Middle River, MD