by John Tiger, Tiger Outboards
No matter your skill level or experience boating, youâve crashed a dock at least once. Those with years of experience make it look easy. For boaters with single engine rigs, here are some tips that might make things go a bit easier.
⢠Few things are more frustrating than equipment failure. To minimize the chances, make sure your engineâs idling right, doesnât stall at low speeds, and the shift mechanism is adjusted properly for smooth shifts.
⢠Come in slow, under steady power (no neutral). When itâs windy, high current and/or rough, never use neutral; only pause in neutral if itâs calm.
⢠On windy days, reduce your âsail areaââŚtake the Bimini top down, for example, as it will catch the wind and make it easier to push you off course.
⢠If the wind is blowing you away from the pier, compensate by approaching towards the center or even the other side of the dock. If itâs blowing you toward the dock, leave extra room as you approach, so the wind can push you toward the dock without hitting it.
⢠An outboard or stern drive steers from the rear of the boat; inboards steer from the center. Outboards and stern drives steer more precisely in reverse; youâre actually directing the propeller thrust and drive unitâas opposed to an inboard, where youâre using a rudder to change direction.
⢠Practice at a deserted dock, much as you practiced driving a car in a deserted parking lot.
⢠Use only short, controlled bursts of throttle, and not overly excessive. Too little, and the wind and current will take over; too much and youâll likely bump the dock.
⢠Ask for help. Thereâs no shame in asking your crew to stand by with fendersâwarn them about catching hands and feet on the dock!
⢠Always turn the wheel just before applying powerânot after, especially in tight quarters. You want the boat to go in the direction youâre aiming it.
⢠Approach the dock at a slow forward idle, aiming the bow at a slight angle in. As you reach the parking spot youâre after, turn the wheel toward the dock and shift smoothly to reverse, which brings the stern around neatly toward the dock.