Seamanship_Secrets_185_Tips_-_Techniques_for_Better_Navigation-_Cruise_Planning-_and_Boat_Handling_Under_Power_or_Sail_(Re)_e..

218 seamanship secrets

berth and about one to two boat lengths away. Use reverse gear to hold the

boat in this position.

2. Ease the rudder toward the pier, allowing the stern to be set bodily in toward
   your berth by the wind, current, or both. Control the speed of your set by
   increasing or decreasing the rudder angle. Use your engine(s) to keep your
   boat abreast of its berth and clear of the boats docked ahead and behind.


3. Get the stern line ashore to an aft cleat or piling. Th en use idle forward gear
   to bring the bow in.

DOCKING WHEN THE WIND AND CURRENT
ARE SETTING YOUR BOAT ONTO THE PIER

1. Have a crewmember ready with the aft er bow spring line, since this will be
   the fi rst line ashore. Approach the pier at a steep angle and aim for a spot
   just aft of the boat that is immediately forward of your berth. Use reverse
   idle gear to slow your momentum.


2. When the bow reaches the pier, turn the rudder away from the pier, and let
   the wind or current begin to push your stern in. As soon as possible, loop the
   aft er bow spring line around a cleat or piling near the aft er end of your berth
   and cleat it aboard. Twin-screw boats can assist this by pivoting for a moment
   with the inboard engine in forward and the outboard engine in reverse.


3. Hold the boat alongside with the spring line technique described earlier.
   Put out other lines to secure your position.

When the wind and current are setting you onto the pier (1), the aft er bow spring line goes
ashore fi rst (2). Allow the wind to push your stern in (3).