Single person docking - 28 vs 31 TE - How difficult?

[Wafflemoney]

I’m weighing my options and one thing I am teetering on is the size of boat and my abilities to handle it by myself. I have pretty wide open docking space, but there is a bit of current where I dock. I’d like to be able to hop in er and take a run, but if a 31 definitely needs 2 people, this has me thinking… as does the trailerability of the 28.

I know the thrusters help, but if anyone feels confident they’ve dialed in the 31, I’d like to hear it.

Your input is appreciated.

[Norseman]

Never ran a 31’ Albin, but it should be just as easy as the 28, bow thruster and and all.
(I owned 33’ and 44’ sailboats, sailed them solo now and then, no bow thruster, plan ahead with lines and fenders, all doable.)

[Wafflemoney]

Thank you. I was on a 31 and that is a hefty boat. I’m used to the 24-26 range and the 31 is like a tank in the water. Certainly that can be an advantage, but was curious. As with most, it seems, just be set and ready with the gear and all with be fine.

Never ran a 31’ Albin, but it should be just as easy as the 28, bow thruster and and all.
(I owned 33’ and 44’ sailboats, sailed them solo now and then, no bow thruster, plan ahead with lines and fenders, all doable.)

[Norseman]

Thank you. I was on a 31 and that is a hefty boat. I’m used to the 24-26 range and the 31 is like a tank in the water. Certainly that can be an advantage, but was curious. As with most, it seems, just be set and ready with the gear and all with be fine.

Yeah, don’t be intimidated by heft, lighter and smaller boats are more “jumpy”.
Heavier boats can be more stable, but you have to plan ahead, take a lesson or two with a Captain and you are good to go.

Never ran a 31’ Albin, but it should be just as easy as the 28, bow thruster and and all.
(I owned 33’ and 44’ sailboats, sailed them solo now and then, no bow thruster, plan ahead with lines and fenders, all doable.)

[Jkraft]

I run the 28 single handed 90 percent of the time. I also run my dads 36 judge wirh straight inboard and thruster single handed. Both are a breeze. Be smart and plan ahead when approaching a dock and you will do just fine

[irishwake]

I run my boat quite often by myself and it is not a problem. The boat is docked in a marina that is very tight and requires the boat be backed in between other boats. Once you get to know your boat and how it handles and a little practice it should not be difficult. The hardest part is going around and tying all the lines. I always back half way in and then hook up the spring lines, continue to back up and then hook up the stern lines. The last is to go forward and hook up the bow lines.

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[catalina_mike]

Single docked my 28 all the time. no biggie... use the prop walk to your advantage.

[sharffj]

Have a 31 with twins. Single handed docking piece of cake. Heavier 31 won't be blown in wind as much.

[irishwake]

Just a point of interest. The boat to the left of me is a 36 foot SeaRay. Interesting how the Albin 31 is as big as the 36 Sea Ray.

[RobS]

Just a point of interest. The boat to the left of me is a 36 foot SeaRay. Interesting how the Albin 31 is as big as the 36 Sea Ray.

For sure. The 31 is as big a 31 as you'll find in any make/model. Back in the day at the 2008 Boston Rendezvous John & Marcia on the 31 Joint Venture were surely on the mothership compared to the pups lined up behind her. And the 28 is not a small 28.

[Jeremyvmd]

I ran my 28 single handed no problem. Current and wind sometimes meant changing my tactics but it was easy. Even my dads 32+2 is pretty simple to single hand. And that boat is much more affected by wind due to the night of the superstructure. The heavier the boat the easier it is to single hand. With the new to me Viking 45 I got it in my slip and the fuel dock solo on only my second time running the boat. Just go slow and it’s not bad

One thing I have done that makes it easier on me is to string a line along the boat and tied to pilings at each end then tie a dropper loop in it. Back the boat in and tie that on. Keeps the boat positioned fore and aft and laterally till I get the rest of the lines on

[robonurse]

I run my 31 by myself including backing her into the slip while rarely using the thruster. Practice when there is little or no wind and you will get proficient.