(re)Gaining Confidence

[Carl]

Last week I had scheduled my boat to be hauled to wax and clean the bottom. I told them not to put it back in until I called them. I think I will leave her out until next week. That is one big storm, and only needs to change direction a little bit to cause some real worries. Glad to be on the hard until this one passes.

[jcollins]

This is computer model as of 9:00 AM.

[RobS]

Last week I had scheduled my boat to be hauled to wax and clean the bottom. I told them not to put it back in until I called them. I think I will leave her out until next week. That is one big storm, and only needs to change direction a little bit to cause some real worries. Glad to be on the hard until this one passes.

I don't disagree but be sure they don't put you under or near any trees or rickety buildings or structures so as to avoid falling and/or flying debris.

[crowra]

Bluey,

I know I am a tad late in posting and maybe you have gotten the docking part down by now. I too am a new boat owner (36' Albin, single diesel) and docking was a great source of stress to me and especially my first mate. I discovered this web site created by Bryant Vann, who shall be ever referred to as "Saint Bryant". Here's the URL: http://www.his.com/~vann/KrgStuff/Krognidx.htm scroll down about 3/4 of the site to 'section 9'. Article 9.5 really helped me (along with the other docking articles). You will learn about 'goosing' and a 'magic stick' amongst other really helpful techniques.

Just something else to consider is that boats turn from the stern (actually their center of gravity where the engine is mounted). That was a hard concept for me to get initially since it is opposite from driving a car. I had a crusty old charter boat captain yell at me (several times in that 'mentoring tone') about how a boat turns from the stern AND to always use reverse when leaving a pier where you are 'parallel parked'.

Good luck,
Rob

[jcollins]

Thanks for the link. Very good information there. I'll contact the author and ask permission to post in our document library.

[Veebyes2]

Hey Bluey, did you get down to Tilghman Island Day last month? Talk to the watermen who take part in the docking contest. They can give some pointers.
Wild!