Docking an A25

[tribologist]

DA, where did you find dowels?

Ulf

[DesertAlbin736]

Dowels only or the support posts too? They're listed in the Plastimo master catalog under "teak & bronze bollards" but you'll have to locate & order through one of their authorized dealers which you can look up via their website. Used to be listed through Foresti Suardi but not sure if that's still an option. Otherwise do a Google search. In any case they're not cheap.

[Swedishboater]

Wow!!! I almost want to buy an Albin 25 (or 27) just because the owners' site is so amazing!!!! What a great bunch of people!! Haven't got a photo for now (dark outside) but it is a U shaped dock and is perpendicular to both wind and current. I was and will be always making a 90 degree turn into the slip. Have no desire or need to back in. I do have a much wider area next to the two legs that make the U, but would want to get it into the protected U afterward. (Often by myself.) No help on the dock since this is my private dock and I will be single-handing often (unless I can count my dog and she is not willing crew).

I was told by some lovely people that I could learn to get my Tolly in there on the first or second try....but I embarrassed myself SO OFTEN going in with friends trying their best to help me out from the cockpit (me at the upper helm). Like after the 3rd or 4th try, not fun. What I realize is that a single screw boat is always a challenge in certain conditions. I will need to contemplate this. I do SO APPRECIATE ALL OF THE ADVICE. It has been helpful in my decision. I do not like newer express cruisers with IO engines (though I am sure they are easier to pull into a slip). A small trawler with 2 engines might be my best bet. Sigh. I liked the Albin, but do not want to dread coming home.

[DesertAlbin736]

Fear not. You don't always have to back in. If I can get an A25 into a slip like this in a tight marina, so can you. Just takes a some patience, practice, & judicious use of "rudder kicks".

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[DCatSea]

Swedishboater, you may not realize it yet, but you are almost family now. You will end up with a 25 or 27. It’s quite amazing, but your backings-in will quickly become habit.
It took me a few attempts, especially on our old slip, to “get it right”, but once you’ve done it, the confidence takes off and the next time you get it right again. After that it gets easier every time.
Even drivers with twin IOs screw up occasionally, and those of us with single screw inboards collect huge amounts of brownie points from watchers every time we get it right (which is often).

Remember - Slow is your best friend until it isn’t.

Hope to see pix of your 25/27 on your slip soon.