Quote:
Originally Posted by jrd22
Chris Gee is the only one that seems to understand the problem. The OP said that the bow swings rapidly in the wind, meaning that it is going to swing to stb because of the wind from port..
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No...I fully understood the problem. I simply don't think it's that much of a problem. Honestly, some of the complicated solutions I see here make my head hurt! I think I would rather sit at the dock and drink a six pack!
Obviously, the first order of business is to avoid hitting your dock mate. If I was single handing, I would probably lock the rudder 15 degrees to Starboard, motor in neutral (eliminating prop walk all together). Throw off all lines and let the wind help me (while holding the shrouds) walk the boat back and get way on. Jump on before you run out of dock
. The stern should be turning to starboard at this point. If it's not, the boat is already out of the slip enough to avoid hitting the neighbor, and the rudder should counter act the bow swing anyway. Unlock the helm, put the motor in whatever gear it takes to work with the boat and eventually get some forward way on, and go sailing! Obviously, if you have so much free board that you need steps, make sure they are in the right place, and are not going to skid off the dock when you step on them
Now...THAT would be UGLY
BTW, I collected three fenders I found and secured them to the dock horizontally. Now, I don't have to worry about attaching the fenders to the boat when returning, or having fenders ride up on the dock. In addition, more fender actually contacts the boat, distributing the load. The only downside is that I have to remember to put fenders out when I go to a guest dock, because I'm out of the habit! Not an original idea, but it works really well for me. I don't know why more skippers don't do it.