Floating Docks without finger

[NewBer]

Our town Marina has floating docks without a finger slip. The traditional way is to back in between the pilings and access the boat from the stern. My sailboat has a reverse transom and is very difficult to handle in reverse. Does anyone have experience and recommendations for docking a sailboat bow in to this type of dock. How do you manage getting yourself and gear on and off the boat.

[paulk]

In Europe I''ve seen split bow pulpits (railings on both sides with removeable bar in center)rigged with a gangplank or portable steps off the bow. Some had gangplanks so big that they had a davit/anchor crane on the foredeck to handle it. Can you leave something on the dock that you can pull out, or do you have to take plank/steps or whatever with you on board?

[MikeMoss]

I need to know how high that floating dock is relevant to your bow or stern.

While a gang plank may be the answer it can''t have too steep a grade.

Assuming that your bow is 4 1/2'' high and the dock is 18" thats a 3 foot drop. So consider making a dock box with a few steps. The plank can go from the bow where you can hold onto the forestay.