Optimal backing up strategy

[davidpm]

OK a guy I sail with (Catalina 30), who got a new dock. It is a port side dock he pulls in bow first. To leave the dock he has to backup then turn to port 90 degrees. The problem is that the wind is usually blowing from the port and seems to catch the bow much more than the stern. This blows the bow starboard so he has to do 270 degree turn which is less than seamanly looking. The chanel is about 60 feet and of course their are boats in finger slips on both sides.

This is what seems to work best:

1. Back out in reverse wheel centered at idle until the mast clears the piling
2. Wheel hard to starboard and rev the engine for about 6 seconds then idle. This usually kicks the stern to starboard and the bow to port.
3. Neutral until the stern is approaching the other side.
4. Forward, wheel hard port, rev engine.
5. Reduce engine, straighten wheel.

This works most of the time but with sufficent wind it can be hard to turn.
Is this the optimal process?

I suspect that hard to port or starboard is less than optimal?
I wonder if the changing the transmission first or the wheel first is best?

And yes I know you old timers are going to say.
If you can't turn a 30' boat in a 60' channel stay home. I know you turn your 50 footers in a 60' channel but we are still learning.

[sailingdog]

You might want to rig a spring line around the bow of the boat to the starboard side.... and use it to pivot the boat's stern to starboard, so you can leave to port easily.

[imagine2frolic]

Or just keep backing out? Some people seem to think you always have to bein forward. It is a good idea to learn to drive the boat in reverse too. Some day it could save your booty......

[sailingdog]

Imagine-

Seems you have a new avatar image... that appears to be better than the old one... Not quite in USP's avatar image league...but a big improvement.

[imagine2frolic]

New image, but same old wife.......LOLOLOLOLOL

What the heck is USP?

[Saildoggie]

Back on topic, every mono is a bit different, depends on prop rotation, posistion in relation to the rudder and the overall design of the boat.

Best to do some practicing in a wide open area, sure, people will look at you funny, but who cares?

No backing and manuevering big cats, way too fun, you can actually paralell part them with only a foot to bow and to stern with some practice.

Cats are much more like driving a Caterpillar and and are a dream for tight spaces!

[sailingdog]

USP= USPirate... whose signature photo is of his wife on the foredeck... A bit closer up...and a bit more scantily clad.



Big cats are pretty maneuverable if they have two props and engines... if they only have one, they can be a nightmare.

[imagine2frolic]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

USP= USPirate... whose signature photo is of his wife on the foredeck... A bit closer up...and a bit more scantily clad.



Big cats are pretty maneuverable if they have two props and engines... if they only have one, they can be a nightmare.

I have had to shut down one engine anchoring in a tight situation. IT WAS A NIGHTMARE!

IS THIS BETTER?......LOLOLOLOL

[sailingdog]

They go in circles quite nicely in that situation, but straight lines are tough, and circles in the other direction impossible.

I have had to shut down one engine anchoring in a tight situation. IT WAS A NIGHTMARE!

[CapnTony]

You might decide to stern to at the dock. This would allow you to leave the dock without any issues.