For additional details pertinent to this video please read the description below.
Center of Balance is the first video in our Physics of Docking series.
Jeff Merrill asked experienced trawler owner, Douglas Cochrane, to collaborate with him to share their combined docking knowledge with other boaters through the ease of video. Filming for these episodes was done in San Diego, CA aboard a single engine Nordhavn 57.
Center of Balance explains how to rotate on your pivot point and hold position. Tight turns at different speeds will give you a feel for the helm pressure on your rudder and all boaters can benefit from knowing how to do a hard stop.
Viewers have enthusiastically responded to the presentation style Douglas and Jeff have used to illustrate the most commonly used docking techniques. You too should be able to glean many insights that you can learn and master through practice.
By trying what you learn here out on your own trawler, you will improve your docking talents. Each video provides explanations and tips that will help you better understand the causes and effects of the various controls aboard your trawler. Learning what options you have and, more importantly, how and when to use the controls on your trawler should help you improve your close quarter boat handling talents.
Each time you return to shore you may need to draw upon lessons learned from a previous docking experience and every docking event can include variables that you didn’t expect. Docking conditions can vary…even returning to a familiar slip location. Wind, tide, currents, low floating kayaks and SUP’s, other boats - the reality is, there are a lot of moving parts outside of your pilothouse to watch including some very stubborn fixed objects like docks and pilings.
Docking can be a stressful event. There is a lot of pressure on the skipper to make a smooth arrival. Docking success requires finesse, patience, and a sound understanding of all the “tools” your trawler has available.
Anything you can do to improve your docking skills is time well spent. You can improve by practicing different maneuvers away from crowded marinas, in open water, to simulate different situations. With clear water and room to move, you can simulate a variety of approaches - bow in, stern in, side ties, etc., to learn how your trawler behaves.
There are quite a few boat handling techniques that you can implement to control your positioning. The key is to understand all of your options and learn how to use a variety of ways to pivot, rotate and move your boat where you want it to be at slow speeds in tight quarters.
For example, you may need to give a strong rev to push your propeller wash against your rudder and then immediately back down so you don’t lurch forward too quickly. Knowing how much, when and for how long comes with practice. Going slow is normally the best option and don’t forget, the faster you go, the more damage you can create if something goes wrong.
Sure, bow and stern thrusters can make even a novice docker look like a pro. There is no shame in using thrusters, they can bail you if you get into a tight squeeze, but you can get yourself in trouble if you rely on them and they stop working. Practice your boat handling and docking skills without thrusters and you will become a more capable captain.
As you become more experienced you will plan your approach, discuss in advance with your crew what you intend to do and anticipate what positioning steps you will employ for a safe landing. If it doesn’t feel right, you can always cancel the attempt and get realigned to try again.
Arriving at your destination is normally the last act of the day and a smooth landing will give you a positive boost as you shut things down and tidy up.
Here’s to many happy returns!
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