The “Docking Your Single Outboard-Introductory” downloadable pdf Lesson has 120 pages with 140 diagrams of proven, detailed, step-by-step instructions for handling and docking a Single Outboard Bow First–in your slip and at a gas dock.
Doug teaches:
Doug teaches:- Why it’s not your fault docking is so difficult
- How your Outboard handles in open water exercises
- Doug’s “KEY” to handling a Single Outboard
- What to expect as you use the wheel, shift and throttle
- How to outsmart the wind/current/fairway momentum
- How to recover from screw-ups
- Doug’s FLIPP Line™ procedure to simplify docking
- What not to do and why
- How to dock bow first in 4 different winds with left approach tying port and starboard sides
- How to dock bow first in 4 different winds with right approach tying port and starboard sides
- All 16 scenarios are complete and independent instructions
- How to dock with a wind in a boat lift
- How to parallel dock at a gas dock/restaurant dock
- An easy approach to a dock bow first–no fear, no guessing, no hoping for the best, no jumping, no injuries, no boat hook. No shouting and no swearing–just good teamwork
- How to dock easily and safely–even in front of an audience!
Once you know how your boat was meant to be handled, boat docking is EASY. It’s just a matter of practicing Doug’s techniques specific to your single outboard boat.
When you have mastered docking bow first (usually takes several weeks or a full season), you will be ready for “Docking Your Single Outboard–ADVANCED” to learn stern first docking and many more neat docking maneuvers covered in great detail over 230 pages.“Hey, we got to use some of the tips and advice at the lake today! Flipp worked like a charm and we had a great day! Thanks! “
Mike Ritter, Knoxville, TN
“Your Boat Docking e-Lesson on Docking a Single Outboard was excellent! Once the weather warms up, I fully intend on practicing – and buying more of your books.”
—Troy, AB
Thank you so much for the lesson. The lessons have been very helpful in making our boating much more enjoyable and I really enjoy the website. Thanks again for your time, great service and very useful information.
David Proffitt, WA
“I dock my boat in an area with very strong currents and shifting winds. While I am getting better with practice after reading the introductory book, I am looking forward to learning more from the advanced copy.
Hope I didn’t bore you, but wanted to say thanks and let you know that what you are doing is saving not only boats, but also lives.
Keep up the good work! Boating knowledge allows you to live and fish another day and to come home safely to your loved ones. Your work is important! Thanks again and tight lines.”
Bill Pollok, VA
As popular as Outboards are, they’re also the most difficult to dock!
Simple Step-by-Step Instructions on how to Dock Your Outboard Bow First–Both in your slip and at a gas dock.
Learn how your outboard motor handles your boat, when docking–illustrated with easy to follow diagrams.- Doug starts with open water exercises in the Boat Docking Lesson, so you learn how your drive system works.
- When finished your open water exercises, you will know what to expect as you use the wheel, throttle and shift.
- Then, it’s easy to approach a dock and dock bow first–no fear, no guessing, no hoping for the best, no jumping, no injuries, no boat hook. No shouting and no swearing–just good team work.
- Our FLIPP Line™ Procedure, will make docking and securing your boat a simple easy procedure.
- Dock your boat easily and safely with a complete understanding of what to do and how to do it–especially in front of an audience
Learn how your outboard motor handles your boat, when docking–illustrated with easy to follow diagrams.Once you know how your boat was meant to be handled, boat docking is EASY. It’s just a matter of practicing the techniques specific to your single outboard boat.
When you have mastered docking bow first (usually takes several weeks or a full season), you will be ready for “Docking Your Single Outboard–ADVANCED” to learn stern first docking and many more neat docking maneuvers.
Let Doug Show You the EASY Way…
Doug Dawson is a 5th generation boat industry expert who knows the design characteristics of all boats and drive systems. Doug has driven, demonstrated, tested, reviewed and handled every type of boat and drive system and knows how to teach others with easy-to-follow boat docking instructions.
Learn your boat’s unique dance moves and be able to waltz smoothly as one, right up to your dock.
Dock your Single Outboard Boat powered by an Evinrude, Force, Honda, Johnson, Mariner, Mercury, Suzuki, Tohatsu, Yamaha or other motor with confidence. There are many boats with a single outboard including:
|
|
|
Get Direct Access To One Of The World’s Leading Experts On Docking!
Remember, you have a 100% Money Back Guarantee.
Happy Boating!
Doug Dawson
P.S. You can spend your summer being frustrated and nervous docking your boat with everyone watching, and even worse, damaging your boat….or get this Boat Docking Lesson “Docking Your Single Outboard” and be able to put on a show like a pro and be the talk of the dock!
Dear Brenda and Doug:
So cool that you We’re the ones who actually did the review on this boat almost 25 years ago! Things come full circle.
Thanks for the details on the hull and what happened to the molds with World Class Catamarans. I got the boat last year and the engine died right away, and I’m just re-powering it, so I haven’t had a chance to use it on the Mississippi much yet really. Researching what I could about it, I think it may be my favorite boat ever.Like a lot of us I enjoy learning the history about my boat!
I had already checked out your website and had already decided to get the book on docking the boat, so will be sure to get the pontoon version. And even though I’m an Eagle Scout and thought I knew in my knots well, I’ve already also decided to order the book on knots! It sounds like you’ve developed a lot of great resources!
Peace and Love, Tom Schreiber
Brenda, “Nice job by you and Doug, I really like your common sense approach to handling a boat with easy time for the first mate.” Thanks again.
Bill, ‘a fan’.
Y’all are the best! Downloaded it, saved it, printed it–now all we have to do is master it! Thank you so much.
Natalie Redyk
For trailered boats, make sure the drain plug is on your checklist! It wasn’t on mine and I mistakenly expected that the shop who summerized and delivered my boat had installed it. They didn’t, and I didn’t check for it, and didn’t realize it wasn’t there ’till I got back to my backyard dock and saw the water coming up thru the ski well. I’m now known as “soggy-boy” after falling off the boat into the lake while trying to install the plug from above; would have been a lot easier on the launch ramp! Fortunately, nothing was damaged but my pride . . . Cheers
Dave Keyser, Soggy-boy
Thanks! Always great to receive your monthly newsletter. Well done and appreciated! keeep up the super good work…..
Mel
Fenders are essential to protect your boat, but they can only do their job if they are hung properly.
The right placement, at the right height and time, is crucial to avoid any damage that could result in a disastrous impact on both your boat and bank account.
Knowing where and when to hang fenders to be most effective varies depending on where you dock your boat. Whether it’s permanently fixed, floating, or rafting, different fender positions are required to cope with fluctuating water heights from tides, storms or wakes.
Learning how to properly tie your fenders is crucial to prevent them from slipping down or falling off. Fortunately, a few simple knots can be easily learned and will last a lifetime. These knots are always available and can be used anywhere, at any time. Once mastered, they can be used in a variety of settings, such as on a boat, in the garage, in the car, or in the yard, to make life easier.
Determining the right way, how to tie, at the right time, and the best location to hang your fenders is a lot easier if you know how.
We have written several articles to help you hang your fenders taking into account all the above factors. You will learn about a “belly line” and the difference between a fender and a bumper and much more in the following articles on our website …….
Fenders Can Make All The Difference
Make friends with your fenders
You’ll realize how much they do
to protect your boat from damage
and your pocket book too.
Fenders – Up or Down, In or Out?
Boating with a young family can be an exhilarating experience, but it can also be more challenging for Mom; when managing toddlers AND managing dock lines while Dad is driving the boat.
As the First Mate, you may feel overwhelmed, when you are needed in two places at once. However, with some planning and preparation, you can be in one place and do both jobs simultaneously.
Toddlers
First and foremost, safety is crucial. Make sure the kids are safe and never leave toddlers unattended on a boat, as they do not understand the risks associated with boating—especially when docking. If you fall and injure yourself, or fall overboard while jumping to the dock, how can the Captain dock the boat, look after the kids, and rescue you all at the same time?
To manage the kids while the Captain is driving, consider bringing along some activities to keep them occupied, such as games, books, toys and/or snacks. You may also want to set up a designated play area on the boat, such as a small table or seating area where the kids can sit and play.
When Docking
When handling the dock lines, it is best to practice beforehand to ensure everyone knows their roles and responsibilities. Assign specific tasks to each family member depending on age. If the kids are old enough, you can have them participate in the docking procedure.
But, if only Mom and Dad are aboard and Dad is driving, it can be difficult for Mom to look after the younger kids AND step/jump off the boat to tie the lines.
An Extra Hand
When I was a young parent with toddlers (and later grandchildren) aboard, I didn’t want them out of my sight and wanted to be sure they would be safe if I helped dock the boat by handling the lines. But, how could I do both? I needed an extra hand or two to ensure their safety.
So, we brainstormed and used methods others use in similar situations like sailors using a tether to go forward in rough seas, construction workers when working at heights on construction sites, or boaters wearing a kill switch in smaller boats. These methods all save lives.
We used a leather dog leash as a tether. They weren’t retractable in the ’70s and had a strong clip that was easy to snap securely to the life jacket/pfd. Then tied the other end to allow just enough distance for the kids to move around, but not long enough for them to climb out of the boat.
This way, they were never out of my sight and I knew they were safe while I assisted in a docking procedure where I didn’t have to leave the boat. I didn’t have to panic if they moved or got up. It took away the anxiety knowing the kids were safe and couldn’t fall overboard. They were never out of my sight, allowing me to do two things at once.
The good news is, that there is a simple way to handle the lines without the First Mate having to leap off the boat. Doug and Brenda have developed a method that relieves the stress and anxiety of docking, while keeping the First Mate and the toddlers safe. This procedure is detailed in every docking lesson at PowerBoatDocking.com and SailboatDocking.com, with step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and pictures. Doug is a 5th generation boating professional who has taught thousands of boaters to dock with confidence.
Proven Docking Method Keeps Toddlers Safe
Once mastered, you can repeat this team procedure for every docking, and it is proven to work every time in all conditions without the need for yelling, swearing, jumping, boathooks, bionics, dock helpers, guesswork, or embarrassment. It keeps everyone safe—not just toddlers but kids when they are grown up-everyone aboard.
Once you know how, it is easy.
If it isn’t easy, you are doing something wrong.
Now is the BEST time to upgrade your docking skills to better prepare for boating this summer.
Now is the BEST time to upgrade your docking skills to ensure everyone is safe during docking.
Docking Lessons
Tying and Using Knots
FirstMate 101
On Friday October 21st, 2 cranes arrived at our Yacht Club and by 2:30 Saturday afternoon, all 120 boats (21’ to 50’) were hauled out of the water and placed on stands or cradles for winter. It is absolutely amazing to see such a team accomplish this in only a short time. It still boggles my mind that haul-out for the whole club can be done in a day.
In a previous newsletter “Fall Boating is Like a Roll of Toilet Paper”, we talked about fall haul-out. This generated an interesting comment from a boater “Why haul your boat out in the Fall? Life is too short not to enjoy them all year?”
My first thought was “Wow” If you can boat 12 months of the year, are you ever lucky!”
My second thought was “Maybe this boater braves the cold and ice and lives aboard in the winter. That would not be an option for me, but many boaters leave their boats in during cold winter weather and use bubblers to keep the ice thawed enough so that it doesn’t damage the hull. I’ve read many stories of the ingenious solutions they invent to live in the boat during the -5C or 28F temperatures and numerous snow storms. Not my choice, but to each their own.
For all the boaters who don’t experience minus temperatures in the winter and can enjoy boating all year ‘round, all I can say is “You are not only lucky to enjoy the benefits of boating, but also to escape the time, energy and costs of winterizing, haul-out, summarizing and spring launch. What a treat that would be.”
Haul-Out and Launch
Here in Canada, the northern United States and other countries where the water gets solid in the winter months, hauling out for that period is a necessity. Millions of boaters go through the winterizing summarizing, and storage processes.
For those of us who haul-out and launch, we live and enjoy four seasons every year and there is much anticipation and joy each time we enter a new season. The minute the boat comes out of the water in the fall haul-out, we start looking forward to spring launch. The plans, the shopping for boating toys, the upgrades we plan, the trips, the friends to invite next summer, new foods to try on the BBQ, new trips and anchorages to plan. The list goes on and on all winter long and the excitement builds.
Now that spring is just around the corner, we are full of anticipation and getting ready for the boating season like kids with new toys.
It is difficult for us to imagine what the downsides to boating all year would be, but there has to be some.
Boating All Year
If you are one of the fortunate who are able to boat all year, what are the pros and cons? Please enlighten us northerners who go through haul-out and launch every year.
We would love to hear your stories and comments.
Brenda Dawson
Want to be a First Rate First Mate?
Our Yacht Club newsletter arrived the other day and showed, among other important news, the best news of all—Spring Launch is May 4th! That’s just 60 days! Hip Hip Hurray!
After last year’s efforts of looking after all the “stuff” that needed to be done to our cruiser Windy like; minor motor adjustments, finishing the new canvas, sanding and adding another coat of Cetol to the swim platform and swim ladder, and other minor improvements, we only have to apply Anti Fouling Paint to her bottom, launch and summerize this spring and we’re good to go.
Now that we are on the other side of the last 4 years, we are certainly ready to enjoy boating again and looking forward to being on the water enjoying the fresh air with just the two of us, and with family and friends like the old days—cruising, anchoring, swimming, BBQing meals in the sunsets, reading, just enjoying boating life on the water again.
Because we have to be available at our condo during major renovations this spring and summer, no big boat trips are planned.
But, our condo is only four minutes from Windy, so we plan to be aboard often probably spending many nights aboard and enjoying time this spring and summer with other club members sharing stories, meals and drinks and all the social functions without having to worry about masks etc.
We have been looking forward to this time, as I am sure many of you have been also and hope that you are also able to spend more time enjoying your boat and boating as well.
For many boaters who haven’t had much time aboard over the last four years, perhaps a refresher in docking skills would be a good investment to help improve your boating experiences this summer.
This is a great time to invest in some docking lessons.
One new tip learned could eliminate an embarrassing moment, when your docking doesn’t go as well as you would like, in front of your friends and fellow boaters when returning to the dock.
Instead, one tip could make all the difference—Confidence, a perfect docking and compliments on how well you can dock your boat.
Enjoy Boating More this Spring and Summer
Andy Rooney, known for his words of wisdom, once said that “Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes”.
His words are still true today, don’t you think?
Fall Boating it seems, is also like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to haul-out, the faster the days go by.
Fall boating days run out fast—just like the end of the roll of toilet paper.
Fall Boating
So, we must take advantage of every fall day enjoying boating to the fullest. Sometimes, when the temperature is warm, but the wind is blowing too hard for a comfortable cruise in a power boat, sailors are out enjoying the wind in their sails, while we enjoy our power boat at the dock with some snacks and drinks, a little music and great conversation with other power boaters.
On calmer fall days, power boaters get out on the water admiring all the coloured leaves as trees prepare for winter. A few extra layers of clothing protect us from the cooler fall weather and allows us more boating days.
A mug of hot coffee or hot chocolate with peppermint Schnapps is a great way to warm up after a chilly cruise or sail.
Sometimes, while relaxing aboard, you can make good use of your time listing winter projects like canvas repairs. Take time to think about what repairs or improvements you want to have done over the winter. Discuss dock line replacement, electronics, etc. It is also a great time to study docking techniques and even practice docking. Get a Docking Lesson with diagrams and detailed instructions that walk you through each step with “how-to” explanations.
One new tip learned can make all the difference!
This fall in particular, our Windy is a great escape from all the renovation noise in our Condo Building. It is a big project and we are more than happy that it is being done; but it is nice to have a place to go, to have a noise-free break.
Listening to the water lapping on the hull, the cries of the birds overhead and even the flapping of halyards on the masts is a welcome noise after listening to jack hammers and saws and drills all day, every day.
I am sure you have many more ways to enjoy fall days on your boats. We all need to just get out there and “do it” before haul-out day arrives.
It’s just around the corner.
All those boaters who need dock helpers to dock their boats, might as well put a big flashing neon billboard on their roof.
“I can’t dock my boat. Help!”
They are snickered at by others boaters, who have learned how.
People, who have taken lessons or instructions, and learned how to do something well, can easily spot those who have not—whether it is golf, tennis, dancing, computering, skiing, swimming, cards, etc.
Docking is no different. Boaters who have learned how to dock their boats can easily identify boaters, who need lessons.
You will be pleased to know…..“It’s not your fault!”
No Instruction or lesson
Boat Manufacturers haven’t provided any handling or docking instructions with the boat, and only a few marinas spend time with buyers teaching them how to handle and dock their boats. They tend to concentrate on electronics and other systems. Power and Sail Squadrons only touch on docking in the classroom, but don’t cover different drive systems in any detail. There are only a few on-the-water instructors, so finding one is very difficult.
Wrong Instruction
Almost all internet docking lessons and some books are not correct and are very misleading, because they are regurgitations of the original Single Inboard lessons written for boats of the 30’s and 40’s—not today’s power boats. They make too many assumptions and usually ignore any wind or current that, as we all know, is more the norm, than flat calm with no wind.
We found yet another lesson posted on the internet by a Captain, who has made the erroneous assumption that his one instruction will “work for all boats no matter their size or drive system”.
In this Captain Internet’s scenerio, two large boats are docked along a fuel dock. You are going to tie between them alongside the dock with only a foot on each end to spare. To dock your boat under complete control, the steps given by Captain Internet are:
Captain Internet’s Instruction
- Aim for a spot aft of the forward boat equal to 1/3 your overall length (including projections like bowsprit or anchor).
- Point your bow toward this point. Once your bow arrives at this point, pass the long after bow spring around an aft piling.
- Steer hard away from the dock.
- Shift into idle ahead and use minimum throttle (except in heavy wind or current.
- Watch the stern. Keep an eye on the bow.
- Pass over the rest of the lines, when done.
Captain Internet’s Overlooked Assumptions
Captain Internet is using an after bow spring line. He failed to explain that it is a spring line that is tied to the bow cleat and runs aft to be tossed at a dock cleat or post. It is to act as a brake and a docking aid to bring the boat alongside the dock. However, he also made the following critical assumptions that I explain in brackets:
- That all boats have side decks and flat foredecks with handrails and/or life lines. (But really, most power boats under 30′ have neither.)
- That you have a crew as well as a First Mate on the forward deck to handle the line and roving fender in two different places. (But, in most docking situations, there is only two people aboard—you and your First Mate)
- That you have knowledgeable dock helpers who know what to do. (But, most dock helpers do not know what to do, especially when you are visiting a new marina.)
- That you have no wind or current. (But this is not the norm.)
- That your First Mate calculates the exact length of after bow spring line to prevent collisions. (But in this case, each end is too close to call, when the boat is still moving while the line has to be tied.)
- That the dock is a convenient height relative to the deck height. (But in reality, boats have varying heights of decks and soles from ski boats to motor yachts and docks are also varying heights.)
- That the dock cleat/piling is close enough to “pass the after bow spring line around an aft piling” on the first attempt. (However, depending on the size of the boat coming in at 45 degrees, the aft piling could be a long distance out, around and back from the First Mate’s position.)
Captain Internet’s Step 1, 2 & 3
Step 1 requires a calculation to determine the aim point – All Skippers should be able to do this regardless of the size of their boat.
All boats can do Step 2 – Approach at 45 degrees toward the aim point. While this could work for some boats under certain conditions, it will NOT work for all boats. 45 degrees is too great an angle for most boats.
His instructions fail at Step 3 – “Pass the after bow spring around an aft piling.” When the boat is approaching the dock at approximately 45 degrees as shown by Captain Internet, the First Mate would have to be married to Roy Rogers to be able to lasso the dock cleat/piling with the middle of the after bow spring from several feet away, then attach the bitter end back to the bow cleat with the exact amount of slack to prevent the bow or stern from hitting the boat ahead or behind with only 1 foot of space.
Provided Dale Evans, the First Mate was able to accomplish all of the above on the first try (she probably wouldn’t have a second try), it would depend on the drive system and boat configuration as to which instructions to follow next. Each drive system requires different docking techniques. See “Why docking a power boat is difficult”.
Sailboats
Captain Internet’s procedure would work for some sailboats that are the right deck height for the dock height, with a safety cable and enough knowledgeable crew and/or dock helpers to carry out this maneuver. Add a little wind and the situation is a little more challenging. There are easier ways to Dock a Sailboat.
Single Inboard Power
If you are bringing any a Single Inboard power boat, you would dock on your favored side; i.e. determined by your torque. If your torque requires a starboard docking, Captain Internet’s port tie wouldn’t work for you. It would require instead, a “beyond and back” procedure first to tie on your starboard side.
For Single Inboard ski boats, it is difficult to attach a long bow line when you are not already at a dock. It is not convenient or safe to step off from amidships with an after bow spring, because of the windshield and seating on ski boats and the distance in this scenario.
For a Single Inboard cruiser with side decks, the after bow spring line, can easily be attached to the bow cleat, but the side deck may be too high and far away from a floating dock for your First Mate to “pass the line around an aft piling”.
Different Single Inboard power boats require different techniques depending on size and configuration. There are easier and safer ways to Dock a Single Inboard power boat in this scenario.
Single Outboard or Sterndrive
Most Single Outboards or Sterndrives are bowriders or centre consoles that have easy access to the bow for attaching an after bow spring line.
Single Outboards and Sterndrives that are cruisers most often have no side decks and either a sloped or small forward deck for the First Mate to stand on to carry out this maneuver. Quite often, they have no or low rails, so there is no handhold.
Following Captain Internet’s docking instructions could be very unsafe for your First Mate. There are far easier and safer ways to Dock a Single Outboard and to Dock a Single Sterndrive.
Twin Outboard or Sterndrive
Provided a Twin Outboard or Sterndrive has a flat forward deck and side deck (some don’t) and bow and side rails (some don’t) the First Mate would have to toss the after bow spring line up to 12 feet while approaching the aim point on a 45 degree angle and be successful the first time. Even if she were successful, putting the motor in forward could pull the bow in, but the stern will be forced out, because of the shape of the hull.
There are far better ways to maintain total control in a Twin Outboard or Sterndrive. Captain Internet’s instructions here would not be a choice to Dock a Twin Outboard or Dock a Twin Sterndrive.
Twin Inboard
On a Twin Inboard, the deck is usually far too high from the dock for the First Mate to even attempt Captain Internet’s procedure. The increased beam of most Twin Inboard Cruisers, Motor Yachts and Trawlers puts the bow cleat much further away from the dock increasing the leverage and, therefore, the likelihood of the after bow spring line of pulling the bow into the dock, thus forcing the stern away from the dock, because of the shape of the hull.
Captain Internet’s instruction is the most difficult way to dock a boat. There are much better, simpler and safer ways to Dock a Twin Inboard Power Boat.
Houseboats
Docking a houseboat in this scenario with an after bow spring line would be unwise, because your First Mate is down the port side deck, out of sight and hearing, of you at the wheel that’s usually on the starboard side. If they fall overboard while attempting this lasso maneuver, you at the wheel would never know. It also depends on the Drive System of the houseboat, as to which technique to use.
There are far better and safer ways to Dock a Houseboat .
Summary
Different drive systems require
Different instructions
because they handle Differently!
Following instructions like Captain Internet has posted on the internet, is “Why power boat docking is difficult“. You can’t use one instruction to suit all boats.
Why waste time, effort and money, become frustrated and maybe even lose your First Mate in the process? Get Dawson’s Docking Lessons specific to your particular drive system. Learn together with your First Mate and avoid wasted time, effort, money and frustration, and keep your First Mate happy and aboard for better boating in the future.
Be the Snickerer – Not the Snickeree
Don’t become the one snickered at. Do be the one who can dock confidently and easily. Then you can spot those, who still haven’t had any docking lessons.
Dawson’s Docking e-Lessons are specific to each drive system with step-by-step detailed instructions with lots of pictures and diagrams and simple, proven techniques.
Simplify docking.
Replace the fear with fun.
Become Captain Confidence!
Doug Dawson
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.