Single Sterndrive Intro

Simple Step-by-Step Instructions how to Dock a Sterndrive Bow First Both in your slip and at a gas dock

Doug Dawson’s Lesson “Docking Your Single Sterndrive–Introductory” has 120 pages with 140 diagrams of proven, detailed, step-by-step instructions for handling and docking a Single Sterndrive bow first in your slip and at a gas dock.

Doug Teaches

• Why it’s not your fault docking is so difficult
• How your Single Sterndrive handles in open water exercises
• Doug’s “KEY” to handling a Single Sterndrive
• 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
• The 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 scenerios 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 Sterndrive.

When you have mastered bow-first docking (usually takes several weeks to a full season), you will be ready for “Docking Your Single Sterndrive–ADVANCED” to learn docking stern first and many more neat docking maneuvers covered in great detail over 230 pages.

“I feel as though I know you already. I wish we weren’t so far away. I don’t know how to thank you for all your info so far. I think that you’ll be hearing from me again. With your help I hope to be the best first mate my captain could ask for. We love the ocean and if you can teach old dogs new tricks then we can still have a wonderful retirement on the water. Thanks for being there in our time of need.”

—Joan Thurston, BC

Hi Doug,

We decided to get back into boating after 21 years. Our first attempt at docking our boat was a nightmare and embarrassing to say the least! To top it all off we have an opening into a marina of 35ft and we are the second slip in to the starboard side and our dock is port side bow in slip. To top it all off the first slip is 10 feet wide and then the next is ours. We have a 10.6beam and single screw and our slip is 12.6 wide. We also have the wind to contend with and no way to make a complete turn in the marina and come in facing the wind. After reading your docking 101 book, I am docking like a Pro! Three easy maneuvers and I am sliding into our slip with ease and my first mate is able to tie off with no issues.

As soon as my nose of the bow is in the opening for the marina at neutral position I steer all the way over Starboard shift in to forward. Back to neutral steering all over to port and I shift to reverse 3 second count and back to neutral. Straighten steering and shift to forward a little goose and we are in the slip Into neutral and a reverse shift we are stationary and my first mate ties up.

I want to thank you for a book that finally made sense! Everything else on the internet was either for sailing vessels, twin screw or for a single screw with a rudder! You have made our boating experience with our new boat completely relaxed with no stress and we hit the slip every time on our first attempt using your instructions.

Thanks again!! I will be telling everyone to pick up your books and tips!

—Tamara, ON

Let Doug Show You the EASY Way to dock your boat…

Doug knows the design characteristics of all boats and drive systems. He has driven, demonstrated, tested, reviewed and handled every type of boat and drive system and knows how to teach others with easy-to-follow instructions.

With Doug’s Boat Docking Lessons, you will learn your boat’s unique dance moves and be able to waltz smoothly as one, and dock your boat with ease.

Dock your Single Sterndrive or I/O boat, powered by a Mercruiser OMCobra or Volvo, with confidence. There are many to choose from including:

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