Docking With Twin Outboards: A Step-By-Step Guide

Docking a boat with twin outboards can be intimidating, especially for those who are new to boating. However, with practice and the right techniques, it can be done successfully. The key is to understand how to use the throttles and shifters to control the boat's movement and turning radius. Practising in open water and getting familiar with the boat's handling is crucial before attempting to dock. Additionally, factors such as wind and tide must be considered and used to one's advantage during docking. Staying calm and avoiding hasty control actions are also important aspects of docking a twin-outboard boat.

How to Dock a Boat with Twin Outboards

Prepare for docking ahead of time by deploying fenders and lines

Preparing for docking is an important step in the docking process. It involves equipping your boat with the necessary tools, like fenders and dock lines, and making strategic decisions based on the docking environment. Here are some detailed instructions to help you prepare for docking ahead of time by deploying fenders and lines:

Fenders:

Fenders, also known as "bumpers," are essential for protecting your boat during docking. They act as a cushion between your boat and the dock, preventing potential damage to the hull. When choosing fenders, consider the size of your boat and the docking space. Vinyl fenders are a common choice for small boats due to their versatility and cost-effectiveness, while foam fenders are ideal for larger vessels or tight spaces. Inflatable fenders are a great option for those who travel long distances as they are lightweight, compact, and easy to store.

When deploying fenders, adjust their height according to the type of dock you're approaching. For floating docks, tying fenders just above the waterline is usually sufficient. It is recommended to have two to four fenders per side, depending on the length of your boat.

Dock Lines:

Dock lines, or mooring lines, are crucial for securing your boat to the dock. They include bow lines, stern lines, spring lines, and breast lines. When preparing for docking, ensure you have the necessary lines ready and easily accessible.

When tying a line to a fender, consider using a bowline knot, which creates a secure loop through the fender's eye. For attaching the fender to your boat, the clove hitch is a good option as it allows for last-minute adjustments and can be easily tied to a cleat.

Communication and Preparation:

Before approaching the dock, ensure you have a clear plan and communicate it to your crew. Let them know where the fenders should be placed and when to deploy the dock lines. If you have crew members assisting with docking, position them at key spots with proper dock lines or boat hooks.

Additionally, assess the docking environment. Check the wind direction and speed, current, water depth, and any potential obstacles or nearby boats. This information will help you determine the best approach and prevent mishaps.

By following these instructions and preparing your fenders and dock lines ahead of time, you'll be well-equipped to handle the docking process with confidence and ease.

Trim your engines up slightly

Trimming your engines is an important step when docking a boat with twin outboards. This step involves adjusting the tilt-trim switch at the throttle to change the angle of the outboard motor and propeller shaft relative to the boat's transom. The trim system can typically adjust the angle within a range of about 20 degrees.

Trimming your engines up slightly is crucial to ensure that the propwash goes under the boat where it is most effective. Propwash is the turbulent water caused by the turning propeller. If the engines are not trimmed up, the propwash may only hit the transom, making the boat harder to manoeuvre. By trimming the engines up, the propwash is directed under the boat, creating a force that presses downwards. This downward force tilts the bow upwards, which is known as positive trim. Positive trim is when the angle of the motor is slightly upwards, causing the bow to rise.

Trimming the engines up can be done using the trim button on the throttle lever or via a switch on the dashboard, depending on your boat's model. This will raise the propeller, reducing the hull's contact with the water and improving the boat's speed and efficiency. However, it is important not to trim the engines up too much, as this can cause the propeller to break the water surface, reducing fuel efficiency and speed. Therefore, finding the optimal trim angle is crucial for a smooth and efficient docking manoeuvre.

Additionally, the trim angle will depend on various factors such as the water state, weight of the vessel, waves, and wind conditions. Adjustments to the trim angle may need to be made while docking to compensate for changing conditions and ensure a safe and controlled manoeuvre.

Approach the slip at a 90-degree angle

Approaching the slip at a 90-degree angle is a critical step in successfully docking a twin outboard boat. Here's a detailed guide on how to execute this manoeuvre:

When approaching the slip, maintain a 90-degree angle between your boat and the dock. This angle sets the foundation for a smooth and controlled docking process. Once you've positioned your boat in this manner, it's time to stop and centre your steering wheel. Centring the wheel is crucial as it ensures that subsequent manoeuvres are more manageable and predictable.

At this point, you have the option to oppose the engines, shifting one into forward and the other into reverse. This technique will cause the boat to spin in place, providing you with the ability to adjust the boat's orientation. Remember, the bow will move in the direction of the throttle shifted into reverse. For example, shifting the starboard throttle into forward and the port throttle into reverse will result in the bow spinning to port.

While it may be tempting, it's best to rely solely on the engines for manoeuvring. This approach ensures that you don't overload your brain with managing both the wheel and throttles simultaneously, which can lead to confusion and overcorrection.

If space constraints are an issue, you can fine-tune your approach by adjusting the throttles. For instance, after initiating the turn, you can remove the forward throttle from the equation, allowing the boat to continue spinning while also backing up. This technique is helpful when you need to get closer to the slip or partially into it to gain more room to swing the bow. Keep in mind that removing the forward throttle will reduce the spinning rate, so you may need to shift in and out of gear to find the ideal balance between spinning and backing up.

As you guide your boat into the slip, you can make final adjustments by briefly reversing both throttles to stop any spinning motion. From there, continue backing up slowly until you come to rest at the side of the slip. If necessary, make minor corrections by shifting starboard reverse or port forward with a light thrust to bring the boat alongside the dock neatly.

Remember, docking a twin outboard boat becomes easier with practice. Don't be afraid to start over if you feel you're not aligned correctly—even seasoned mariners sometimes need to reset their approach. With time and experience, docking with twin outboards will become second nature, and you'll be able to confidently manoeuvre your boat into any slip.

Centre your steering wheel and turn the boat by opposing the engines

When docking a boat with twin outboards, centering your steering wheel and turning the boat by opposing the engines is a crucial technique to master. Here's a detailed guide on this maneuver:

Firstly, ensure you are approaching the slip at a 90-degree angle. Once the middle of your boat is aligned with the center of the slip, stop the boat and center your steering wheel. This is a critical step as it forms the foundation for the turn.

Now, to turn the boat, you will use the engines in opposition to each other. Shift one engine into forward gear and the other into reverse. This will cause the boat to spin in place. It's important to remember that the bow will move in the direction of the throttle shifted into reverse. For example, if you shift the starboard throttle into forward and the port throttle into reverse, the bow will spin to port.

When opposing the engines, it's best to avoid touching the steering wheel. Instead, rely solely on the engines for maneuvering. By doing so, you can achieve a tighter turn radius and more precise control.

Practicing this technique in open water will help you gain a better understanding of how your boat handles. Experiment with different throttle settings to see how it affects the turn. You can also try exercises such as sharp 90-degree turns and pivoting on the spot to enhance your skills.

Additionally, remember to take into account wind and current conditions, as these can impact your docking maneuver. By checking these factors beforehand, you can turn them to your advantage and make any necessary adjustments to your approach.

Overall, mastering the art of centering your steering wheel and opposing the engines is key to successfully docking a boat with twin outboards. It may take some practice, but with time, you'll be able to confidently maneuver your boat into any slip.

Use the wheel to dock a twin engine boat

Docking a twin-engine boat can be intimidating, but it's not too difficult once you know the steps. Here's how to use the wheel to dock a twin-engine boat:

Prepare for Docking

Before you begin the docking process, it's important to prepare your boat. Deploy fenders and lines as necessary and check for wind and current conditions that might affect your docking.

Trim Your Engines

Use the tilt-trim switch at the throttle to trim your engines up slightly. This ensures that the propwash goes under the boat, where it has the greatest effect on manoeuvrability.

Approach the Slip

As you approach the slip, maintain a 90-degree angle. Once the middle of your boat is even with the middle of the slip, stop and centre your steering wheel.

Turn the Boat

From this point on, it's best to turn the boat by manipulating the engines rather than the steering wheel. Shift one engine into forward and the other into reverse to turn the boat. Remember, the bow will move in the direction of the throttle shifted into reverse.

Adjust for Constraints

If you don't have enough room to spin the boat completely, you can remove all forward thrust by taking the forward throttle out of gear. This will cause the boat to begin backing up as it continues to spin, allowing you to get closer to the slip.

Final Adjustments

As the boat moves into the slip, you can make final adjustments by briefly reversing both throttles to stop any spinning motion. Then, back slowly into the slip until you come to rest at the side. If needed, you can make light adjustments by shifting one engine into reverse and the other into forward to bring the boat alongside the dock.

Docking a twin-engine boat takes practice, and it's important to stay calm and make adjustments as needed. With time, you'll become more comfortable with the process and be docking like a pro!

Frequently asked questions