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

Docking a boat with twins can be a tricky manoeuvre, but it's a skill that any seasoned mariner should have in their arsenal. There are several methods to achieve this, and the best approach depends on the type of twin engines you have. For example, the technique for docking a twin inboard boat differs from that of a twin sterndrive or outboard boat. One of the most important considerations is whether or not to use the wheel during the docking process, and opinions vary among boaters. Some argue that using the wheel can overload the captain's brain, especially when combined with shifts and throttles, while others suggest that the wheel is essential for docking success. Ultimately, the key to successfully docking a boat with twins lies in understanding the unique characteristics of your boat's engines and practising the manoeuvre to build confidence and skill.

How to Dock a Boat with Twins

Prepare for docking: deploy fenders and lines, check wind and current

Before you start the docking manoeuvre, it's important to prepare your boat and crew. Deploying fenders and lines in advance will ensure a seamless docking process and protect your boat from damage. Assess the wind and current conditions to determine their direction and strength, which will help you plan your approach and make any necessary adjustments.

Fenders are crucial for preventing damage to both your boat and the dock. Place them on the sides of the boat where contact with the dock is likely. This will help to reduce the impact and protect your boat's hull.

Docking lines are essential for securing your boat to the dock. Prepare these lines in advance and ensure they are untangled and securely fastened to cleats, allowing for quick access when needed. Have one or two spring lines ready to help control the boat's position during docking.

When assessing wind and current conditions, consider their direction and strength. This will help you adjust your speed and angle of approach accordingly. It is generally easier to dock against the wind or current, as it offers better control over the boat's movements. However, if the wind or current is pushing you towards the dock, you may need to take additional precautions, such as approaching at a shallower angle and using reverse thrust to control your speed.

By preparing your fenders and lines, and understanding the wind and current conditions, you'll be well-equipped to handle the docking process safely and efficiently.

Trim engines up to direct propwash under the boat

Trimming the engines is a crucial step when docking a twin-engine boat. This step involves using the tilt-trim switch at the throttle to adjust the engines' position and ensure the propwash, or the water pushed by the propellers, goes under the boat. Here are some detailed paragraphs explaining the process and its benefits:

Trimming the engines is an important step in docking a twin-engine boat. By using the tilt-trim switch at the throttle, you can adjust the engines' position and ensure that the propwash, or the water pushed by the propellers, goes under the boat. This maximises the effect of the propellers and makes docking easier.

If you don't trim the engines properly, the propwash may hit the transom, which is the flat surface at the rear of the boat. This can make the boat harder to manoeuvre and increase the risk of collision. By trimming the engines up slightly, you can direct the propwash under the boat, where it has the greatest impact on the boat's movement.

The increased propeller blade area in twin-engine boats provides more "bite" on the water, making it easier to control the boat's movement during docking. By trimming the engines, you can take advantage of this extra bite and have more precise control over the boat's direction and speed.

Remember that trimming the engines is just one aspect of docking a twin-engine boat. It's important to also deploy fenders and lines, check wind and current conditions, and communicate with your crew and any dockhands to ensure a smooth and safe docking process.

By following these steps and staying calm during the docking process, you'll be able to dock your twin-engine boat with confidence and ease. Practising in a controlled environment can also help you refine your techniques and improve your docking skills over time.

Approach the slip at a 90-degree angle, centre the steering wheel

Approaching the slip at a 90-degree angle is a crucial step in docking a twin-engine boat. This step requires careful planning and execution to ensure a smooth and safe docking manoeuvre. Here is a detailed guide to help you master this technique:

Firstly, it is essential to prepare for the docking manoeuvre in advance. Before approaching the slip, ensure that you have deployed the necessary fenders and lines, and always be mindful of wind and current conditions, as these factors can impact your approach. Check for any potential surprises, such as unexpected gusts of wind or strong currents, that could affect your docking process.

As you approach the slip, maintain a 90-degree angle relative to the slip. This means that your boat should be perpendicular to the slip, creating a straight line from the front to the back of your vessel. This angle is important because it provides you with the best position to begin the next steps of the docking process.

Once you have reached the middle of the slip, it's time to centre your steering wheel. This step is crucial, as it ensures that your boat will respond predictably to your engine manipulations in the next steps. Failing to centre the steering wheel can lead to unpredictable boat movements, making it challenging to dock successfully.

After centring the steering wheel, it's time to utilise the engines to turn the boat. At this point, you can shift one engine into forward gear and the other into reverse. This technique, known as opposing the engines, will cause the boat to spin in place. It is important to resist the temptation to touch the steering wheel during this step, as the engines alone should be used for manoeuvring.

Remember that the bow of the boat 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 cause the bow to spin to port. This understanding will help you predict and control the movement of your boat during the docking process.

By following these steps and practising this technique, you will become more comfortable and confident in docking a twin-engine boat. Remember, with any new skill, it takes time and experience to master, so don't be discouraged if you don't get it perfect on your first try. Happy boating!

Oppose the engines to spin the boat: one in forward, one in reverse

Opposing the engines to spin the boat is a crucial technique when docking a twin-engine boat. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you master this manoeuvre:

Firstly, prepare for the docking manoeuvre. This includes deploying fenders and lines and checking wind and current conditions. These factors can impact your boat's movement during docking, so it's essential to be mindful of them. Make sure you have enough fenders placed strategically along the sides of your boat to protect it and the dock from any potential damage.

Next, trim your engines slightly upwards by using the tilt-trim switch at the throttle. This ensures that the propwash goes under the boat, maximising its effect. If the propwash hits the transom, it will make the boat harder to manoeuvre. By trimming the engines, you increase the propeller blade area and the "bite" on the water, making docking a twin-engine boat easier.

Now, approach the slip at a 90-degree angle and stop when the middle of your boat is aligned with the middle of the slip. At this point, centre your steering wheel. This step is crucial as it sets you up for the next step, which is spinning the boat by opposing the engines.

To spin the boat, put one engine into forward and the other into reverse. This will cause the boat to pivot on its axis. The direction of the spin depends on which engine you put into forward and which into reverse. For example, shifting the starboard engine into forward and the port engine into reverse will spin the bow to port. You can control the speed and radius of the turn by adjusting the throttle on each engine.

If you need to fit into a tight space, you can remove all forward thrust by taking the forward throttle out of gear once the boat has begun to turn. This will cause the boat to start backing up while continuing to spin, allowing you to get closer to the dock. You can adjust the rate of spin by shifting in and out of gear.

As a final step, stop the spin by briefly reversing both throttles, and then back slowly into the dock. Mastering this technique will give you absolute control over your vessel and make docking a twin-engine boat a breeze. Remember to stay calm and make small adjustments if needed due to wind or current.

Shift both engines into reverse idle and start backing up

Shifting both engines into reverse idle and starting to back up is the final step in docking a twin-engine boat. But before you get to this point, there are several other steps to follow.

Firstly, prepare for the docking maneuver by deploying fenders and lines, and checking for wind and current. Then, trim your engines up slightly using the tilt-trim switch at the throttle. As you approach the slip at a 90-degree angle, once the middle of the boat is even with the middle of the slip, stop and center your steering wheel. From here, it's easiest to turn the boat by shifting one engine into forward and the other into reverse. Remember, the bow will move in the direction of the throttle you shift into reverse.

Now, if you have the space, you can spin the boat until it's perfectly parallel with the finger pier. Then, simply shift both engines into reverse idle and start backing up. However, if space is tight, you may need to adjust your technique. One option is to take the forward throttle out of gear after the boat begins to turn, removing all forward thrust. This will cause the boat to start backing up as it continues to spin, allowing you to get closer to the slip. Just remember that when you pull the forward throttle out of gear, you'll need to shift in and out of gear to balance backing up and spinning.

As you approach the slip, you can make small adjustments by briefly reversing both throttles to stop all spinning motion, then backing slowly in the rest of the way.

Frequently asked questions