Docking A Big Boat With A Single Engine: A Step-By-Step Guide

Docking a big boat with a single engine can be a stressful task, especially in crowded marinas. While dual-engine boats are considered easier to handle, docking a single-engine boat is not as difficult as many boaters think. The problem lies in its simplicity, with many boaters overcomplicating the process and making it scarier than it needs to be. The key to successfully docking a single-engine boat is to understand the characteristics of the drivetrain and use them to your advantage. By following some simple instructions and practicing, you can master the controls and feel confident in your docking abilities.

How to Dock a Big Boat with a Single Engine

The Stern Moves First

Docking a boat with a single engine may seem daunting, but it's not as difficult as it's made out to be. The key to docking a single-engine boat is to remember that the stern moves first, both in forward and reverse. This is because the propeller is on the stern, pushing water against the rudder, and that's what controls the direction of the boat.

When approaching a dock, it's important to remember to pull your boat parallel to the dock and a few feet away from it. This is counterintuitive to many boaters, who instinctively steer into the dock at an angle. However, by pulling up parallel, you can then put your helm all the way away from the dock. If the dock is to starboard, turn the wheel to port, and vice versa for a portside approach.

Once you're parallel to the dock, put the boat in forward gear and slowly say "forward one thousand", then put it in neutral. Then, put it in reverse and say "reverse one thousand", and put it in neutral again. Repeat this simple maneuver until you gently move the boat right next to the dock. You will be amazed at how smoothly the boat moves towards the dock.

Tips for Successful Stern-to-Docking

• Communication is key: Ensure clear communication between the boat's helmsman and crew during this maneuver. Hand signals can be helpful when engine noise makes verbal communication difficult.
• Be patient: Don't rush the maneuver, and don't be afraid to start over if needed.
• Practice: Stern-to-docking requires practice, so try it out in an open water area with makeshift dock points to get comfortable with the maneuver before attempting it in a crowded marina.
• Seek professional advice: If you're new to boating or unsure of your capabilities, consider taking a docking lesson or a boating safety course to learn from experienced instructors.

Forget the Throttle

The throttle is not the key to docking your boat. All you need to do is engage the throttle at its lowest setting. You can even put a sock or plastic cup over the throttle as a reminder. This is because the throttle has little to do with getting you next to the dock. The short bursts of forward and reverse thrust are what will bring you gently alongside.

The boat will pivot and swing without moving forward or backward much at all. This is especially true if you are docking a V-drive or any inboard-powered boat. You can use the throttle to compensate for wind or current, but be careful not to overdo it.

If you are approaching too fast, you can pull back to neutral to slow down, but be aware that outboards and I/Os don't steer very well when they are out of gear. So, it's better to get slowed down first and then approach the dock in gear at dead idle so you have maximum control at all times.

If you are docking in wind or current, it is better to approach with your bow into them. This gives you more directional control at a slower speed. You can hold your boat stationary in relation to the dock and still have full steering control. You can then simply "walk" your boat sideways toward the dock with small steering inputs.

If you are docking with the wind or current, you will need to be moving to have steering control. This means you will be moving faster than you would like when contacting the dock. So, it is better to dock in reverse. Keep your stern into the wind and use intermittent reverse power to control your boat. Let the wind push your boat toward the dock, but use reverse power and steering to slow your drift.

Docking to Starboard

Docking a single-engine boat can be stressful, especially when reversing into a slip. However, it's not as difficult as many boaters think. The key is to understand and use the drivetrain's characteristics to your advantage. Here are some detailed instructions for docking to starboard with a single-engine boat:

Prepare for Docking

Before you start the docking maneuver, it's important to have everything ready. Deploy fenders and get the bow and stern lines ready on the side where you plan to tie up. If possible, have a helper or two to make the process easier. If your boat has a flybridge, it's a good idea to use it for close-quarters maneuvering as it provides a better view of your surroundings.

Positioning the Boat

Start the maneuver by positioning the transom of your boat even with the end of the dock you intend to tie up to. Keep your boat at a right angle to the slip. Take into account factors such as wind and current, which can impact your docking. If the wind or current is from the side, it can push you too close or too far from the dock.

Turning the Boat

With the boat stopped, turn the wheel hard to port. Engage forward gear and give a quick burst of throttle, then immediately bring the throttle back to idle and shift into neutral. The goal here is to kick the bow to port and the stern to starboard without moving the boat forward much, if at all.

Moving into the Dock

Center the helm and shift into reverse idle until the boat starts to move backward. Take your time and don't be impatient. If you need more thrust due to wind or current, use a little more throttle but avoid overdoing it.

Shift into forward gear, turn the wheel to port, and give another quick burst of throttle to rotate the boat if needed. You should now be aligned parallel to the dock and ready to reverse in.

Final Adjustments

When the stern of the boat is about 5 feet from the bulkhead, center the helm and shift into forward, giving a quick burst of power to stop the boat. Depending on your boat and its position, a short burst of reverse power may also bring the stern closer to the dock due to "prop walk."

If all goes well, your crew can now step ashore and secure the boat using the bow and stern lines.

Additional Tips

Remember that all boats are different, and various factors such as the size of the rudder, the length of the keel, and the underwater hull profile will affect how your boat handles. Practice in a clear stretch of water to get a feel for how your boat moves, and then find a quiet dock on a bright day to refine your docking skills.

When trying to move the stern of the boat to one side, use a quick, sharp burst of throttle to push water to the side rather than out the back. Experiment with different rudder positions (port, starboard, and straight ahead) to understand how your boat responds.

Prop Walk

The propeller on a boat is turned by the engine, which produces force that pushes the boat ahead or astern. However, the shape of the blades also creates a small sideways force, which causes the boat to turn. This force is most noticeable on a shaft-driven boat.

The direction of the propeller's spin determines the direction of the boat's turn. For example, if you have a right-handed propeller (one that spins clockwise when viewed from astern), the stern of the boat will turn to starboard when the propeller is in forward gear, and to port when in reverse. This is because the propeller is pushing water to the side rather than out of the back.

Additionally, understanding prop walk can help you predict and avoid stressful situations when docking, such as accidentally cozying up to a neighbouring boat.

Docking with Joystick Control

The first thing to remember is that joystick operation can be summed up by the phrase "push and twist". You push the stick in the direction you want the boat to move and twist the stick to orient or point the boat. However, be cautious when pushing and twisting simultaneously, as this can inadvertently move the boat out of position.

The ability to move a boat sideways is extremely helpful when docking. But instead of holding down the joystick, use it incrementally. The sideways motion induces a rolling moment, which can cause the boat to lean away from the direction it's sliding. So, lay off the joystick before you get too close to the dock, to avoid rolling into it.

Some joystick controls offer "station-keeping", which allows you to hold the boat in one place at the touch of a button, thanks to GPS integration. This feature is particularly useful when waiting for a bridge to open or when lined up to enter a lock. However, it still demands a vigilant captain at the helm and should not be used to leave the bridge.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the mere weight of your hand can cause the joystick to lean while twisting, so be mindful of this to avoid spinning the boat out of position.

Frequently asked questions