Physics of Docking – Side Ties

For additional details pertinent to this video please read the description below. “Side Ties” is the fifth video in our Physics of Docking series. Jeff Merrill and Douglas Cochrane have collaborated to share their combined docking knowledge with other boaters through this collection of videos. Filming for these episodes was done in San Diego, CA aboard a single engine Nordhavn 57. The easiest form of docking is arriving at a long, wide open dock where you come in alongside. Many fuel docks are set up this way and if they aren’t busy pumping fuel you may ask if you can practice at your local fuel dock. If not, look for a vacant T-head or end tie. To learn this technique, pick a calm day with a soft breeze, no other floating distractions (like other boats, kayaks, etc.) and plenty of dock space to land. Discuss ahead of time with your crew what type of landing you are going to make, who is going to do what with the various docking lines, and map out your your game plan so everyone knows his or her role before you begin your first approach. With dock lines ready and fenders properly draped you are all set to go for it. In our experience, we have learned that the best angle of approach for a side tie is about 30-degrees. As you bring your trawler in close to the dock, you want to have enough momentum to have some steerage, but remember, all docking maneuvers should be conducted at reduced speeds. By nosing your bow in at a 30-degree angle you are ideally set up to glide into the dock softly, your objective being to land parallel to the dock so you can secure your lines to the cleats. Remember, the front sides of your trawler usually taper in, so you can get a little closer to the dock without hitting than you might think. As you commit to your final approach, center your helm and put your gear shift in neutral. Coast for the final couple of boat lengths (exactly how “hot” you come in is realized through patience and practice). While in neutral, start setting up your rudder by turning your helm hard to port and as your bow gets within a couple of feet of the dock give a slight shift into forward gear. This will put some prop wash on the rudder to move your stern in towards the dock and propel you slightly forward. Back in neutral at slow speeds you will see the stern close the gap from 30 degrees to 20, then 10 and ultimately 0 degrees with the end result being a landing that has set you up parallel to the dock. Once you are parallel, slightly back down in reverse to hold your position and stop your forward movement. To practice, you can try to end up 10’ from the dock, then 5’ from the dock and as your feel for speed and momentum becomes more natural and intuitive, you can go all the way in to the dock. Once you gain confidence, organize a practice session drill with a series of “touch and go’s” like aircraft pilots do to hone their landing and take off skills. Once at the dock you need to reverse these steps for a smooth departure. If you are parallel and just go forward you will drag your stern into the dock as you try to steer our to port. This can pin you in place and makes it difficult to separate. We see many skippers to this and at slow speeds it doesn’t damage the boat, but there is a better way. Once you have a good feel for coming along your starboard side, try your hand at arriving port side too. Learning the skills to approach from either side will give you more confidence to arrive in any marina knowing that you are ready to dock. Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffmerrillyachtsales/?fref=nf Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/merrillyachts Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmystrawlers/ Contact: Jeff Merrill Yacht Sales, Inc. Jeff Merrill Email: Jeff@JMYS.com Cell: +1 949.355.4950 Music: Inspire Me - Go Music - AudioJungle.net