gettin in the slip

[sperzonkers2]

Hi all, I though i would asking this of you more experienced captains on this. this if my first year in a slip. My slip faces north/south with the bow facing north.
Behind me is the gas dock about 1-1/2 boat lengths. The slip has two pilings at the entrance and the finger dock to starboard. Yesterday with the NW wind and the  current in the fairway running west when I came in I was a little long and pointing at the starboard piling. when I went to spin the bow over to port by backing to starboard the bow would not go over and I started to run out of room because of the gas dock. I composed myself and finally got along side of the gas dock and it was a straight shot in.  how would you guys come in with this situation. It was the first time with this wind direction. Thanks Much!!

[BigAl13]

spin the boat around and come in against the tide. If im following your story right the current pushed you past the slip?

[sperzonkers2]

Al, Yes it pushed me not quite pass the slip but the bow was almost to the center of the right piling and when I tried to get the bow to go to port it would not go over easily and with the end of the gas dock behind me I ran out of room to go back any further.

[Hunter 2]

As Al stated,  I always pull into the slip against the current or wind.  Whichever is stronger at the time wind, or current. If I'm approaching my slip and the current/wind is at my stern I pass the slip then turn around so I can approach the slip with the bow into the current/wind.  Slow and steady too.

[fellinger]

As Al stated,  I always pull into the slip against the current or wind.  Whichever is stronger at the time wind, or current. If I'm approaching my slip and the current/wind is at my stern I pass the slip then turn around so I can approach the slip with the bow into the current/wind.  Slow and steady too.

 

Don't be afraid to use a slip post for leverage and reverse on it. I don't get a rip roaring current but I usually have to turn around to get into my slip to back in. In this position the starboard side faces the slip. If it is especially fast I will put my starboard mid ship against the down current piling and reverse into the slip, using the piling as a fulcrum. Again, my slip isn't usually ragging but, this is a technique that may work for you.

[paul-e]

Oh this is a boating question.

I thought it was about......Never mind 

[fellinger]

Oh this is a boating question.

I thought it was about......Never mind 

"docking"? 

[Hunter 2]

 

[Reel Time]

 Yesterday it took me 4 shots to get it into the slip. Same basic situation that you have, minus the current. Boat oriented north to south, and the north wind kicked my butt.

 I found it easier to give'er a little hell backing in before the wind has a chance to blow my bow over. Always have to be mindful of the possibility of a motor stall at the worst possible time with that method.

[Pops Soul]

One Rule I read and I find True "You own the STERN, God owns the BOW" ! More or less meaning with the motor you can direct the stern, but the wind and the current is going to direct the bow. Take your time use your pilings they create a pivot point for you, You have a rub rail around your boat for a reason, don't be afraid to use it.

[fellinger]

One Rule I read and I find True "You own the STERN, God owns the BOW" ! More or less meaning with the motor you can direct the stern, but the wind and the current is going to direct the bow. Take your time use your pilings they create a pivot point for you, You have a rub rail around your boat for a reason, don't be afraid to use it.

That is a very spify saying, Skip! But, it does hold true.

[Kenny]

Yesterday it took me 4 shots to get it into the slip.  

That's gota be making Rod nervous    

Oh this is a boating question.

I thought it was about......Never mind 

      

[Bucktail]

 

 

[Reckless]

I am in pretty tight marina no current to deal with but the wind can cause a problem. Using the piling to pivot on works. It takes some throttle though to get it to pivot depending on wind and current.

[PeggyLee]

We have docked the boats thousands of times and EACH time is unique. Wind,tide,current,pillings,all have an effect.
I once  asked ( after we had a few cold ones) a Captain of a huge 105 ft. vessel how does he approach the dock ?? He replied "each time my heart beat goes up and my palms get a little misty" Every time...most are beautiful, some are ugly.   

Well, I quess we are not alone. 

[Reckless]

We have docked the boats thousands of times and EACH time is unique. Wind,tide,current,pillings,all have an effect.
I once  asked ( after we had a few cold ones) a Captain of a huge 105 ft. vessel how does he approach the dock ?? He replied "each time my heart beat goes up and my palms get a little misty" Every time...most are beautiful, some are ugly.   

That about sums it up!

Well, I quess we are not alone. 

[wb]

ha, nice insights all

my smoothest re-slip ever- by far- was one dark Weds. night, returning after stripers- gott'er in nice, without even touching anything- just perfect, didn't even wake Tombo.
then I realized it was my neighbor's slip.  
good thing he was still out! 
 

[sperzonkers2]

  Thanks all, for your help. When it didn't work I felt the panic starting to set in but i composed myself
and i backed over against the gas dock. Then it was a straight shot in. Maybe because my boat is skiff and light the bow does below around easily. I will try the spin I just hope i have enough room on the other side of the gas dock. Thanks again!!

[BigAl13]

I wound up in eddies slip once because the engine stalled on the turn in.