28 BASIC POWERBOATING. SAFETY & RESCUE FOR SAILING INSTRUCTORS Leaving a Dock


The following departure methods apply for most powerboats. In some cases they may need to be modified for rudder-steered boats with fixed propeller drives to compensate for, or take advan- tage of, the prop walk effect. Since the magnitude of the prop walk effect varies with different boats and propellers, you should know how your boat reacts to achieve proficient docking skills.


Key Points E Make sure everyone understands what to do with dock lines and fenders.


E Check that no lines (ropes) are in the water before starting the engine.


E Start the engine using the manufacturer’s recommended procedure.


E Stow dock lines and fenders once clear of the dock.


Back-Away Departure. Backing away from a dock usually offers the best maneuvering control. It also avoids a problem inherent to forward departures, when the boat starts to turn and its stern (back end) swings into the dock, preventing the boat from departing cleanly.


Departure Using Directed Thrust Steering 1Turn wheel away from dock, which rotates propeller away from dock. If using a tiller, move it toward dock.


2Shift into reverse; stern (back end) swings away from dock as boat backs away. To avoid scraping the bow (front end) against dock, keep your turn small until bow clears dock.


3 When clear of dock, turn wheel or tiller in opposite direction to turn boat parallel to dock.


4Center wheel or tiller, pause briefly in neutral while counting 1-2- 3, then shift into forward.


Center wheel and shift to neutral using 1-2-3 count. Then shift to forward.


Turn Right


Rotate propeller away from dock.


Shift to reverse.


During a forward departure from a dock, the stern can swing into the dock, preventing the boat from completing its turn.


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