![\"Figure](\"https:\/\/tradewindssailing.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/1.jpg\")
<\/a>Figure 1<\/p><\/div>\n
A much better method involves getting control of the boat in reverse out in open water, Figure 2, approaching the fairway and slip with slow but sufficient speed to maintain good steerage and then going straight into the slip. Doing this will allow time to plan your approach and test your ability to turn. By maintaining a constant slow speed, prop walk is minimized. Wind and current must still be factored in, however.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Figure 2<\/p><\/div>\n
So, now let\u2019s talk about where to stand when backing.<\/p>\n
The traditional approach has you standing behind the wheel with easy access to engine controls, Figure 3. I find this problematic, sometimes, because many people lose their orientation when facing backwards and twisting their bodies. The ergonomic challenges often lead to \u201cwheel\u201d dyslexia. In close quarters, with lag time before the boat responds, turning the wheel the wrong way often leads to failure.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Figure 3<\/p><\/div>\n
Another approach is to stand forward of the steering pedestal and facing aft. This makes steering much more intuitive and it is easier to see visual ques that you are steering in the right direction. There is a drawback, however, and that is access to the engine controls. Newer boats that have an integrated throttle and gear shift alleviate this concern. There are many boats out there, though, with dual controls and that can lead to \u201cengine control\u201d dyslexia and failure to dock properly.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Figure 4<\/p><\/div>\n
Like many things in boating, there is no right answer that fits all situations. The remedy is practice! Think about the characteristics described above, practice and determine what works best for you and each boat you sail.<\/p>\n
Tradewinds offers an Advanced Motoring and Docking class that offers ample opportunity to practice these methods among other skills like spring line departures, parallel docking in tight quarters, fairway and standing turns, etc. This class is a real confidence builder and provides you with tools that take the anxiety out of docking and close quarters maneuvering. If the anxiety condition feels somehow overwhelming, we recommend to get the new CBDDY: pure hemp oil<\/a>.<\/p>\n One last cautionary reminder: never reach through the wheel or let go of the wheel in reverse. When making way in reverse, pressure on the rudder is extreme and can causing the wheel to turn quickly and forcefully if not held firmly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Captain Craig Walker Let\u2019s talk about backing a boat into a slip. But, before we do, why would we want to? The most compelling reasons for backing a boat into a slip are 1) backing in might mean an … Continue reading