Learned How To Dock My Boat Today

[Laurie S.]

Today was the big lesson on how to back my boat into the slip between another very expensive boat and the dock. Scary, but I got it down when I suddenly realized how much it felt like backing up my car trailer. I still wish boats had brakes. The gear levers are very hard to move for me so I have too much delay going from forward to reverse, and vice versa.

On the second run through, my boyfriend jumped off onto the dock to tie it off, but I lost the snugging rope while trying to get it on the cleat (very long reach for me) and I had to pull the boat back into the marina to avoid hitting that other boat. It was a very lonely feeling when I realized he was not on the boat with me and I had to back it in again. But, did it four times and got it down. Didn't hit the other boat or dock, either.

Then we went for a really nice cruise along the coast. Been fishing the last two days on it. The red tide is in right now, so visibility isn't too good for diving so we're staying above the surface.

 

[B67FSTB]

Glad all went good with the docking.
The gear levers should operate very smoothly IMO , maybe you should let it checked out by a technician.
You never know.
Have fun out there and remember how it feels without a man onboard !!!!!
They ain't bad at all !!!!

 

[jpyoung]

When you're backing into the dock, just remember that you can always come ahead to get out of trouble. Remembering that should take some of the pressure off! Just start over again after letting things settle down.

 

[sgtjunior]

The gear levers are very hard to move for me so I have too much delay going from forward to reverse, and vice versa.

It's a piece of junk! Get rid of it.

Especially if I'm your WE guy :bowdown

 

[Laurie S.]

LOL!!!

 

[apollard]

Congrats - backing into a slip isn't easy. IMO, the hardest thing to do on a boat. Having twins helps, but at first can be just another complication.

I'd second Burnos' input - on a bravo, the drive shift is pretty easy since you are moving a cam, and the motion of the gears does the actual shifting. Shift cables get old and worn, or if let to sit for a while, seem to take a 'set' IME. I'd get it checked out, or just change the calbes. How-to's are online, and easy to accomplish.

 

[Laurie S.]

I'll ask about getting them looked out. The guys don't have a problem, so it may just be that I need to work on my muscles. I can move them separately, but when I have to do them together, it tires me out quickly.