[Rhodes22-list] Tuning our boat and Backing into slip & Mary Lou Troy

[David Bradley]

In reverse, the prop on most motors will walk the stern of the boat to the
side a bit, usually to starboard.  Can be used to your advantage once you
get the hang of it.

Dave B.


On 6/1/06, KUHN, LELAND <LKUHN at cnmc.org> wrote:
>
>
> David & Laurie,
>
> I'm relatively new to sailing and brand new to outboards and marinas, so
> this may sound a little basic.
>
> Motoring along the line of slips, I shift from forward to neutral about
> two boat lengths prior to reaching my slip, and then immediately make a
> 90 degree turn away from the slips.
>
> As soon as I'm aligned to back in to my slip, I shift from neutral to
> reverse.  When backing, point your rudder in the direction you would
> like to go.
>
> As I reach either one of the first bow pilings, I grab either one of the
> bow lines.  Both bow lines have loops on the ends (bow lines with
> bowlines).  I simply throw the loop over a winch or cleat, which acts as
> a brake to prevent me from backing too far and into the pier.  I then
> tie off at least one dock line so I don't go floating away, and then
> remove the bow line that I used as a brake to re-use it as a bow line.
>
> You can definitely make sharper turns with your centerboard down and
> tiller connected to your outboard, however, it isn't necessary.  At low
> tide I haven't the draft.  You can make pretty sharp turns with no
> centerboard, prop barely in the water, and the rudder at about 45
> degrees.
>
> Not a bad idea to practice away from the marina first.  Good luck!
>
> Lee
> S/V  I'm thinking about "At Ease," compliments of Mary Lou Troy.  So
> which do you prefer Mary Lou; rum or flowers?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: David Meacham [mailto:dmeacham at dmv.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2006 11:56 AM
> To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org
> Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Tuning our boat and Backing into slip
>
> We have two questions, if anyone could help us with these issues.
>
> 1.)  We want to tune our boat to have a little "weather" helm rather
> than "lee" helm.  The standard method for correction is to lengthen  the
> forestay.  Currently our IMF mast is standing off a true right angle,
> with a smaller angle aft.  I am hesitant to lengthen the forestay, in
> fear of putting extra strain on the IMF bearings with a mast that is not
> perpendicular.  Please advise us on a solution.
>
> 2.)  Does anyone have any tips on backing into a slip?  We have a
> 4-stroke, 5-horse Mercury engine.  Backing into our slip would give us
> easier access to our cockpit, rather than walking across the bow.  I
> would want to continue the practice of keeping the rudder up when not in
> use.  Does the best backing method include rudder and centerboard up and
> relying solely on the outboard motor alone?
>
> Awaiting responses from the Rhodes list.        Thank you,
>
> David Meacham
> dmeacham at dmv.com
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-- 
David Bradley
203.253.9973
dwbrad at gmail.com