How to Leave a Dock and Manoeuvre Around a Marina
Catamaran Manoeuvring Tips
In our second episode of the Inspire and Learn Series, catamaran expert Joe Fox talks us through how to effectively leave a dock with and without a stern spring line. He also goes through a number of tips for manoeuvring a catamaran in confined spaces such as a marina.
This demonstration was done on the Lagoon 42 and is intended to give you confidence in your catamaran handling ability.
Leaving the Dock
- Lines Setup – Stern Line, Bow Line and Stern Springer
- Stern fender on the far corner to prevent the boat coming in contact with the dock
- Remove the wheel – Lock it (just use throttles)
- Understand the throttles
- Engines on
TIP 1:
Starboard engine forwards = Front of the boat goes left
Starboard engine backwards = Back of the boat goes left
Port engine forwards = Front of the boat goes right
Port engine backwards = Back of the boat goes right
With Springer
Following from “Leaving the Dock” instructions…
- Drop bow and stern line only
- Starboard engine in reverse (Depending on where your dock is this could be opposite)
- Be aware of the wind
- Drop springer
- Both engines forward
Without Springer
Following from “Leaving the Dock” instructions…
- Drop all lines
- Port engine forward, starboard engine reverse (Depending on where your dock is this could be opposite)
- Feather power – so back of the boat does not go backwards or forwards and just pivots on stern fender
- Forwards
Manoeuvring Tips
To Stop – Hard reverse, use a fair amount of revs
To Spin – Port forwards, Starboard reverse balanced (you will not go forwards or backwards). Change directions to stop.
Manoeuvring in a Marina
- Go slow
- Do not give the boat any more forward
- One engine backwards – slow and turn at the same time
- Opposite throttle forwards – once boat has come to a stop
- Balance throttles – to ensure you only stay within your own boat length
- Swap throttle direction – to stop
- Forward – once facing the right location
TIP 2:
Imagine you are operating an army tank or a digger with tracks on either side of the boat.
If I push the starboard one forward that is going to push the starboard side of the boat forwards.
If I pull the port one backwards it’s going to pull the port side of the boat backwards.
