55There is single handling in no wind and then there is single handling in a blow. Some were around 50’ you loose sight of the boats corners. Some were around 30,000 lbs you loose the ability to push a boat around by your self. At what point do these factors add up to overwhelm you is anybody’s guess.
I have no problem single handling a Bayliner 47 but wouldn’t think about single handling my OA 54. The next guy will feel different.
Hi all - I have a 32 foot Nordic Tug that I've taken all over and used and loved enough to know that I'm in this for the long haul. Now looking to trade-up to a larger trawler-style boat to accomodate guests and family for longer outings. Here's my question - I often also travel alone and would like a boat that I can confidently dock by myself. How large a vessel can I reasonably do single-handed - right now I'm looking at everything from 37-48 feet. Any specific boat suggestions? Thanks!
Also has to do with the hull shape and how that hull is affected by wind.
55
I never single handed my 47 nor my current 55. However I was waiting for the fuel dock to open in Ensenada MX when I guy came in with a Norhaven 65. He had port and stb control stations and bow/stern thrusters. He had three feet space with me in front and about the same in the stern. He parallel parked perfectly while his wife was still asleep. No wind but a bit of a surge. I was amazed.
Recently I tried to dock my 55 in a strong (15kn?) wind that was blowing directly off the dock. My wife needs to get off at the swim platform. I tried three times to swing in to get her off and failed. I had to back the boat in to the dock to get the stern line hooked, then tried to use the bow thruster to swing me around. Still had to jump off and wrestle the bowline in after I doubled its length, threw it to her and scrambled down. It took all of my strength to pull it in against the wind. I probably should have had her take the thruster control to help me with it but I was making progress and didn't think of it at the moment.
Hi all - I have a 32 foot Nordic Tug that I've taken all over and used and loved enough to know that I'm in this for the long haul. Now looking to trade-up to a larger trawler-style boat to accomodate guests and family for longer outings. Here's my question - I often also travel alone and would like a boat that I can confidently dock by myself. How large a vessel can I reasonably do single-handed - right now I'm looking at everything from 37-48 feet. Any specific boat suggestions? Thanks!
there are hooks that one can use with some bullrails.....other here have described their successes with them.Spring lines are great, if there are cleats available! Like many in this area, much of my boating is north in British Columbia. Almost never see cleats up there, which means no single handed springs for getting into the dock...(they use bullrails - you would have to be actually on the dock to put a line on one).
there are hooks that one can use with some bullrails.....other here have described their successes with them.
one could use a pole to push a loop under a bullrail and grab the loop with another boat hook.....granted a difficult and well timed operation...but possible.
I've seen those recommendations and actually have a purpose designed hook that I inherited from my father to catch a bull rail.
The problem for me (maybe because I'm just not that coordinated), is that in calm conditions the hook can pull you close to the dock, but can't act as a spring that you can power against. I might be able to use a boat hook as you describe if the boat isn't moving and I have plenty of time. However if conditions are benign enough for those solutions, I don't need them.
. An aft cabin of the same size could be much more difficult for solo docking without dock personnel to help.
I single hand my boats even when there are other people on board. At times I regret having others helping! either on the dock or boat.
Unless the crew is also used to the boat, you are not only single handling the boat, you now have to handle the crew, twice the work.
Perfect quote "a man has to know his limitations"
Proper use of sping lines make up for when thrusters just aren't up to the task or limited crew.
As many have said here, a vessel with a proper spring can be left in gear and the boat will remain motionless against the dock allowing you or anyone to do what they want.
Is there a risk? Sure leaving a elm unattended with the boat in gear is always a risk...but those highly experienced at it get it and are used to it. as soon as that second line is cleated off, even in gear the boat isn't going anywhere if your docklines are healthy and so are the dock cleats.
In your case I would have bowed in and tried to drop a long after bow spring over a cleat then powered in with helm turned away from the dock as the spring did its job. Left in gear yu had all day to get other lines on.
I have docked in over 50 knots of wind blowing me off the dock using a long after bow spring...it's the only way I think that works under severe conditions. Your after spring could have worked but depending on a LOT of variables...it may not have the leverage needed for the engine power you are willing to risk on a cleat.