Berthing Stern First Technique.
Liveaboard Boating: No Muss, No Fuss Boat Handling, Single Engine Docking 2018
I love talking about our boat. Why Knot is a 1988 45 foot Nelson trawler, sometimes called a Thompson Nelson trawler. She's different from most of the liveaboard boating and cruising boats out there in that she is a single engine boat. She has a single Caterpilar 3208 normally aspirated engine that puts out 211 horsepower.
There is a friendly debate between cruisers about whether you should have one or two engines. People like the idea of having a backup engine and that's a very legitimate consideration. But we're very happy with Why Knot as a single screw. The Cat 3208 is a tested and reliable engine, and we have no qualms about her performance at all. But new-ish single engine liveaboard boats that aren't sailboats is unusual.
There is another thing about Why Knot that is different; she doesn't have a bow thruster either, so all of the maneuverings is through vector thrusting of the single engine. Now, I don't know if 'vector thrusting' of a single propeller engine is a valid term or not. Jet skis use it to describe how they maneuver. I think it's a good way to describe how I pilot my boat. So, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
The maneuver in a single engine boat most people are skittish about is docking, especially shoehorning your vessel into a tight squeeze on a facing dock. I'm going to show you how I do it.
Here's a link to my 2016 video of our voyage from Tarpons Springs to St. Petersburg that this raw footage was used in.
As usual, there will be lot's of interesting information you can use to help you get started on your own On Board Life. Just watch this and all the videos on the channel.
And don't forget to like the video, subscribe to the channel, share it with everyone you know, and to click the little bell so that you receive notifications whenever I post a new video. You can also post questions and comments here.
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You can get more information about our On Board Life at these links:
Website and blog -
Facebook - Skipper Darrell
Twitter - @skipperdarrell
Bonus video: Here's a video from the folks at Sailing Nervous.
Spring Line Docking Techniques
⛵️ Sail Away Weeks with Paul and Sheryl Shard ????
Join Paul and Sheryl for a sailing experience in the world’s top cruising destinations. Get an introduction to the sailing lifestyle, build new skills, make new like-minded friends! Cabins available for British Virgin Islands, February 24- May 4, 2023 AND March 4-12 2023.
00:00 Southampton Solent Hythe Introduction
00:46 Spring Line Docking techniques - springing off
01:55 Southerly 480 Sailing in the Solent
02:42 Spring line Example 2 - leaving one line on
05:04 Springing on to come in to a dock
06:06 Solent Sailing to the Needles
Worry about maneuvering your boat in tight quarters? Using a spring line to help docking and leaving a dock can make it easier to handle a boat in confined spaces. We show some examples in the small Hythe Marina in Southampton UK. We also take you on a sail to the famous Needles.
How to dock a boat
How to dock a 34ft yacht into a marina
Video tip: Docking
How to be slick in the slip!
Parking 15 ton boat like a toy...
Marina Coppola in Amalfi is a tiny marina and all the boats are squeezed as tight as possible. All boats are moored by harbor master (Julio) himself.
Docking Boat at Bura Wind
The Bura is an unpredictable, north-western wind that blows from the inland towards the sea. This cold and dry wind blows in bursts and as such brightens the atmosphere. The weather after the Bura is clear and sunny and the visibility is excellent.
Sailing during the Bura is exciting and challenging. However, it requires caution, regarding readiness of both the boat and its crew. Experienced seamen have a proverb: The Bura says: 'When I sail, you don't!' .
Check out the details of Cyclades 505
Docking boat at Bura wind is not your typical sailing day, but it is still a part of the adventure!
How To Dock a Boat at a Marina
Sweetwater Academy teaches you the right way to dock a boat when pulling up to a gas dock at a marina. Follow this step boy step tutorial to become a better and safer boater.
How to back your sailboat into a slip. How to do it right
Boat docking
check this 360 video of backing into the slip
How not to back your sailboat into a slip part 2, seven months latter have I got any better?
how to back your sailboat into a slip, the right technique.
#howtobacksailboatintoslip is easy with a little practice
Docking In 25mph Winds
Today we attempt to dock tsunami. In very strong winds of 25mph + NO STERN OR BOWTHRUSTERS WERE USED IN THIS VIDEO we manoeuvred the boat by its 2 engines like and subscribe for more boating videos
Berthing Training by Pacific Boating
Check out the Pacific Boating Training Video Series. Hints, tips and practical advice to assist you when out enjoying Sydney's waterways. Presented by our Pacific Boating Qualified Trainer
Boat handling and safety
Boating safety and handling summary
Impressive Boat Handeling 15 yr. old
56' Post Marine.. Ripley Light Marina, Charleston SC. Pisces IV docked in between 61' Garlington Rodeo and 60' Spencer Chasin.
High Speed Docking
Never enter the marina at more than 3 knots!
Mooring boat single handed
The Mooring Mate allows you to moor your boat single-handed. It makes mooring your boat safe and easy so you can have more fun!
Boating Mechanics 101 - Sterndrive Lifter/Installer
The NEWEST product from TITAN Marine Products is their incredible Sterndrive Installer. Every Mechanic's must have tool! Take a look at what makes this the Industries Leader!
Docking Stick from Rynkel Marine
The Docking Stick Boat Hook Adapter permits deployment of multiple lines in a matter of seconds. Functional in practically any docking situation, you'll feel confident about getting your lines on, in a safe, effective manner. Setting up your lines with the Docking Stick is as simple as tying a bowline knot to create the required loop size. (There is a sticker illustrating how on each Docking Stick, in case you are knot-challenged). The Docking Stick is then secured on the line by tightening the thumb screw. The thumbscrew should only be tightened enough so that the line in lightly pinched within the tube. This stops the line from sliding through. The loose end of the line is then passed through the cleat on the boat. The Docking Stick clip profile is designed to fasten on 7/8 to 1 1/4 diameter tubing, so it can be placed on a railing, pulpit or stanchion while you're waiting to come into the dock or mooring ball. Multiple lines can be set up ahead of time.
When approaching the dock, simply take the docking stick, and clip it to your boat hook. Make sure the dock line is not tangled around your body, of any other parts of your boat. Extend the loaded boat hook, loop the line around the desired target, and give a little tug. The clip will release, leaving the line on the dock. Repeat for additional lines.
Once your lines are deployed, pull the boat into the dock by reeling in the lines by hand, or using the boat's engine and the resulting tension on the lines to pull you into the dock. If desired, the Docking Stick can be removed from the line, and there will be enough line left to tie up to the dock in the usual fashion.
For mooring balls, simply create a larger loop and pass over the mooring ball to catch it from underneath. Only use DockingStick on a mooring ball as a temporary attachment to allow yourself the time to fasten a proper line on the ball, them remove the Dockingstick line.
Docking Sticks are designed to clip together for easy and compact storage when not in use.
For more information visit
How to Dock A 63 Foot Boat.
Nice Job Captain.
Using the Boatloop
The BoatLoop is a docking accessory that has an extendable loop and hook. The loop can assist you to safely extend your reach to cleats or pilings at the dock to help you pull your boat closer. When on the dock, use theboatloop to hold your boat while tying off against wind or current. A must have multi-tool accessory for all pleasure boaters. Stop tossing lines and visit our website at for more information and other docking made easy accessories.