Single-Handed Docking...

drjohn71a":1vl1727v said:
Well, I routinely use that cleat just ahead of the cabin helm window. I keep lines looped over those cleats port and starboard with the free ends ran back and loosely tied to the boarding handles on the aft cabin corners. Those work well for me. You can tie those forward lines to a shorter aft cleat line and then loop that around a couple of cleats as you step off while docking.
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I have figured out the same thing about the forward cleat -- I run a line aft on each side and tie them to the handles. Some of the Brats use a jam cleat for that purpose.

I am not sure I understand how you tie the aft line to the forward line. are you saying you tie it on so that after you step on the dock you can untie the aft line from the forward line and tie it to another cleat? Why not just take both lines in your hand after you wrap the forward line around the dock cleat and then step off with both lines? (I am too chicken and not agile enough to step off a boat that is not secured to the dock.)

Warren
 
With our 22 I ran a half inch line along the outside length of the fixed pier. I could simply lean out the window and catch it with my fish gaf anywhere along the length. For the longest time I would then hang a fender off the boat and through the inside of the horizontal line, holding the boat in temporarily. Later I added another cleat on the dock just outside the helm window. Not elegant perhaps but it worked like a charm.
 
Warren,

I think we are talking about the slowest of speeds approaching the dock, and the boat stationary when disembarking. Those flying leaps of gallant pirates would end me up in the drink or the emergency room. Very very slow, very deliberate, controlled stepping off the boat - if that's possible.

Of course, being tied in place before disembarking is the safest route, especially in rough weather, high winds/current, etc.. My aim in docking procedures nowadays is to be as slow and boring as possible - no feats of daring involved, no quick movements.

My preferred float approach is to reach out the helm window, or the aft helm, and engage a spring line from that cleat just forward of the helm window to a cleat or post on the float located just forward of the stern position, and then to gently power forward on that. That will give you control and minimum surprises, but it's not always easy or possible to do.

For years I have stepped off with one or both lines in hand, but I've slipped twice this year on wet, mossy float boards, so if I'm going slow enough, I prefer to toss the lines from the cockpit to near where I'm planning on tying them and then use both hands to securely step off the boat onto the float. This is the first summer I've started that. I have some new scars and bad memories about the two times I've slipped stepping off onto a wet slick surface without a secure handhold.

To all you young, adventurers, like Warren, I suppose you could put one rope in your teeth, your saber in one hand and the bow line in another hand and leap into infamy!!!! JJ

Marty, having that rope already tied up like you mention would be a neat idea if you're talking about a slip to which you return often.

I sometimes keep a rope from the forward cleat to the aft cleat with a large loop tied in it at about the aft cabin corner and so I can gently place the boat in position and just slide that loop over the float cleat. 'Works great for most fuel docks. Not all places have a cleat in the preferred position, though. That setup would get you maximum control with the least risk to my mind.

John
 
drjohn71a":k667jn17 said:
To all you young, adventurers, like Warren, I suppose you could put one rope in your teeth, your saber in one hand and the bow line in another hand and leap into infamy!!!!
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I don't think anyone who has met me would consider me young, adventurous and/or capable of leaping into infamy! :lol:

Thanks for describing how you do it. For the forseeable future, I am going to tie off with at least one line -- however inelegantly -- before stepping off!

Warren
 
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