Bill & Judy Rouse <yahoogroups@...>
James,
When reversing out of a berth (in a Maramu, Mango, SM, and 54) when you are bow-in, you have very limited control of the stern, especially in the beginning. With any crosswinds, you'll likely go in a direction different than you intended. Even trying to point the stern using the bow thruster is limited with the bow because of the side limitations of the slip. Of the Amels I mentioned above, and in the conditions above, the Maramu stands a better chance of reversing from a berth with crosswinds because of less windage.
And when stern in, bow out, the thruster steers the bow for tight turns in narrow fairways at even zero speed. As the speed increases and the berth is cleared by the stern, the rudder can turn the stern while the thruster steers the bow.
I mentioned crosswinds above. Remember crosswind gusts can come out of nowhere and when conditions are calm.
Although I know that most people don't do it, I always dropped the Bimini on a Super Maramu when manoeuvering into a berth...and with a dinghy on the mizzen deck, I always wanted to have crew tell me distance between the stern and dock. I preferred hand signals indicating distance in meters. CW Bill Rouse Admiral, Texas Navy Commander Emeritus Amel School www.amelschool.com720 Winnie St Galveston Island, TX 77550 +1(832) 380-4970
On May 7, 2017 9:12 AM, "James Alton lokiyawl2@... [amelyachtowners]" < amelyachtowners@...> wrote:
Bill,
Good information on dealing with dockhands. Could you elaborate on the reasons for having the boat stern to if you have working thruster?
James Alton SV, Sueno, Maramu #220
THIS IS MORE THAN YOU ASKED FOR, BUT... I agree that dock staff around the world will know less than most Amel owners. But, they will experience the inexperienced crew more than a few times. They tend to take control all the time.
I believe the crew should communicate with dock crews in a firm and specific manner. There should be no question as to who is in charge. For instance when you hand them a line tell them precisely what to do. If a dock hand starts giving direction to one of the crew, the captain should tell the dock hand that the captain of the vessel gives direction to the boat's crew.
Obviously, when manoeuvering in a new-to-you marina, dock hands may have information that is u
nknown to the crew. If that is the case, your crew should either direct the dockhand to communicate with the captain, or relay the information to the captain. If dock hands are handed a line, the boat's crew should identify the line, like spring, stern, bow, and point to the cleat or bollard the crew expects it to be placed on, even if there is only one possibility. I also prefer that dock hands are handed a line with a loop to place over the cleat or bollard, and that the tightness of the line is adjusted on the boat...this is a problem if single-handed, and should not be done. I also believe your Amel should be stern-to if you have a working bow thruster...lots of reasons for this.
One last thing. We are always aware of wind when docking. Current can be your enemy, especially in a new-to-you marina. Be sure to pay attention to this, especially in riverside marinas. I saw a Super Maramu in a fairway come against
the bows of berthed boats because he was unaware of a 5 knot current on his beam. He was experienced and more than halfway through his circumnavigation.
|
