In this video, I’ll discuss how to single-handed dock and undock twin-rudder boat with no Prop Walk and no Prop Wash. Previously I made a few videos talking about my experience of dealing with Prop Walk in the narrow fairway. If you are interested, please check them out.
Recently I had chance to sail two twin-rudder Beneteaus with sail drive, 35 and 38 respectively. They have two rudders, one on port and the other on the starboard side. Since the rudders are not directly behind the propeller, combined with the sail drive, the boats have no prop wash and prop walk is close to none. No prop walk and prop wash mean no maneuverability in a complete stop.
In short, single-handed docking twin-rudder boat follows exactly the same routing, but needs more precision in terms of where to put the stern. If wind or current is in play, being able to quickly tie one dock line is the key.
This video will show you how I cope with these differences and improve my own single-handed docking.
Number one, twin-rudder boat gains steerageway at very low speeds, little over 1 knot, thanks in part to its increased blade area. The slow speed with steerage is key to the next step.
Number two, I have to dock more precisely by putting the stern close enough to the finger while the boat is still in motion. The key here is in motion. Otherwise, I am stuck. Without Prop walk and Prop Wash, I couldn’t kick the stern over in a complete stop. Some people suggest throwing the stern line over the cleat and secure it while still onboard. It might work. I just motored out and had a do-over. Second time is a charm. I was able to get off the boat.
Number three, prepare your dock lines. I found out I need all three lines, especially the spring line secured in the center cleat closer to the boat’s pivot point. I led the bow line back to the center of the beam. After I got off the boat, I grabbed two dock lines. One is always the spring line. Depending on the situation, pilings, neighbor boats, wind and current, the other one is either bow or stern line. I tied the spring line first.
Of course, if you have the bow thruster installed or help either on board or on the dock, you don’t have to go through these troubles.
In terms of undocking, without prop walk, undocking stern first is as easy as it could be. Just remember there is no prop wash either. When you turn the wheel and push forward the throttle, the bow won’t turn immediately, only after the boat move forward a little. Basically the standing turn needs slight bigger space.
Ok, that’s all for today’s video. For your information, I really like twin-rudder boat in sailing. I’ll see you next time.
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Sailboat -
Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 Twin Rudder
Beneteau Oceanis 35 Twin Rudder
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Videos were shot by GoPRO HERO 9
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Background music is licensed from Artlist
Brush Strokes by Josh McCausland
Skyndilegur Dalur by Osker Wyld
One More Time by RocknStock
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#sailing #sailinglife #goldengatebridge #sanfrancisco #bayarea #PropWalk #Docking #unDocking #standingturn #nightsailing
