Do I leave boating, or buy Dockmate or Yachtcontroller?

[ThamesTide]

Hi,

I am getting to the stage now where handling my boat is becoming difficult. Because of the time it takes me to get around, I am finding that I cannot helm and "run" to sort Fender and Warps.

I am faced with the question of whether I should jump out of boating now, or get some technology onboard to aid me.

Has anyone else been/ gone through this and is there any advice to give?

TT

 

[[70521]]

Hello and welcome to the forum

What is this running you are talking about?

Work out how to anchor or come alongside from the comfort of the cockpit and pickup the mooring buoy or attach the boat to the wharf or pontoon.

I recommend "Stress Free Sailing" by Duncan Wells for tips and ideas. A lovely man I met at the Southampton Boat Show last year.

 

[pvb]

Welcome to the forums!

If you want decent answers, you need to give more info. So, for example, your boat details, where you normally keep it, the sort of places you visit, your age, any other crew, etc.

 

[Neeves]

The usual impediment to installing the control systems you are thinking of is cost and whether installation is actually possible.

If you have the cash and it is feasible I would instal, assuming you are talking of something quite large (and newish other wise installation might be difficult, even more expensive, if its possible at all). So if you enjoy your vessel and have the money - don't think about it go ahead.

I have been on large MoBos, and maybe you will get more educated comments on the MoBo part of the forum, with these systems and they simply make berthing so much easier. I might also contact the suppliers - as they will know the full implications.

I actually doubt you will find many here with much knowledge of the systems you are considering.

Jonathan

 

[MAURICE]

Hi I do a lot of my boating single handed even if the wifey is on board. I sail a Moody 44 which has a bow thruster i think that preparing the boat well in time is the answer plus various docking techniques. I am 60 years young and still manage OK. My boat is currently in the Med so i berth stern to which i think is harder than tying to a finger pontoon. I havnt read the above book but it will no doubt have a lot of info into this.

 

[PCUK]

60! You kids make me laugh!

 

[maby]

What kind of boat do you have and where do you moor it? These factors will have a large impact on how you can make mooring easier. Also, what is your maximum budget for technology?

As noted above, "Stress Free Sailing" by Duncan Wells does include quite a few valuable tips on mooring while short-handed. I would not have thought of the tricks that he plays with very long lines, making use of the winches and cleats that are common on sail boats, but they do work and can greatly reduce the need for rushing around.

 

[Homer J]

Hi I do a lot of my boating single handed even if the wifey is on board. I sail a Moody 44 which has a bow thruster i think that preparing the boat well in time is the answer plus various docking techniques. I am 60 years young and still manage OK. My boat is currently in the Med so i berth stern to which i think is harder than tying to a finger pontoon. I havnt read the above book but it will no doubt have a lot of info into this.

I recommend buying the ‘digital’ version of Duncan’s book as it contains video footage demonstrating the theory.

 

[Poignard]

I recommend buying the ‘digital’ version of Duncan’s book as it contains video footage demonstrating the theory.

If you buy the paper version it has links to the videos, and many of them are on YouTube anyway.

 

[Poignard]

What kind of boat do you have and where do you moor it? These factors will have a large impact on how you can make mooring easier. Also, what is your maximum budget for technology?

As noted above, "Stress Free Sailing" by Duncan Wells does include quite a few valuable tips on mooring while short-handed. I would not have thought of the tricks that he plays with very long lines, making use of the winches and cleats that are common on sail boats, but they do work and can greatly reduce the need for rushing around.

I tried his technique for leaving a catway stern first using a long line. It worked very well for me single-handed except that my hoped for, discreet departure was somewhat marred by a man yelling at me that I had a line trailing in the water.

 

[Seajet]

A remote control for the autopilot is a good start, but nb it doesn't control the throttle.

Springing on pontoons or rafted boats from a midship cleat is always a handy manouvre especially if solo.

As mentioned taking ones' time and being well prepared in advance is the real key but that applies to any crew of any age, it just takes some people a while to realise !

 

[Neeves]

The advice given may lack value if the OP has a 75' dream MoBo - unless he gives details we are wasting our time. Anyone considering Dockmate or similar is surely not trying to manoeuvre a 40' yacht.

Jonathan