How to dock a single-engine inboard/outdrive boat stern-first

ADVERTISING

LuxoGear Emergency Whistles with Lanyard

Shop now »

NOCO Genius GEN5X2, 2-Bank, 10A (5A/Bank) Smart Marine Battery Charger

Shop now »

RHINO USA Boat Trailer Transom Straps (2PK)

Shop now »

LUCKY Kayak Portable Fish Depth Finder

Shop now »

Seaview 180 V3 Full Face Snorkel Mask

Shop now »

Most popular comments
for How to dock a single-engine inboard/outdrive boat stern-first

Live comments
Comments on YouTube

joe hoffman - 6 years ago

that is a real old boat even the drive is a OMC stringer I had one and buff that thing out

Mark Woods - 6 years ago

Thank you I really enjoyed your presentation.

Benjamin Atwater - 6 years ago

Do you know what a spring line is used for?
If there was any wind or current, you would bash it up, or the guy next to you.

Gage rivers mclean - 6 years ago

Imagine some one steal his camera he jumps off his boat his bait crashes and the thieft ran off already no afence but he looks like he can't swim just drive baots

Gage rivers mclean - 6 years ago

For real though clean and paint over your baot

Gage rivers mclean - 6 years ago

U bad for a old man

Steve Mason - 6 years ago

Good video. Where was this?

Boat Owners United - 7 years ago

Hey guys! Check out our EXPLODING Facebook group! We are all boat owners sharing our experiences, tips, videos, photos, etc. Come hang out with us! www.Facebook.com/groups/boatownersunited

Kyle McCourt - 7 years ago

omg I/O is easy. Try reversing with a keel and rudder...

10. comment for How to dock a single-engine inboard/outdrive boat stern-first

Jo Fox - 7 years ago

Super helpful video - many thanks!

Cork School of Music AV - 7 years ago

Nice to see a Cleopatra in such good nick. Wish mine looked as nice.

biggunzcdb - 7 years ago

A push pole is handy...

Paul Langford - 7 years ago

Make sure there's no rope hangin over the transom!

KevinLab010 - 7 years ago

Excellent video! One of the best on YouTube on tis subject!

Robert Fierro - 7 years ago

Comments about appearance of boat reminds me of an old saying attributed to Confucius..." The measure of a man is the size of the thing it takes to get his goat"... Further about sterndrives being "easy".... Deep V boats with a large deadrise angle combined with a high pitch prop can result in a boat that will only go straight back or to one side.... Not necessarily all that easy to dock. Also boats with high bow influence windage, i.e. like my cuddy with a Bimini in a gusty crosswind are.... trying. Ribbon a wizard suggestion, as is the "rope". FYI a rope is a line WHEN AND ONLY WHEN it has a specific designated purpose on a boat, i.e., bow line ( secures boat to dock at bow), spring line...( controls boats position in a slip or at a dock fore/aft).... So unless you want this rope to be called the "Help me control the bow of the boat when docking line".... its a "rope".

/Captain Bob USCG Masters license since 1986

JON ESWICK - 7 years ago

What boat is that right at beginning on left hand side, the red one, it looks like a tug, I love tugs they are the best boats.

Kent Sassen - 7 years ago

You think you could of put a bit of Elbow Grease into your Boat before you made the Video?? A bit of Paint and Varnish goes a ;long way..

MariusTravell - 7 years ago

Great Work!

Edward Hurst - 7 years ago

Good information, friend. Glad I stumbled across it, I can see this being very helpful. I did a search for the Rolan Indicator and came up with nothing. Can you tell me where I can find one?
Thanks

20. comment for How to dock a single-engine inboard/outdrive boat stern-first

SNAKEEYES44 - 7 years ago

Nice video and great technique with the "rope" Thank you

Ronan Rogers - 7 years ago

Excellent tips. Throttle control is really key...use momentum to your advantage, rather than letting throttle take advantage of you (especially when you're new to boating).

Th tip with the rope (sorry, bow line, as my learned friend explains ad nauseam) is very helpful to single dockers like me

The Revster - 7 years ago

Like it thnx

Mythflame - 7 years ago

Man you have to clean end paint your boat....

celestialfix - 8 years ago

Nice video and explanation. My only comment is that you may have a little bit too much speed on going down the fairway. Although you are an experienced captain/pilot and can manage it, having that much way on before reversing may not be realistic for a newbie.

annieliz1965 - 8 years ago

This is genius - but although our mooring is just like this, the turn is much tighter due to the proximity of the opposite bank and our pontoon is only about 1 foot wide with rings rather than cleats. We've just bought our first boat which has an inboard diesel with an outdrive. Will admit to being quite worried about getting in close enough to get off the side and pull her in as the back will be too far away to step off because of the outdrive. Any brilliant suggestions gratefully received.

John Dough - 8 years ago

I used to wait until there were no boats in the way, and at night. LOL.

Bob O'Brien - 8 years ago

Very straightforward tip. Thank you for publishing that s video. It's helpful for a new boater.

Gareth Rogers - 8 years ago

penarth marina.. flying fox... loved it

john sindesen - 8 years ago

Well done

30. comment for How to dock a single-engine inboard/outdrive boat stern-first

Francis Suemitsu - 8 years ago

Finally I found this best explained in docking.

M Tesinsky - 8 years ago

Best single stern drive stern first help backing into slip

RK F - 8 years ago

Coming from twins to single this helped - thanks

Martin Yates - 8 years ago

Well explained thank you

Sideslip - 8 years ago

Anything with a steering propeller is easy to dock.

My Fishing Frenzy Academy - 8 years ago

I've problems docking my twin engine shaft driven cabin cruiser when one of my engines is not operational. Basically the reverse will only go in one direction regardless of how I turn my rudder. Anyone has tips on berthing under this kind of circumstances?

PlebzOr Blapparapp - 8 years ago

'murika!

sunking2001 - 8 years ago

You're right and I'm quite right...you've learned very little in the last 14 years. What is your contribution to this thread...other than your silly nonsense? Anything at all?

PlebzOr Blapparapp - 8 years ago

+sunking2001
You're quite right. I've learned very little in the last 14 years as a tug master.
When you're finished with it, can I have a go with your rubber duck?
... quack quack.

sunking2001 - 8 years ago

Anyone with a cave man grunt of "No. Just, no"...with nothing else to come from your dull, basic brain...can't be too knowledgeable about boating and this video.

PlebzOr Blapparapp - 8 years ago

+sunking2001 No. Just, no.

sunking2001 - 8 years ago

Yeh...I know. I've been there with a similar boat. When one engine quits...everything is off-center because the spinning prop is on one side and all you have are two rudders and one spinning prop for steering. Rudders only work when water is rushing by them. The more speed of rushing water...the more steering you have. With your situation I would try to dock the boat going forward (instead of backwards) and try using short bursts of power to maneuver. By going forward at least you have more "push at the prop" with the prop-wash rushing by one rudder...with the other rudder helping a little bit. Going astern provides you with the least amount of steering. Also, yell out for a potential helper on the dock to "catch a line" for you. If you have a chance to practice this...it may help to rehearse...if it happens again

My Fishing Frenzy Academy - 8 years ago

+shadowfax1220 thanks for the tip shadow. taking it slow is a luxury for me as the wind direction is against me at this time of the year. It blows the boat away from the berth I want to reverse in. If I do not position the boat in time to reverse in, I will be out and there is no 2nd chance for me either because my berth is at the corner of the marina. My boat will just convenient berth to along side at the end of the marina. To make the situation worse, sometimes the marina berth their work boats temporary at the end of the marina, so I will have to berth along side their work boats.

shadowfax1220 - 8 years ago

+Captain Q Presume that the rudders are very small and directly behind the props, ie the steering is derived via the prop wash. A few questions, are your props counter rotating? if not, I presume you will know which way the boat will kick in reverse, which depends on the prop rotation. If you have engine trouble, this doubles, as you are trying to reverse from one side, so compounding the issue. tip - Take it slowly and be aware of where the wind is going to take you - try to berth against the tide so prop wash is still needed etc etc

Matt M - 8 years ago

+Captain Q ------ Vessel assist- $100 a year.

MARTINSMITH1001 - 8 years ago

All good stuff. However I would never leave the helm with the boat still moving. Stop first, then throw lines.

1951RKP - 8 years ago

The single with stern drives are so bad. It's the singles with a rudder that are really hard to manage. You do exactly what I try to teach people to do when docking and that's just bump it in and out of gear to slow the process down and gently move it where it needs to go. If in gear to long it speeds things up and usually causes a over shoot of where you're trying to go. Good video.

Farhan Khizar - 8 years ago

Farhankhizar

fasttrack2012 - 8 years ago

Good video mate!

SpyrosAplas - 9 years ago

sir at 3:07 you hit the dock!!!!

Lycoming320 - 9 years ago

Good basic docking tips. Nice job.
I dock in Columbia river with 7 knot current ad 20 knot winds. Sometimes takes more than one try...

Rune Wold - 9 years ago

If you have a stern drive like this. I dont now why he is using this rope. I can dock this boat with no rope. Is it windy you have to use motor power. Stern drive is exelent to go backward.

David Farmer - 7 years ago

RW, I don't know but what I saw makes a lot of sense.

There are usualy afew says to do anything. I liked this one.

SeikiBrian - 9 years ago

+Rune Wold If the wind or current is coming across the beam, using a spring line to control the bow while the stern drive controls the stern is the best practice. Without it, sure you can get the stern to go where you want, but what is the bow doing in the mean time? It's going wherever the wind/current takes it.

enjoytahiti - 9 years ago

Cool video thanks for sharing knowledge

Fourby - 9 years ago

Dont forget the handbrake so she don't roll away! Steering in reverse with a z drive is easy, why make out it's difficult? Try it with an inboard and rudder.

SeikiBrian - 8 years ago

+battenberg72 "What you are referring to is an azimuth thruster, a standard outdrive is a z drive..."

No, an outdrive -- AKA stern drive, inboard/outboard, or I/O -- is not a z drive; a z drive is a type of azipod.

See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Z-drive

PlebzOr Blapparapp - 8 years ago

+SeikiBrian Tit.

Fourby - 9 years ago

What you are referring to is an azimuth thruster, a standard outdrive is a z drive, and should be a piss easy operation to dock in reverse for your boyfriend, even on camera. Especially on a light weigh tuppaware boat like that.

SeikiBrian - 9 years ago

+battenberg72 "Steering in reverse with a z drive is easy, why make out it's difficult?" He didn't have a z-drive; he had a standard outdrive. A vessel with a rudder is actually easier than a stern drive, because if the boat is moving there's water flowing across the rudder so you have steering authority even in neutral. With a sterndrive or outboard you need to give shots of thrust to steer for the most part.

billy007191 - 9 years ago

Thats a old and kind of grungy looking boat, how about a little wax and paint?

Cliff Charpentier - 9 years ago

+billy007191 he spends all his energy on the streamers

jonnyy40 - 9 years ago

Hugely informative.Thanks for posting.

Cliff Charpentier - 10 years ago

Streamers and indicators. Does that dock come with a handicap emblem also.

PlebzOr Blapparapp - 8 years ago

+Cliff Charpentier Yarrrr!

Cliff Charpentier - 9 years ago

+enjoytahiti im sure if you liked this video you know all about cock in your mouth.

enjoytahiti - 9 years ago

+Cliff Charpentier You should put a cock in your mouth so that you won't say shit anymore

Rlnthndr - 10 years ago

I/O whether it be single or twin is pretty easy to dock, as easy as an outboard set up. single straight inboard is the hard one on a single inboard you have no steering in reverse. at least on an I/O you have an out drive and the propeller turns with the drive.

Kyle McCourt - 7 years ago

you are incorrect. in reverse, the prop is behind the rudder thus there is very little steering

SeikiBrian - 9 years ago

+Rlnthndr "... in reverse the flow of the prop is going opposite the rudder." But if you're moving, water is still flowing across the rudder. You could shut down your engine and still have steerageway.

Rlnthndr - 10 years ago

Trust me I have owned all and currently have a twin inboard set up. The twin Inboard has the most control around the docks. But I still much prefer an outboard set up. My worst boat was a single inboard, no control in reverse , the boat always wanted to walk to port, and in reverse the flow of the prop is going opposite the rudder.

Dav123xyz - 10 years ago

I think that is incorrect.

Single inboard you have steerage because the flow from the prop is straight onto the rudder. Its just different that's all.

This guy knows his stuff.

ianrkav - 10 years ago

Which marina is this?

ianrkav - 10 years ago

+philip stevenson Ok thanks.

philip stevenson - 10 years ago

Penarth marina. My boat was moored opposite, very nice chap.

50. comment for How to dock a single-engine inboard/outdrive boat stern-first

Hugh Murray - 10 years ago

You make it look easy, I am just learning and this has helped I just did my powerboat level 2, but the marina has put my little dory in the tightest space possible, I guess it will give me good practice but hopefully not smash the boats on either side !

Bob Beale - 10 years ago

I enjoyed this video,simple but correct.Thank You.

azimmey - 10 years ago

nifty trick

richard none - 10 years ago

most people don't realize that in/out has a much sharper turning ratio then an outboard or twin outdrives which makes it easy to move the stern
in or out

Klaus Kristian Berg - 10 years ago

Very dirty boat, bad sailors go together ?

William Jones - 10 years ago

Can't tell the difference between a motorboat and sailboat, Adolf?

Mike Scalise - 10 years ago

Boaters should seek professional training. Its a bow line not a rope.

Blair Campbell - 6 years ago

vetterfellow just pee in the galley sink hahah

vetterfellow - 7 years ago

I need to Pee may I use your HEAD !!!.

V3MD - 7 years ago

It looks like a rope to me.

David Farmer - 7 years ago

The same as the loo is a heads and not a toilet, galley not a kitchen, berth not bed. etc etc

Maybe it was an over sight.

Jmichael Isbell - 7 years ago

How so and in what conditions does it matter? Especially for a Youtube video, saying "rope" How about "spring line rope", is that wrong too. Come on Mike. Someone going to get hurt even in the latte boating crowd==="oh my God, you called it a rope, you horrible man"

Mike Scalise - 7 years ago

Jmichael Isbell Yes, Yes it does matter.

Jmichael Isbell - 7 years ago

Does it really matter--for the beginner, and it IS a rope, just like a rode is in fact a "chain"--it's just not a big deal. And consider the downside of always needing to use the perfect word: I came in towards a dock and this guy was about to gun his engine (without looking of course) and if he had, we may have collided. So I sung out "I'm here on your LEFT". Yes, I know it is PORT, but based on how he was acting, he may not have known what port meant. YES, I know he should know, but still, the best word for that moment, with that guy, was "left". He instantly looked left, saw me--collision avoided. But I used the wrong word--and would use it again

PlebzOr Blapparapp - 8 years ago

+SeikiBrian Wrong.

SeikiBrian - 9 years ago

+Mike Scalise You should seek professional training; he's using that rope as a spring line, not a bow line.

Mike Scalise - 10 years ago

please stop!

johnytherider - 10 years ago

stupid people-that boat have-z propulsion sistem so no mather if is single-engined it's easy like with outboard!!!!

Thomas Autengruber - 7 years ago

SeikiBrian Just no...

SeikiBrian - 9 years ago

+johnytherider This boat does NOT have a z-drive system; it has a standard outdrive. A z-drive is a type of azimuth pod, which protrudes through the hull bottom and can rotate 360 degrees. An outdrive protrudes from the transom, and is limited to 180 degrees or less.

Legen-dary - 10 years ago

*Stupid people that write, use "i" instead of "y".

donkeydicked - 10 years ago

Omg noddy goes boating !!
Any 8 year old could berth that .. Whee was the 20 knot wind ??

AJR Dale - 10 years ago

Boy there are some sad sack people commenting here. Anyway, in the U.S. the helm indicator shown is similar to the Davis product I own. The only problem I have with it is I keep knocking it off the wheel with my knee.
http://www.davisnet.com/marine/products/marine_product.asp?pnum=00385

NatWomen Boaters - 10 years ago

The rope tip may help, although we agree a multitude of fenders are a must with this technique to protect your gelcoat

MrMark989 - 11 years ago

Is their a good reason for you to be so rude and arrogant? Other than being a prick (or as you Brits say a cunt).

Shipping TV - 11 years ago

That's a nice piece . . well made and clear. Did you eventually clean-u your boat?

cjf334 - 11 years ago

and unless you are a professional working fisherman your boat sucks it is a dirty piece of garbage. clean it, wax it, but it is too late that is what you should of have done..

cjf334 - 11 years ago

200k I would never use ur docking techniques.. would I let my boat hit the dock like that I don't even let my old shitty boat do that. wtf you are a noob I been doing boating since I was born docking is nerveracking n stressful but you need a lot more practice..

cjf334 - 11 years ago

first off lets start with C. I had a 29 ft carver it does not stop that easy with a tug of a rope its a heavy boat, that is why you don't use your hands to stop it. I know have a 1997,19 ft century center console much easier to stop with hand or rope but a little boat..i am now 28 yr old and looking for a new boat, ie yellowfin, contender, seavee, or a regulator cannot decide me and my pop are going halves if you all start with ur dum comments that I cannot afford it.. but before I ever spend

Wim Koerten - 11 years ago

This boat looks like a mess and its damaging everytime.

ginolaflambe bonnenouvelle - 11 years ago

hello c'est un rocca galaxy?

sailor123ize - 11 years ago

Single engine, single handed and no bow thruster. I would probably have a heart attack! Well done. Every little tip helps!

handymannification - 11 years ago

well done video

58msd - 11 years ago

Nice video. Thanks for sharing! Looks like a 26' boat. Great work.

bettyboop65340 - 11 years ago

lolahavasuaz i just love how you cussme out and run back to your channel and block me from commenting.your nothing but a coward and a chicken shit.and a lowlife whos probably feedingyour canary with your food stamps.

bettyboop65340 - 11 years ago

i never said a fucking thing about how he berths his boat.i said his boat needs cleaned. you commenters probably dont even know what a boat is. you float around looking to statt shit. because you have no life

bettyboop65340 - 11 years ago

lolha anytime you want to do something about this let me know where

lolahavasuaz - 11 years ago

no , let us notice how you need your A** kicked , don't ever bash someone else here on Y-Tube "unless" you can prove to us all how you are doing or living better . which will never happen , you can't even post a j-peg profile pic to represent yourself , let alone post any relevant videos about boating in general , plus your user name "bettyboop65340" is bordering on gay . you're lucky the person who posted this very informational boating video replied to your dumb ass . . .

CCWSig - 11 years ago

I thought it looked pretty good. Good tip with the bow line. Don't let these other guys without docking video put you down, most of them are nothing more than keyboard commandos anyways. Thanks for posting.

bcbit01 - 11 years ago

Not everyone can berth bow-to. My Dad's boat MUST berth stern-to or he can't get off!

bcbit01 - 11 years ago

Come on guys. Be nice. I'm a stickler for bristol but...we can't all have brand new Riva's. First, know which direction your prop walks and approach the berth from the appropriate direction to use it instead of fight it. Second, like he said, knowing your rudder position at all times is very important when you are applying brief bursts of power to make small corrections. The rest is patient practice and being willing to admit your current attempt is going south and start over if need be.

newsnetuk - 11 years ago

Hi philnjack. Even with the wind on the bow I have to berth stern-in every time. I don't use forward gear to stop the boat going astern inside the berth because:- a) I find it don't need to - it's going slowly anyway b) Engaging "ahead" to stop when inside the berth would push the stern to starboard - and usually there's someone else berthed there. c) The boat stops with just a tug on the rope which pulls it evenly and gently alongside. ...It seems to work so I just thought I'd pass it on.

newsnetuk - 11 years ago

Hello Phil. The full name is the Rulan Rudder Position Indicator - and I too have had trouble finding it on the internet. If you are in the UK you might like to go to the Force 4 chandlery website as search for item number 870027

newsnetuk - 11 years ago

I couldn't agree more.

bettyboop65340 - 11 years ago

notice how nasty looking this boat looks, scum onthe water line, glass is filthy and needs a good cleaning and a good buffing

CalQwax - 6 years ago

Another hater on youtube with no videos.

MikeTLive - 11 years ago

how about bow-first? same boat and slip .. or maybe a further in slip with the opposite side completely fill up.

Krishnaraj Singh - 11 years ago

ofcourse i agree. who can believe it even you showed this?. and i can suggest u , this is the best auto insurance you can ever get, just need to call them now. if you wanna try just call now => bit.ly/14ouMky?=njlgnyb

Phil Low - 11 years ago

I have googled Rulan steering indicator but nothing comes up can you give more details

byRebsay - 11 years ago

thank you!

bojetkins - 11 years ago

Very helpful thank u

cmans79tr7 - 11 years ago

Sorry, mistake, pls delete. I entered search in comments field..blasted I pad

cmans79tr7 - 11 years ago

Penn yann

lylenutah - 11 years ago

Very well done

Danim24 - 11 years ago

Until you miss the cleat and the boats still going astern!

Jonny Short - 11 years ago

Be careful with the fishing lines, one of them might get a puncture ‹(•¿•)›

Awl Gripper - 11 years ago

Callum, like you, I disagree with what they are saying. An I/O steers both ways in reverse like a car whereas a single screw inboard only steers opposite it's rotation while in reverse at least until it has built some momentum. You are also correct regarding short bursts but they are usually needed only when there is strong wind and/or current.

AdurianJ - 11 years ago

I just play around with the boat on open water untill i get a feel fot it's behaviour. Then i fail like a noob at berthing untill it's in the spine. That's my tactic

schummiehugo - 11 years ago

i haf 4 blond chicks on mi boat

mike boxler - 11 years ago

single prop boats have a much harder time, duo props make reverse a lot easier. I do like the rope on the cleat...very good idea

Robert Bell - 11 years ago

We had a boat like this (Bayliner 28 classic) and it was a PITA to dock in a crosswind. The high cabin acted like a sail. You could maneuver the stern, but the bow had a mind of its own. Usually I just put the nose against a piling and then used the engine to work it around, or had a crewmate with a line to the bow. We thought about a bow thruster, but it was far too expensive. Great video. Your Flying Fox looks like an old Thompson.

newsnetuk - 11 years ago

The boat is a Fox 700 built in the early 1980s - but it's based on the hull of the Cleopatra range made by Essex boatbuilders (Fox bought-out Cleopatra). You may find a website called "mycleopatra.ning.com" useful.

Magnum PA Hire - 11 years ago

what sort of boat/hull is that? I have one that looks identical that I am restoring but cannot find any info on the boat

billalbion - 11 years ago

A fixed shaft drive prop and separate rudder is harder to control going astern than a outboard / outdrive where the prop steers as well as drives.

100. comment for How to dock a single-engine inboard/outdrive boat stern-first

Callum Wearne - 11 years ago

this guy doesnt understand, that youve got to be hard on the throttle to get the boat to do anything, fast bursts port FULL lock, then shove in reverse hard throttle and full starboard

Callum Wearne - 11 years ago

thats bullshit, an outdrive can steer in reverse like a car can with a steering wheel. Maybe tough if it was a single shaft driven boat, but not an outdrive/sterndrive, hence the name

etillema - 11 years ago

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. This is truly helpful. Although I suspect you are skilled enough to make it look easier than it is. Great tip with the rope.

Bogibar - 12 years ago

I don't seem to be able to post the link. I did post a video response which I think you will have to approve before it appears here. I really like the RULAN indicator. I'm never quite sure where my outdrive is. You can see more of my videos if you just search on my user name. Where are you in the world? I'm in Washington State, USA.

newsnetuk - 12 years ago

Very interesting Bogbar. Do you have a link to your uncle's fin video please?

Bogibar - 12 years ago

Nice Video and helpful. I helped myself on my boats by installing the Uncle Norm's Marine fins on my lower unit. It gave me a lot more actual steering control. Uncle Norm's has a few videos on you-tube showing how they work. They also help counteract the effect of wind on boats that can catch a lot of wind like yours and mine.

newsnetuk - 12 years ago

Thanks Henry. Much appreciated.

Henry Wang - 12 years ago

Now, THIS is a video worth posting and watching. Unlike the thousands of other videos of people who likely don't even own boats, that are criticizing skippers that are trying dock either under challenging conditions or simply learning how. Great video.

Are Mikael Røiseland - 12 years ago

Brilliant advice! Thanks a lot for a very instructive video!

About How to dock a single-engine inboard/outdrive boat stern-first

The "How to dock a single-engine inboard/outdrive boat stern-first" video is part of the boating, sailing tipps category, which contains similar videos like this one.