32
MONTEREY
BOATS
Operation
Leaving a Mooring
Start the engine and let it warm up for several
minutes before releasing the mooring line. The
boat will already be headed into the wind, so move
it forward enough to loosen the line and untie it.
Back the boat away from the mooring until you
can see the buoy. Move the boat slowly away
from the mooring.
Anchoring
Make sure the bitter end of the anchor line is at-
tached to boat before dropping the anchor. Bring
the bow into the wind or current and put the en-
gine in neutral. When the vessel comes to a stop,
lower the anchor over the bow. Pay out anchor line
so that it is at least 5 to 7 times the depth of the
water and secure the line to a cleat. Use caution
to avoid getting your feet or hands tangled in the
line. Additional scope of 10 times the depth may
be required for storm conditions. Check land-
marks on shore to make sure the anchor is not
dragging. If it is dragging, you will have to start
all over. It is prudent to use two anchors if your
are anchoring overnight or in rough weather.
Releasing the Anchor
Release the anchor by driving the boat slowly to
the point where the anchor line becomes verti-
cal. It should release when you pass that point.
If the anchor doesn’t release right away, stop the
boat directly above the anchor and tie the line to
the cleat as tight as possible. The up and down
movement of the boat will usually loosen the an-
chor within a minute. Make sure you secure the
anchor and properly stow the line before operat-
ing the boat.
AND WIND AND CURRENT WILL PUT MORE STRESS ON THE
ANCHOR WHEN IT IS ATTACHED TO THE STERN. ONLY ANCHOR
2.6 Twin Engine Docking,
Anchoring & Mooring
Docking and Dock Lines
Maneuvering the boat near the dock and securing
the boat requires skill and techniques that are
unique to the water and wind conditions and the
layout of the dock. If possible, position a crew
member at the bow and stern to man the lines and
assist in docking operations. While maneuvering
close to the dock, consideration must be given to
the wind and current. You should anticipate the
effect these forces will have on the boat and use
them to help put the boat where you want it. It
is important to practice in open water using an
imaginary dock enough to develop a sense for
the way your boat handles in a variety of dock-
ing scenarios. You must be able to foresee the
possibilities and have solutions in mind before
problems occur.
Approaching a dock or backing into a slip in high
winds or strong currents requires a considerable
amount of skill. If you are new to boat handling,
you should take lessons from an experienced
pilot to learn how to maneuver your boat in tight
quarters in less than ideal conditions. You should
also practice away from the dock during windy
conditions.
Dock lines are generally twisted or braided nylon.
Nylon is strong and stretches to absorb shock. It
also has a long life and is soft and easy on the
hands. The line’s size will vary with the size of the
boat. Typically a 30 to 40 foot boat will use 5/8-
inch line and a 20 to 30 foot boat will use 1/2-inch
will vary depending on the dock, the range of the
tide, and many other factors. Usually a combi-
nation of bow, stern and spring lines is used to
secure the boat.
Maneuvering to the Dock
Approach the dock slowly at a 30 to 40 degree
angle. Whenever possible, approach against the
wind or current. Turn the outdrives straight &
shift to neutral when you feel you have enough
momentum to reach the dock. Use reverse on the
engines while turning the steering wheel toward
the dock to slow the boat and pull the stern toward
the dock as the boat approaches. Straighten the
outdrives and use the engines to stop the boat
if it is still moving forward against the pilings. If
you executed your approach properly, the boat
will lightly touch the pilings at the same time
the forward momentum is stopped. Have the
dock lines ready and secure the boat as soon at
it stops. Use fenders to protect the boat while
it is docked. Keep the engines running until the
lines are secured.
Backing into a Slip
Approach the slip with the stern against the wind
or current and the outdrives straight ahead.
Use the engines and turn the steering wheel to
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