Steps To Stern Drive Docking - Regal 3760 Owner's Manual

STEPS TO STERN DRIVE DOCKING

Inboard/Outboard powered boats are fairly easy to back
up and maneuver with a little knowledge and docking
practice. One of the most important aspects of the process
is to keep your calm in the wake of a busy marina. Basically,
the reversing propellers are turned in the direction you
want to go by using the steering wheel.
Some boats tend to be influenced by the wind. When
backing down in a crosswind, allow room to maneuver
and watch the bow. Try not to overreact or get excited,
but use your knowledge and experience. If the wind begins
to swing the bow, you need to stop backing, turn the
wheel to port and go forward to straighten the boat. Use a
quick burst of power but not too much to knock your
crew off balance.
A. Stop the boat by shifting in reverse. Put the wheel over to
the port and begin backing in. Slow down your speed by
momentarily shifting into reverse.
* Control in reverse idle position, Outdrives to port.
B. Continue backing up the boat with the wheel hard to
port. Keep an eye on the bow, and begin to straighten the
wheel as the boat enters the slip.
* Control in reverse idle position, Outdrives to port.
C. Center the wheel to align the boat parallel with the dock.
If the stern is too far from the dock, shift to neutral,
then put the wheel hard over to port and then go forward
a second or two.
* Control in neutral idle position. Drives centered.
D. When the boat is completely into the dock, stop stern
movement
by shifting into forward. Put the wheel to port to kick the
stern over close to the dock if necessary. Shift into neutral.
Tie up the boat.
* Control in forward idle position. Drives to port.
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Chapter 6