How to Motor a Keelboat off a Dock With a Beam Wind

It takes skill to handle a boat while docking. Practice is the key to success. Start gaining experience on windless days, and don't be afraid to hit the dock. Here's how to motor a boat off a dock when there's a beam wind.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sailing Gloves
• Deck Shoes
• Sailboats

1. Determine whether the boat's propeller turns to the right or left while in forward gear. Right-turning propellers will pull the stern to port in reverse, whereas left-turning props will pull to starboard. Make a test and watch the propeller wash for indications of direction.

2. Tie a bow spring line to an aft dock cleat somewhere near the boat's beam.

3. Loop it once around the cleat and lead it to a crew member on deck.

4. Maintain enough tension on the line to keep the boat from moving.

5. Position fenders between the bow and beam.

6. Start the engine and prepare to get under way.

7. Remove the remaining dock lines.

8. Get all crew onboard.

9. Center the rudder.

10. Shift to forward without releasing the handheld spring line.

11. Watch for the bow to come all the way into the dock.

12. Shift to neutral, then reverse.

13. Turn the rudder to windward.

14. Release the spring line and bring it onboard.

15. Add throttle as necessary to supplement the boat's natural tendency to back into the wind.

Tips & Warnings

• When you dock your boat during a beam wind and know you'll need to leave again soon, tie the boat opposite the side to which the propeller will pull the stern (see step 1).

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