T&T: docking without midships walkway

[JHWardJr at aol.com]

I thought I would throw in a little.  Complete sidedecks are an  absolutely 
required feature for some, a tradeoff for others.  I wanted  salon space, 
so gave them up.   If I ever do change boats and decide I  want this, I like 
the 'Europa' design.
 
I subscribe to the midship spring line miracle (this assumes your skills  
and conditions can get the boat close).  I am twin powered, no  thrusters.  I 
will say finger in this description for  simplicity, but if berthing on a 
face dock this still applies.  I also use  big fenders.
    1.  Whether bow first or stern first, get this midship spring line on 
the  first available dock cleat/piling.   
    2.  Set the length so the pulpit or swim platform (depends on which way 
you  are going) won't hit the dock (or next boat if on a face/fuel dock).   
 
    3.  If you rely on a dock person to bite it off with the correct 
length, make  sure they know what you are expecting (when returning to my home 
slip, this  line is already set and waiting on the steps for me).  Too short is 
 better than too long! 
    4.  Slow power against the line with the engine closest to the finger 
with  rudder set accordingly.   
    5.  Then step off with (or throw) a line and cleat off the bow or stern 
while  the engine and spring hold you against the finger.   If  there is no 
dock help and agility is marginal, some learn to lasso a  cleat or piling - 
my crew never can.  Boat hooks can work too. 
    6.  Calmly repeat for the other end.  You are safe. 
    7.  Shut down to save fuel and to signal everyone you consider yourself 
 'berthed'. 
    8.  Thank the dock hands/onlookers and plan for cocktail hour  
accordingly. 
    9.  Once everyone is gone, play with your lines until YOU as captain 
get  them the way you want, without unwanted advice/admonitions/incompatible  
methods.
 
Works most of the time.  Complete side decks not critical.  I  think this 
method is close to what truly skilled captains prescribe - works  for me!  
But if somebody has something that works better, let us know  and I'll see if 
I can master it.  Jim
 
I will add something in honor of M/V Azar's captain.  A well  positioned 
(maintains eye contact) dockhand that knows what he/she is doing  that can 
give you clear hand signals as needed to squeeze into a slip  (harder as you 
are constrained on three sides and I have huge blind spots when I  back in) is 
MUCH preferred over a lot of conflicting, screamed directions.   Al is my 
favorite and always a welcome sight on my home docks.  And I also  have 
learned, back away and start over if needed.  If people get impatient,  let them 
wait (and maybe buy them a drink later).  I've never seen nor  heard of a 
volunteer dockhand pay to fix anything!
 
NOW I go back to work...