New York Safe Boating - 2020 - 55

SEAMANSHIP

11

Boat Handling and Maneuvering

Boat Response to Prop and Rudder
In most boats, the propellers turn in a clockwise motion
when the boat is moving forward. This is called right handed
turning. When you are moving forward at a low speed, the
stern of your boat will swing toward the starboard, and you
will notice your bow swinging to port. When you are going
astern (backwards) the opposite happens: the stern of a boat
will back to port, and you will notice the bow tend to go to
starboard. As you increase your speed you will notice this
movement less.

Steering

Mechanically propelled boats are turned or steered
by changing the direction of the thrust of the propeller.
Outboards steer by turning the whole motor with a tiller or
a wheel. When you turn the wheel on an I/O drive boat you
are moving the out drive, which houses the propeller. On
boats with an inboard motor, the motor and the propeller are
stationary. You turn the rudder with a wheel and the rudder
moves to direct the propeller thrust either to port or to
starboard, rather than the propeller itself turning.

Docking

Docking a boat smoothly and safely requires practice so try
it in open water first to become familiar with the procedures
and your boats handling characteristics. Different types
of boats as well as the size of the boat can affect how you
dock. Boats with a large keel or dagger board, such as
many sail boats, are less affected by winds and may allow for
a shallower approach to the dock. Larger boats, which have
a large amount of freeboard, can be more susceptible to the
wind. The location and configuration of the marina may also
affect how you dock. Marinas are often heavily congested
areas and require maneuvering in tightly confined areas. As
you approach a dock go slowly and have your fenders and
lines ready.
When you use a steering wheel, the boat's bow will move
in the same direction as the steering wheel turns. If you
are in a sailboat or small outboard boat, the boat may have
a "tiller" instead of a steering wheel. The tiller is a handle
that the operator uses to turn the outboard or rudder. The
movement of the tiller is the opposite of using a wheel. So
if you move the tiller to port, the boat will move to starboard,
and vice versa.
A boat's movement is similar to that of a car, but cars and
boats pivot at the
opposite ends. A
car pivots on its rear
wheels; a boat will
pivot around a point
near the bow. You
may not notice in
open water, but you
will notice when you
are near a dock. If
you are traveling
faster the turning
response will be
quicker. Always
remember that a
boat doesn't have brakes. Slow down before turning!

Try to take advantage of current and wind when docking
or mooring. Try to approach against the wind and current;
motoring into the wind or current is always easier than
having it push you from behind. If you have a choice and the
wind is greater than the current choose going into the wind.

Docking with no wind or current
Approach the dock at an angle of 10 to 20 degrees. You
should be headed for a spot slightly forward of the position
where you intend to tie up. When you are within about one
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