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imhoffj

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I'm interested in connecting with any C-Brat members in Bellingham for some tips on operating, provisioning and general information about my 25 cruiser. My slip is downwind, and I'm learning solo, so all advice is appreciated! I'm a new member of this group, and look forward to connecting.

Jim
 
imhoffj":35snnzg0 said:
I'm interested in connecting with any C-Brat members in Bellingham for some tips on operating, provisioning and general information about my 25 cruiser. My slip is downwind, and I'm learning solo, so all advice is appreciated! I'm a new member of this group, and look forward to connecting.

Jim
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We live in Birch Bay, but won't be back in Whatcom County until April 2018 - doing the Great Loop in our CD25 Daydream, currently in Campbellford, Ontario, on the Trent-Severn Canal, and heading to Arizona as soon as we get back.

See you in 2018, trust you will get some good advice here!
 
Hi Jim,

I went through this last summer when I bought my 25. I do lots of solo boating and docking was an issue for me at first (even now I still struggle occasionally). My slip last year was very vulnerable to wind and tides. This year I'm in a huge protected marina in an oversized slip


There are several things that I do to ease docking although it doesn't always work out!

1. GO SLOW!! This cant be emphasized enough. Its much easier to make minor corrections instead of having to back up or even start over again. This happened to me this year actually! I over shot my berth and literally had to turn the entire boat around and start over again.

2. Have all your fenders and lined deployed before entering the marina. This is key. You dont wanna be fiddling around when you're solo! If you've got crew aboard then it's a different story.
I would also recommend putting fenders out on both sides if you're new to your boat and the way it handles.

3. What engine do you have? Twins? If the latter then you'll have an advantage and that will help you considerably. If you have a single (like me and most of us) then you'll really need to practice your reverse operation. I would suggest you play around in a bay and see how she reacts while in reverse. Then make a mental note of what happens when you turn the wheel to port and starboard. Dr. Bob (Thataway) has given the recommendation in the past of putting out some floats or fenders and making a obstacle course. Then you can practice your backing and have real reference points.

4. My last suggestion would be to ask help from the marina when getting to your slip. They will always help you and usually are waiting around to do just that. That's why we pay thousands of dollars to the marina!! Get your money's worth! Make them work.....

Good luck! You've got a great boat. I really have enjoyed my 25 and have learned a lot since buying her.
 
When I was in a marina, I had fenders and dock lines permanently attached to the pier. $50 worth of gear that made it much easier to single hand.

Practicing accurate maneuvering by using a floating fender is also good for man overboard practice. I had my dad try this once on his boat and he scared himself. He would either miss the fender by 30 feet or run over it. I think about that every time I pick up a crab pot buoy.

Mark
 
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