Demonstration of single handed docking onto a "bull rail"; something common here on the Pacific Northwest. Demonstrated by Margaret Pommert. Video by David Johnson.
Perfectly done! I have watched dozens of videos about docking single handed but so far I have not seen one about docking single handed in strong wind (20 knots or so). If you know of any please point me in the right direction.
With all the best of my intentions, my comment would be that you’ve left the cockpit at 0:29 to walk on deck, step down and only completely stop the boat at 0:49. If, for any reason, you trip, or slip, the boat will continue to move, with all the potential risks associated to that (I know there’s no wind, and that there are still two more people onboard, but nonetheless). You would rather bring the boat to a complete stop before leaving the cockpit. Fair winds.
I disagree. If the boat is completely stopped then crosswind or current immediately starts moving the boat, possibly away from the dock. Having a little momentum allows you to keep the boat close to the dock.
@@mkaplan99 you have 3 possible scenarios and the respective intermediate cases: a) wind is blowing you onto the pontoon; no problem here. b) wind is blowing from the bow; again, shouldn’t be a problem but I guess that if the wind is stronger you would rather lasso a spring 1/3 from the stern, then gear fwd to control the boat (don’t step down until you have the bow in control). The bow line should be ready and normally hanging on the lifeline so you can pick it easily once you step down c) wind is blowing you off the pontoon; same as (b), although it would be more challenging in terms of timing. Ideally you would request assistance from someone on the pontoon. Again; don’t step down from your boat until is fully in control.
