First time out and I hit the damn dock

[Jmiller912]

Thanks everyone. Looking forward to the next nice day. Ordered the cobra jets today so hope that helps.

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

I need to remember this. I've docked (my slip, fuel, and restaurant) about 5 times this past weekend (first times out) and I know I need a lot more practice...and I am real nervous about doing it alone but I will have to at some point soon. Sorry to slightly hijack the topic!

Alone is pretty easy at this point for me. I make sure my bumpers are out and ropes at front and back. Along with the docking technique mentioned, I bring the back rope to the helm with me, then when I am at the dock I keep that rope in my hand, move to the front, grab that rope and walk onto the dock. This way I have both ropes for the boat and it can't slide away due to current or wind.

 

[I_squared_r]

I ordered a bottle of blue gelcoat after my 1st scratch and never opened it. Now I have an unopened bottle of gelcoat that reminds me of the obsessive 1st season boater that I was. You could just fill it in with white vinyl or change the decal next year.

 

[RobbieO]

So my dealer gave me 5.5” x 20” Seachoice round fenders for my 21 ft boat. I feel they are good quality but seem small. I’m think of getting the 6.5” x 23” fenders. I really want the 8.5” x 27” fenders but afraid that’s overkill. I could just get 4 babz! Opinions?

 

[tdonoughue]

Overkill is never a possibility with fenders. Oversize and not fitting where you store them--that is a different matter. If you have the space to store them, the bigger the better. No question.

 

[RobbieO]

Overkill is never a possibility with fenders. Oversize and not fitting where you store them--that is a different matter. If you have the space to store them, the bigger the better. No question.

Thanks. I may go with the 8.5”. Our hulls are difficult for perfect placement. I have the storage room for now.

 

[RobbieO]

Don't fret it too much...we got the new 2020 boat and although I didn't hit the dock, I put a plastic Danik hook on the rear cleat at a busy dock and didn't realize it would rub against the silver pinstripe above the rub-rail. Oops...no big deal...a little heat and it's good enough for now. One day I'll probably pull the pinstripe off the boat.

Thanks for the heads up. I put a plastic Danik hook there all the time. Now I’m afraid to look. I did hit the dock with that fender once. I have it horizontally.

 

[KC-AR240]

The Yamaha decals are paper thin/cheap and scratch easy....Nice part they are cheap to buy. If it’s bad enough just buy new decals and change out when your ready to sell it.

Where can I purchase the decals (Large ones on the sides). After my tie-up for a bite to eat I noticed the boat was hitting the opposite side and found BAD dock rash

 

[zipper]

Try here. Not sure which you are looking for. 2018 Yamaha AR240 HIGH OUTPUT (SAT1800AT) Graphics & Mats | Yamaha Sports Plaza

 

[KC-AR240]

Try here. Not sure which you are looking for. 2018 Yamaha AR240 HIGH OUTPUT (SAT1800AT) Graphics & Mats | Yamaha Sports Plaza

Thank You.. Just put in my order... Any tips on how to remove that decal ?

 

[zipper]

Hot sun and a hot hair dryer, or a heat gun. I used a heat gun to remove mine on a cold day.

 

[drewkaree]

Hot sun and a hot hair dryer, or a heat gun. I used a heat gun to remove mine on a cold day.

Add some plastic razor blades and adhesive remover (Goof Off, Goo Gone, etc). You'll wanna wash it really good afterwards as well, I'd go with Dawn for a stripping wash, and plan to re-wax everything afterwards.

 

[KC-AR240]

Add some plastic razor blades and adhesive remover (Goof Off, Goo Gone, etc). You'll wanna wash it really good afterwards as well, I'd go with Dawn for a stripping wash, and plan to re-wax everything afterwards.

Surely you mean wax (After?) I clean the old residue off and reapply a new decal ?

 

[drewkaree]

Surely you mean wax (After?) I clean the old residue off and reapply a new decal ?

Yes. Probably a good clarification, for the by-the-letter folks who may come across this

 

[HawaiiBreeze]

If the adhesive is still felt on the painted hull good ole' WD 40 is a great solvent for removing it and then you'll have to wash it off.

For the install of the new decals: Bottle of windex/glass cleaner, painters tape if doing solo, old credit card/small squuegee gift certificate, pencil and maybe a third hand. Super clean the area, layout the new decal where its supposed to go and mark the strategic points with a pencil. If the backing paper wont allow the layout then fully coat the layout area with the windex/glass clean or even warm soapy water and stick as much of the decal on the wet surface as you can. Once in position use the credit/squeegee to push/pull the fluid out from behind the decal. Done properly the decal adhesive will grab fully and then you can continue unwrap the remaining backing paper, soap up the remaining areas and repeat till the decal lies flush and tight on the surface. If the decal is small enough you can wet the whole area and affix the decal on the slippery surface and move it into position and then squeegee it out.

Good Luck!

 

[KC-AR240]

If the adhesive is still felt on the painted hull good ole' WD 40 is a great solvent for removing it and then you'll have to wash it off.

For the install of the new decals: Bottle of windex/glass cleaner, painters tape if doing solo, old credit card/small squuegee gift certificate, pencil and maybe a third hand. Super clean the area, layout the new decal where its supposed to go and mark the strategic points with a pencil. If the backing paper wont allow the layout then fully coat the layout area with the windex/glass clean or even warm soapy water and stick as much of the decal on the wet surface as you can. Once in position use the credit/squeegee to push/pull the fluid out from behind the decal. Done properly the decal adhesive will grab fully and then you can continue unwrap the remaining backing paper, soap up the remaining areas and repeat till the decal lies flush and tight on the surface. If the decal is small enough you can wet the whole area and affix the decal on the slippery surface and move it into position and then squeegee it out.

Good Luck!

Thank You

 

[Robconn]

Looking forward, beyond steering modifications on the boat, if you rent or own a dock, you can purchase and install “hull huggers” that provide some protection and cushion impacts. I use zip ties when installing to the dock b/c I rent the dock. There are homemade solutions as well, using pool noodles. I have reduced the occurrence of scuffs and scratches dramatically.
I have installed lateral thrusters as well. Definitely experienced greater control after install. It was easy to install too. Highly Recommend.
i Also suggest adding a wind forecast app on your phone. For me, when the wind is 12+ I can expect docking to be challenging requiring greater focus.

 

[Lth101]

I have an older model (2011 242 LS) but what has helped me a ton is no wake mode. I maneuver around the dock in the first or second setting depending on the wind. Constantly bumping it in Forward, Neutral and Reverse. Making all my steering wheel corrections while in neutral. I can’t control the boat at idle speed at all unless the water is like glass which is rare for me since I boat in a bay.