Understanding Inboard Propulsion
If you're new to inboards, the first thing to understand is how they back up. Inboards, like MasterCraft boats, tend to back in one direction because of the rotation of the prop. With a right-hand rotation prop, the boat will always tend to back to the right. Knowing this will help you predict how the boat will behave when you’re trying to dock.
Approach the Dock Slowly
When you’re coming in to dock, it’s always better to approach slowly rather than too fast. Keep your arm planted on the armrest, making small adjustments with your hand and wrist instead of large movements with your entire arm. This allows for more control over the throttle and speed, giving you greater precision as you move toward the dock.
Aligning the Boat
When you're getting close to the dock, it's ideal to angle the boat slightly to the right. This is because when you put the boat in reverse, the boat will naturally back to the right, which helps straighten the boat out. Once the boat is parallel to the dock, you can tap the throttle in and out of gear—forward or reverse—as needed to position the boat exactly where you want it.
Getting Help from Your Crew
Once the boat is where you want it, have your crew help you out. They can grab the dock cleats or lines to secure the boat in place. This teamwork will ensure the boat stays safely docked while you focus on maneuvering.
Practice Makes Perfect
If you’re new to docking, a great way to get comfortable is to practice in open water. Find a no-wake buoy or another reference point, and practice getting close to it without worrying about hitting anything. This will help you develop the skills to maneuver your boat more confidently.
MasterCraft Features that Make Docking Easier
MasterCraft has a few incredible innovations that can help make docking even easier:
DockStar System: This system includes two additional rudders integrated into the bottom of the boat, improving control in both forward and reverse. It allows you to operate the boat more like an inboard-outboard or outboard, which makes docking simpler.
Stern Thruster: The stern thruster is a knob integrated into the throttle that can rotate the boat 360 degrees in under 30 seconds. This feature is amazing for docking or trailering, and it makes maneuvering around obstacles, like people wake surfing, a breeze. It’s especially helpful for getting the boat into tight spaces or adjusting without having the boat in gear.
MasterCraft dealers often host demo days and training sessions—check with your local dealer for opportunities to refine your skills on the water.
FAQ's
What should I do with the fenders when docking?
Place the fenders on the side of the boat that will be closest to the dock. This will help protect the boat from any contact with the dock during the docking process.
How do I secure the boat to the dock?
Once the boat is in position, use dock lines to tie the boat to the cleats on the dock. Make sure the lines are tight enough to prevent the boat from drifting but not too tight, allowing some movement.
Should I tie the bow and stern lines in the same direction?
No, tie the bow and stern lines at different angles to ensure the boat is held in place from both the front and rear, preventing movement from all sides.
