[Public-list] Backing an Alberg 30 into a Slip

[Peter Staehling]

> 1. Why this insistance that the boat must be
> reversed in at all?

I guess that is probably a rhetorical question, but I
will answer it any way.

I think there are a variety of answers, but mine are
as follows:
1. My wife has enough trouble boarding when backed in
(foot problems).
2. It is friendlier and more neighborly.  It is nice
to have folks stop by to talk when on the boat and at
the marina.  Folks who want privacy would have the
opposite preference.
3. It is the usual way folks here dock.  I understand
customs are different in other locations.
4. If I learn to back in properly, that skill will
also apply to any other situation where backing may be
required.
5. The aisle in front of our slip is pretty roomy, it
is sheltered, and there is very little current.  I
figure that if anyone can back in to their slip, I
should be able to with what amounts to very forgiving
prevailing conditions.

I haven't felt that it was all that harrowing of an
experience to back in so far.  It just takes me a few
tries some times.  The first time small craft warnings
were up and I had my daughter on board to assist.

All that said, if I can't learn to reliably back in
without drama, I will resort to pulling in.  I don't
see any reason to think this isn't something I can
master with practice though.

On the other hand, I can easily see where others would
make the opposite decision to mine especially if
conditions are different where they dock.

Pete
#554

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