Simplify Solo Yacht Docking: Expert Tips for 60 Foot Yachts

Docking a 60 foot yacht can seem stressful, especially if you're doing it solo. But with these expert tips, you'll learn the best techniques for successfully docking your yacht on your own.
From preparation and planning to executing the perfect docking, this video will show you everything you need to know to make solo yacht docking easy and stress-free. So whether you're a seasoned captain or a newbie, watch this video and learn how to dock like a pro!
As a yacht delivery captain, we are often faced with brand new docking situations, sometimes when we are on our own.
Stay tuned, plenty more videos to come!
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[@richardnoble4654]

Sir, I after a lifetime of sailing & skippering I thought I was alone in attention to detail and preparation. A very professional job.

[@ElevateYacht]

Wow this is such a cool comment! Thank you very much for your kind words and feedback! Cheers!

[@EuroGuy85]

By far the best explanation of how to single handedly dock a yacht! I bet you could possibly do it with even a 24 metre or longer. You know what you're doing, especially when you're refiguring things out and you explain it step by step.

[@ElevateYacht]

Wow, this comment truly made my day! Thank you very much for watching and for the very kind comment. It’s great to know that you guys are getting value from my content. I’ll do my best to keep this type of stuff coming and I welcome any input you guys have! 🙌🏼 Cheers!

[@Bikingwithliedtke]

Thank you so much! i promise to work hard everyday am on the water! And hopefully one day ill be as great as you!

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

I am so impressed with your attention to detail when you docked at the end of this video! You made everything just perfect, even the lines had to be matching.

[@ElevateYacht]

Thank you for noticing! I do my best to keep my client vessels looking as sharp and organized as possible. Always go that extra step, that’s what we hope sets us apart from the pack. Thank you for your support!

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

@@ElevateYacht You are very welcome Captain Dan!

[@dudson]

Like you prace of mind and clear planning -all well explained.

[@fazekrackx5912]

@@ElevateYacht to go with aa

[@emilianoalzate4055]

@@mitchellbarnow1709 the reason why you for the terror 5rr r reasons is is tat the world truth reason 5rfrrr5rrrr5rrrrr55r5rrrrrrrr4r5 r f =and truth is that it has only way truth truth truth terrorists the r t r r t and they reason reason for this 5r5rr t rfrrrrrrr4rr5r5rrrrrrrr r u going for a few days r reason reason why truth be mean fortress truth t you truth that it has to do something =5r5rr you you have a go somewhere to try to make a trip out to the rfrrrrrrr4rr5r5rrrrrrrr and 5rrrtrrrrrrr5r5rrrrxr r t rfrrrrrrr4rr5r5rrrrrrrr rrrr r rfrrrrrrr4rr5r5rrrrrrrr =rrrrrrrrr

[@MrRotorBow]

As a professional pilot, I appreciate everything I’m seeing here. Much like traveling via with a corporate aircraft, the amount of attention to detail we have to keep in mind is monumental. Lots of operational considerations to keep track of and to no surprise Captaining a yacht is much more of the same. Phenomenal job.

[@ElevateYacht]

Thank you very much for the kind words. It’s great to hear from your point of view. I’ve spent some time around private aircraft and hangars and I am blown away by the attention to detail and professionalism. Cheers to you for all you do. Thank you for watching and for sharing your insights!

[@gregjsinclair]

WOW,, Total Respect my Friend, that was very impressive, not sure what their paying you, but it isn't enough,,, Well Done.

[@ElevateYacht]

Thank you very much! I appreciate that. I’ll pass the input on to the owners 🤣 thank you for watching

[@joepetrone7288]

Pay the computer lol this guy is worthless

[@joepetrone7288]

Transport captain

[@rastapete100]

@@joepetrone7288 try not to be a dick.

[@joepetrone7288]

@@rastapete100 that's my specialty

[@RoyClare]

In my professional life I’ve docked an aircraft carrier, but it’s my yacht that brings me the greatest challenges! This video is a first-rate explanation and a neat execution. The only additional thing I do is to have available a boat-hook with a loop of docking line on it, so I can lasso a cleat when the wind makes things unexpectedly tricky …. 🤣

[@ElevateYacht]

That is a very smart move and one I should employ more often. Great input! Docking an aircraft carrier - wow. Thank you for your service! I’m happy to know these videos are approved. Thanks for watching and for commenting! Cheers

[@GeneRossano]

A very necessary piece of on deck and ready to use equipment.

[@monkemonke9048]

Is docking an aircraft carrier fun?

[@dieselyeti]

@@monkemonke9048 Probably, unless you hit something.

[@wooshkabeeba132]

Yeh, we do this and then clean fish, boat, equipment, everyday. Lots of work being the owner!

[@coodaman]

Docking my little 21 footer is a challenge. I kept smiling the whole time you were doing this. Great job.

[@Fishing_WithChris]

Ikr

[@ElevateYacht]

Thank you very much. I am glad you like the video. Thank you for watching!

[@vajindertaak3158]

This is just what I was looking for after watching all the 78-80 foot owner/driver yatch reviews....just need a lottery win to buy one!!!

[@PobNolisher7801]

Please keep making content like this, or anything remotely related to owning a boat.

[@ElevateYacht]

I will absolutely keep bringing out content to keep you guys happy. Thank you for watching and for commenting!

[@ushi120]

Thanks for the video, very nice docking and perfect explanation. Did anyone notice at the beginning (preparation) that he made a mistake with the midship spring line? When mooring he points out his little mistake. At the end everything is fine.

[@ElevateYacht]

Good catch! Thank you for watching and for your comments.

[@coolcreamykiwi]

if you are solo I would recommend prepairing boat with fenders lines on both sides, its a hard lesson to learn but the more options you have the better

[@ElevateYacht]

That’s perfect! I always do that when I make river delivery trips. The locks we go through rotate sides so I have lines and fenders on both sides at beginning of the trip. One less thing to worry about. Great comment. Thank you for watching and sharing!

[@Tinyytankk]

Just saw this on Facebook on UNILAD Tech, and was so amazed, glad they gave you credit so I could come over and subscribe. Excited to watch your other videos.

[@ElevateYacht]

That’s so cool to hear! I’m glad you came on over to check out the channel! Thank you very much for watching and commenting. I hope you enjoy! Cheers!

[@geoffreyneish7999]

Thank you for such great content, I'd add this vid to your resume! Your obviously a Top Tier Professional and a Captain worthy of the command! Thank you again for sharing your time with us! Wishing you all the best from Southampton Ont, Lake Huron 😉😎

[@ElevateYacht]

Thank you very much for watching and the kind comments! I will keep bringing content that can hopefully add value and entertainment. Thanks for the support!

[@tigersteele9552]

We had a local marina, off the Detroit River. My husband was the Lead Mechanic. He had Customers that Allowed only him to move and Wrench on their boats. His work ethic and knowledge, attention to detail is what made him, their Man!! Take Pride in your Work! Great job Sir.

[@ElevateYacht]

I love that! Totally agree with his mindset. I consider myself lucky to be able to work on these vessels and because of that, I treat them as if they were my own. Thank you for watching and sharing! Cheers!

[@The.Norwegian]

I do almost what you do for a living, except i am also a boat mechanic. I find it funny how our processes are exactly the same. Lots of things to figure out on a new customer's dock. Just take your time. The only thing that matters is that the boat arrives undamaged :) Nice video!

[@ElevateYacht]

That’s really cool! We should have an exchange program to check out boating in new countries! I’m glad you can appreciate the videos. Thank you for watching and sharing! I’m glad you’re here! Cheers

[@The.Norwegian]

@@ElevateYacht Wow, that was a quick reply! If you want to, you could always send me a message. I do boats professionally every single day with my wonderful colleagues here in beautiful Norway :)

[@ericgulseth74]

@@The.Norwegian Loved Norway. Can't wait to go back.

[@stevenwilson8718]

This is perfect! I was just thinking about upgrading from my 1999 17' ski boat to a 60' yacht.... Right after I win the lottery this week

[@tacodias]

Yes it was calm, yes it has joystick… but there’s nothing easy about docking a 60footer on a dock you don’t know, solo! Great video

[@ElevateYacht]

Very true! This was definitely the best possible conditions to dock in and a slip with a lot of beam, but this helped provide me the time to slowly walk through the process and be as descriptive as possible. Thank you for watching and for commenting!

[@harrisonbrady609]

Echoing the sentiment that it was kind of easy mode with such a new boat in calm conditions with joysticks and skyhook and thrusters, though it was impressive boat handling. I’m curious how you would have handled the situation in an older vessel that didn’t have all that stuff?

[@ElevateYacht]

Actually a lot of the steps in planning and preparation would be the exact same. I would still float in an open area to prep lines and fenders without skyhook, but might have to go back to the helm once or twice to correct or move the vessel if it drifts a bit. I would still approach the dock in the same way and when it came time to turn the boat, I would reverse with my port engine. This would bring my port side swinging toward the dock. Once I was parallel with the dock, or as close as possible, I would use very short clicks in and out of gear with my port and/or starboard engine to “walk” the boat backwards into the slip. As always, and maybe even more so when not using thrusters or joysticks, GO SLOW. Thank you for watching and for commenting!

[@aadzuiderwijk5192]

It took ages!!!

[@aadzuiderwijk5192]

With an 85mtr Rhine vessel my captain could play with it with just a 1000hp MWM with also just one propellor, people become more and more handicapped, this really costs a fortune...

[@dotconnector1746]

Just discovered this video. It is very cool to see how you take us through your ahead thinking and re-figuring out how to leave the boat in the state you want it to be in. I love how you show that it is perfectly possible to dock a huge yacht single-handedly with very reasonable stress levels. Experience shines through all you do. Great job and great video!

[@ElevateYacht]

I’m very happy to hear you enjoyed the video and that there was some educational value as well. Thank you for watching and for the kind words! Welcome to the channel. Cheers!

[@caryhecker420]

long time boater and this is the best videos I've seen! Details are everything...looking forward to buying my new yacht and making my dreams a reality!

[@p9a9r21]

Kudos! And many well deserved thanks from "captains" of vessels large and small for your informative video seminar on docking a large vessel. Your instructions and preparations should inspire all boaters to exhibit the forethought and throughgness to keep vessels, themselves and others safe.

[@ElevateYacht]

Thank you very much for the kind words! I appreciate you watching the video and commenting. Hope you enjoy the channel and if you or others can learn something along the way, even better! Cheers

[@islandcontrol]

If you'd put the starboard stern cleat level with the cleat on the dock you negate the stern line in the way issue and free up a second line for the port stern to keep the bow off when the boat is being blown on in stronger winds

[@GingerNinja1]

Docked it like a pro! Training & confidence goes a long way. I'd like to see how you maneuver it all when seas aren't calm. Forgive my ignorance, but why don't they ever have the bubble mirrors attached on the ends of the swim platform so the captain can see the blind spots? I've always wondered that. That last spring line move to the opposite side of the platform was genius. 👌

[@ElevateYacht]

Thank you very much! I actually have seen a few vessels with small mirrors on them for the captain to see blind spots or for backing into a slip, I presume. Whatever gives the owner confidence when they need it. Thank you for watching!

[@GingerNinja1]

@@ElevateYacht That or camera's. Thanks for answering my question.

[@ElevateYacht]

Cameras are definitely more prevalent and a great help at the helm. Plus they keep the look a little classier

[@GingerNinja1]

@@ElevateYacht Absolutely agree

[@wile.coyote8466]

"Docked it like a pro!"...yes nice & careful, without any need for speed & fluster, 'Slow is Pro'!

[@polyrythmical]

If I was a real jerk I could say, nice small yacht, super long and unpopulated dock, maneuverable boat with joystick control, virtually no wind or current, and still you were out of breath when all said and done.. But, I'm not a jerk, so I salute you captain, and knowing that this was not your boat and your first time in this slip, you did a hell of a professional job. Very caring for the owner : )

[@ElevateYacht]

Seems like you may have read some of the other comments on this post huh? Hah, I really appreciate your honest thoughts and feedback. Thank you for watching and commenting (and for taking it easy on me 🤣)

[@kenfretwell7947]

Watch your hand/fingers in the loop man!

[@RiczWest]

Nice one - I only have a 25' boat, but I want to be able to handle it just by myself (not yet - only got it a few months ago) and learn heaps. This big lesson was pausing out of dock and getting things arranged - especially the lines. It's winter here and my boat is being serviced, but come spring I'll be practicing this (with crew just in case ;).

[@ElevateYacht]

Practice makes perfect! Line the boat with fenders, find an area with multiple open slips and go to town docking and undocking. Great way to improve! Congrats on the new boat! Cheers

[@GeneRossano]

​@@ElevateYacht Practice. On April 01, 1975, nobody else was even present in the marina. when I bought and put my first sailboat in the water of Lake Ontario, NY. Our new boat's name, "Clown Around", was chosen by my sons who had the tiller every time we moved the boat. She was a Cal 29 with a 4.5' fin keel, spade rudder, 3350# balast in the keel, 9.25" beam, and a Universal atomic 4, 30 hp gas engine with a left reverse propeller. I immediately took my wife and 2 boys, 7 and 11 years old out of the marina and out of the jetty into lake Ontario. None of them had ever been in any kind of boat before and had never been in water up to their necks before. I went far enough out from land so that no one could actually figure out what II was doing. I was practicing everything that I could think of including docking concerning the use of the engine, lines, fenders, and crew. We talked it out and we all agreed that I was in control when docking. We would always have a docking plan consisting of 3 parts. Plan A, B, and C. Plan A was to be a perfect landing complete with fenders down and lines ready to stop, control, and tie up. Plan B was what to do to correct the Plan A docking situation gone bad for any reason. Plan C was simply to stop where we were, regroup, back out from there, and retry for a perfect Plan A docking maneuver again. I was the Captain at the controls and my wife emphasized that it was the crew's job to make the Captain look good at all times. That's how it began in 1975 and that's how it worked every year from April 01, when we moved aboard until November 1st when we moved off. The kids loved it and took great relish in letting the world know how good a landing or a saved landing that they had made. I bought my second boat new in 1977. Her name was Challenger chosen by my wife and kids. She was a Challenger 35' ketch with full keel, cutaway forefoot, and a barn door keel hung rudder with a right reverse, smaller, 2 bladed, propeller, and a12' beam, I sold my Challenger in 1995. In1995 I moved to Florida and bought an 18'-7" X 22", sea touring, kevlar kayak with a rudder. Me and "Jeannie H" have paddled over 15,500 miles since I bought her in September 2004.

[@ElevateYacht]

That’s very smart planning and very coordinated. Thank you for sharing your story. Love boating stories. Thank you for watching!

[@JohnSmith-zo6ir]

Just what I needed to know. You don't need crew for a 60-70 foot boat. Skyhook and joystick. You can also get a remote control docking system just like your TV remote and you can use that to dock the boat from ashore. Well done. I liked your on-the-run problem solving because each slip will be different.

[@ElevateYacht]

Great feedback here! Thank you very much for watching and commenting. I’m glad you appreciate the content. Cheers!

[@allaboutyachting]

Yeah, all is so easy, when it's dead calm and you have a finger dock.. Nevertheless a nice demonstration of how to single hand dock. Looks different when you need to moore stern back. Even without wind.

[@ElevateYacht]

Ha yes many have pointed out the ideal conditions in this video, I also mention it too because on days like this docking can almost feel like cheating being so easy. With that said, it was a perfect opportunity to more slowly walk through the process to better explain. Thank you for watching and for your comment. I’m glad you enjoyed it. More to come! Cheers!

[@allaboutyachting]

@@ElevateYacht I didn't want to complain and yes you mentioned it a couple of times. And yes, it has been a perfect day to shoot this educational video. Well done 👏 and thank you 🙏🏻

[@ElevateYacht]

@@allaboutyachting I do welcome criticism though because I know I’m not perfect and I can always learn. Bring it on 😊 I appreciate you!

[@msinclaircorp4571]

and by far the best explanation of how to single handedly dock!!!, thanks

[@ElevateYacht]

@@msinclaircorp4571 wow. Thank you very much. That means a lot. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@martinskyhopper601]

usually i dont like ppl with such large boats cause they dont know shit about how to drive and dock thier boat properly, but this guy is doing it all perfectly. Awsome video, i learnt so much from this👌

[@ElevateYacht]

Thank you very much for the kind words! Welcome to the channel, thank you for watching and commenting!

[@Kefoo_]

-- Let's hear it for state-of-the-art joy sticks! Nice work!

[@wile.coyote8466]

Joy sticks & 'Skyhook' - great inventions.

[@spwb2k]

Finally a yacht on YT that actually looks lived in and not a museum. probably reminds a lot of folks of their family RV.

[@ElevateYacht]

Ha this vessel was being delivered for the first time in the spring, so all of the stuff was loaded in and not put away yet. She is much cleaner than this usually, but like you said, it’s no museum, it’s a family vessel. Thank you for watching!

[@anac3652]

After learning so much about professional aviation and how things are done with aircraft its interesting to see how things are done professionally in the yacht industry especially solo like single pilot ops at new airports. Thanks for sharing

[@ElevateYacht]

Thank you for sharing and for commenting! It’s interesting to hear there are some similarities. Welcome to the channel!

[@janentomenkafka]

I noticed the exact same similarities. I learned to sail as a kid. Before you dock, you check the wind and mentally reckon when to "loosen" the sails. Too early and you don't reach the shore, too late and you hit the dock hard. Later in life I learned to fly and you do exactly the same when doing a circuit and preparing to land. Well... in the plane you can correct yourself by adding or reducing power ;-) By the time I started flying, I already got a (sailing) coastal navigation license. Stuff like meteo, navigation and radio were also pretty similar to what you have to learn when you start flying.

[@ElevateYacht]

That’s very interesting stuff! Flying seems way too daunting for me to consider. I’ll stuck with the water and live vicariously through you guys! Thank you for watching and sharing your insight! Cheers!

[@anac3652]

@@ElevateYacht haha its pretty easy when you get used to it. Its all about that decision making, no different than knowing what to do when docking. Youve got quite a cool job and I hope to be able to afford to do the same once I get into a flying career!

[@ElevateYacht]

@@anac3652 that sounds awesome! Best of luck with your career. It truly is something special when you can do what you’re passionate about every day. Cheers 🙌🏼

[@markburton8680]

You said it wasn’t a difficult to dock as water was calm, you added a degree of difficulty by explaining in detail everything you did, great job I’m impressed!

[@ElevateYacht]

Thank you very much for watching and your kind words. Glad the content is appreciated. Cheers!

[@alexandruolteanu]

Well done. Docking a 60 footer can be nerve wrecking. If I may, I'd recommend bowlines on the dock and keep lines on the boat to keep things neat. Also, it happened to me to have locked warps on cleats when the lock off is made too soon. So I use minimum two Xs and an O and then maybe lockoff. Very well explained and easy to follow, step by step. Thank you.

[@ElevateYacht]

I always suggest keeping a set of dock lines (and lining the dock with fenders) - this way everything is set at the proper lengths and waiting for your arrival. This specific situation was bringing the vessel in to its slip for the season, so dock lines were not yet prepped on the dock. Great advice! Thank you for watching and for your input!

[@prospect8696]

Modern technology, anyone can dock these things these days. However, I am glad I learned on old school boats. Taught me how to control a boat better.

[@ElevateYacht]

You are definitely right, modern technology definitely helps. But, like you said, when I train my clients, I always start with the “basics”. Learning the traditional ways first is key. Definitely use the tools that are available to you, but do know how to work without them in case of emergency. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@toddniehaus]

EXACTLY the video I was looking for, right down to the harbor! Great job walking us through the process. Thank you.

[@ElevateYacht]

Hey Todd! Glad to hear you got some value out of this video! I’m happy to help in any way that I can. I’ve got a new docking and undocking video coming soon, so stay on the lookout for that! Think you’ll enjoy the next one too

[@TChalla007]

Reps for both Zeus and Volvo talk about docking singlehanded bet I've never seen a real world scenario, especially on a 60ft. They only show demos. This was an excellent tutorial on not just the joy stick but how you would dock a boat.

[@ElevateYacht]

Thank you very much. I’m glad I can “practice what I preach” by literally working on and captaining boats daily. I’ve been able to build a great amount of real world experience and am trying to share through my experiences.

[@MattKellyFishing]

This was great to watch! Thanks for explaining so clearly your thought process throughout the whole video. Really really good.

[@ElevateYacht]

I’m glad you enjoyed the video! Thank you for watching and commenting 🙌🏼

[@Sailor376also]

You did well. I noted the routing over the rail vs under the rail , first preset line. You noted and mentioned when you were on the dock and setting lines. Easy mistake, easy correction. Two improvements to suggest. When you tie your fenders to their correct length, I always use a quick disconnect clove hitch. I do not pull the tail all the way through. I finish with half of a bow like on a shoe lace,, a tug on the aglet (bitter end)and the knot goes away. Just like a reef knot on a reefed sail. Makes it really easy to reset length. An important difference. I never ask my shore power cords to support them selves. Set a line in your upper ships 4 hole cleat port stern, wrap the dock line around your shore power cables a soft 2 turns the length of the cables,, and tie off snugly to the cleat at the base of the shore power connection box. The two turn wrap supports the cable and the slight friction allows you to have slack at each end Cables can remain high and dry and tension is only on the dock line. Your most basic truth was at the very beginning,, set up on your way in. Have all lines routed under the rail,, in easy reach from the dock and all fenders preset to the proposed side and length. Single handed sailboats for years. One diesel, folding prop that had to be spun up hard to have any reverse, and no thrusters. You learn to turn the boat with a fore and aft dance that turns the vessel with the prop walk and the rudder. Your approach through the marina in this video, , the turn, back down, and then full stop,,,, were nothing short of magnificent. That was art.

[@ElevateYacht]

Wow this is such a great and truly thorough response. I really appreciate the depth of your feedback here. I too do use the quick disconnect hitch - though I never knew the correct name ha. Your suggestion about the shore power cords and an extra line is amazing and I will for sure give that some tries. Thank you very much for watching and for your awesome feedback. I am very happy you enjoyed the video! Cheers!

[@matiasespina1490]

Well done!!! Me and my dad sometimes struggle with out 33 foot when there’s a lot of current. Great job!

[@ElevateYacht]

Every docking situation brings a new set of challenges, especially in wind or current. Thank you for watching and commenting! Cheers

[@bradleybaughman4621]

I'm just thinking about getting into boating and you SIR have shown myself and plenty of others what it actually takes to do it right in my opinion. Thank you for taking the time to show how it is PROPERLY done!!! Great job!!!!

[@ElevateYacht]

I’m very happy to hear the video was helpful and enjoyable. If I can help in any way, that’s a huge honor. Thank you for watching and for sharing your feedback! Cheers 🙌🏼

[@billmoran3812]

Very nicely done. Ship handling has always been my favorite thing going back to when I was in the Coast Guard. I once made a bet with my crew on an 82’ WPB that I could dock single handed. Easy enough when you know where you are going and can pre set your lines.

[@ElevateYacht]

That’s awesome! I like your style. Thank you for watching and for sharing. Welcome to the channel!

[@slobodandjurdjevic5607]

That was perfect. Done. Now I just need a yacht.

[@ethanbrockman5311]

I can’t be the only one stressing watching this

[@ElevateYacht]

Docking can be stressful at times but preparation and thinking 6 steps ahead can really help to lessen the stress and help you be more prepared for anything that might happen. Thank you for watching!

[@DEUTSCHES_KAISERREICH..]

nah, you arent the only one😂

[@helmmaster932]

Honestly I didn’t watch this because I need to know how to dock a boat, but just watching how skilled u are

[@ElevateYacht]

Wow that is a wonderful compliment. Thank you very much! I’m happy to hear you like the video. Thank you for watching and for your kind words! Cheers

[@helmmaster932]

@@ElevateYacht cheers!

[@WaterFowler41]

Awesome info! If you can it’d be interesting to see two more parts to this. Docking with the wind blowing out of the slip and again with it blowing into the slip. And for kicks, a real world docking scenario where kids toys are all over the place, music is too loud, and one of your boat guests is trying to help but really just getting in the way. Just kidding. subscribed!

[@ElevateYacht]

Hah sounds like you really understand the typical life of a captain! These types of videos would definitely be helpful and likely entertaining. I will continue to work to bring new content and perspectives. I appreciate your input and feedback! Looking forward to seeing you on the water soon!

[@DrCrabfingers]

I've done this many times in my head....! The dock seemed to be a little light on cleats...but the size of the marina...huge! The stern line always strikes me as an issue when you have a swim platform....also mooring in high wind that was blowing you off the dock would make docking solo a real pain, fairly easy to get a stern line on but I'm not sure I'd want to try and pull the bow of a large boat back onto the dock against the wind. I've seen people lasso a cleat from the bow of the boat just using a large loop and temporarily secure the bow...then re-tie it later. Really enjoyed your video....subscribed...

[@ElevateYacht]

Docking solo is not always as easy as this video shows. You are absolutely right, trying to pull the bow or stern of a larger vessel is not easy, especially in a wind or current. Lassoing a cleat from the boat is an option for sure, but I would prefer that with a second hand onboard in the event you don’t catch the cleat on the first few tries and winds aren’t cooperating. In general, I don’t attempt solo docking or solo trips unless I know the conditions will be favorable. No need to risk a client’s vessel. Great attention to detail in the video and your comments! I really appreciate you watching and commenting! Cheers 🙌🏼

[@poserwanabe]

I've never done this before but somehow now i feel like an expert.....awesome !!

[@ElevateYacht]

I love that! Thank you for watching and commenting! 🙌🏼

[@poserwanabe]

@@ElevateYacht I'm going to be retiring onto a live aboard within the next 10 years, I'm really excited

[@ElevateYacht]

Living the dream! Good for you. Hopefully some of the videos can help you along the way. Cheers

[@poserwanabe]

@@ElevateYacht subbed and watching them all !!!

[@roadboat9216]

Nicely done Captain. Wow, modern equipment like this really helps, as does nearly no wind or current. I learned (probably as you) with single screw no thrusters, (the hardest) . Then with bow thruster, then twin and no thrusters to now twin with bow and stern thrusters computer/joystick interfaced. And with “Skyhook” Love it!! As a US sailing and US Power Boating instructor/Captain, if I could knit pick a little for the sake of the novice, it’s best to give a round turn on the cleat knot before the crossing and locking part. This puts the load more on the round turn and less on the hitch itself. Especially on a vessel of this size and windage if you get into a blow and or waves/wakes. And on the fenders. The best knot for this is a complete round turn on the rail then 2 half hitches (a clove hitch) on the standing or workload part of the line. This can be tied, untied or adjusted under load and will never jam or slip. Yes, I know that I am knit picking, but seeing as this is an instructional video. Thought that I would throw this in for the sake of the new person. Again, great job. Singlehanding a vessel of this size is not easy and as can be seen even with all the modern tools and conveniences with perfect conditions, it still takes thought, skill fore planing and a good bit of hustling around. And as was properly done here, never JUMP off of a boat to tie up. Thanks.

[@ElevateYacht]

Fred, thank you for the very thoughtful and detailed feedback on the video. I really appreciate you taking the time to watch the video and also taking the time to help others through your input. Very good stuff. Cheers!

[@roadboat9216]

@@ElevateYacht And thank you for making this video. You had enough on your hands without making a video too!

[@christophera3330]

By far the best explanation I have come across. I got nervous watching, but sounded like you were cool as a cucumber and in full command at all times. Thank you for sharing..

[@ElevateYacht]

Thank you very much! As a captain you’ve got to remain calm and try to remove the emotion from it. Sure, the heart can still pitter patter, but by planning 6 steps in advance and focusing on the controllable, you can be as prepared as possible.

[@jarheade3823]

I have never seen a one man docking of a yacht that size,.. Well done.

[@ElevateYacht]

Thank you very much! Thanks for watching 🙌🏼

[@nauticusyachting]

So glad to see I 'm not the only one going all crazy with them lines on my P55.

[@PasqualeMieleJr-ox5rf]

You did a great job very nice work. I know that’s not easy to do. That’s tough to park boat because when the wind blows it moves and it’s very hard and very easy to crash that too, but that’s good that you have all that electronic stuff that boat that makes a hell of a lot easier.

[@matthewgorman1088]

90% mindset and being ready. Knowing wind, momentum, blind spots, dock length, available power. Taking the time to setup extra fenders and lines. 10% maneuvering. That’s how you can tell you know what your doing.

[@ElevateYacht]

Thank you for watching and for the great comment! Cheers!

[@tedunguent156]

I always enjoy watching a pro do his thing. The "bone-headed boaters" videos are amusing but this is the kind of thing that I prefer to watch. Well done. Thanks for making such a useful and entertaining video.

[@ElevateYacht]

I appreciate your input and feedback here! Very glad you appreciate the video and it’s content. Thank you for watching and commenting. I hope you stick around! Let me know what other videos you might be interested in. Cheers!

[@username-mc7jw]

Well done! I like the fact that you were saying out loud, everything you were thinking in your mind. Reminds me a lot of how I do things...

[@ElevateYacht]

I try and make it a point to talk through as much as I can. Docking so many different vessels, I often just go into “auto” mode and that isn’t as beneficial to the audience. Hopefully it helps! Thank you for watching and commenting! Cheers

[@schaefer32100]

Nicely completed wish all large powerboats had this skill level. And use of very slow speed.

[@ElevateYacht]

Thank you very much for watching and for the kind words. I think everyone can benefit from slow speeds for sure! Cheers!

[@rjmetzger7885]

Not sure if anyone else caught it, but loving the Scam Likely contact name when you got the phone call. Dungeons and Daddies fan?!

[@ElevateYacht]

Good eyes. That’s a very helpful service that our cell phone company provides. We get so many a day, it’s helpful to know which ones to avoid ha. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@mikebartlett9736]

Just a tip. Leave the bumpers tied on and throw it on the bow towards the aft. When u get close to dock just pull it off with dock pole and it flops into water. U can stand on drivers seat and just grab pole rather than walk all the way up to bow.

[@dankahlig6691]

Okay that was a super impressive video about how to single hand-idly dock a big boat. What is equally impressive is you responded to every comment! We’ll done my friend!!

[@ElevateYacht]

I’ve been really blown away by the support and the fact that people actually enjoy watching my videos. Because of that, I want to make sure I show my gratitude and thank you all for your support. I’m very happy to know you like the channel so far. Thanks for being here! 🙌🏼

[@3vimages471]

Slow and steady gets the job done. Very professional.

[@ElevateYacht]

Thank you very much! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@lumpyg63ipod]

Awesome to see someone so skilled. Loved all the explanation as to why you were doing everything you did. I learned a lot (not that it will matter much for my 13.5’ sail boat lol). Did an amazing job docking a 60’ yacht by yourself while explaining everything!!

[@ElevateYacht]

Thank you so much! I’m very glad you got some value out of the video! I appreciate you watching and sharing your comments. Thanks! 🙌🏼

[@edpetrikk2027]

I did the same docking procedure will my 16 foot skiff ( tiller motor ) and two deck hands ..took us about an hour but we got er done ..👍😎

[@ElevateYacht]

As long as you get in the slip, that’s a win! 💪🏼 thank you for watching and commenting!

[@user-st2ub2js3n]

Thoroughly enjoy all your videos about docking and other subjects. At present I have a 24 ft Maxum on Lake Michigan out of portage harbor in Indiana. Spent a number of years launching my Dad's boat out of 59th street harbor then in later years out of Burnham. Really enjoy cruising Lake Michigan. Hoping to upgrade in the near future to a bigger vessel. Thanks again for all the detailed videos.

[@ElevateYacht]

I kept my first boat in Marina Shores in Portage for a few seasons! Really enjoyed that area. Sandbars and relaxed boating. Burnham harbor was where my dad and I used to launch our little bow rider when I was a young kid too. Such great memories! I’m very happy to hear you are enjoying the channel and the content. I really appreciate you watching and sharing your story! I’m here for any help or input when you’re ready for the next vessel too! Thanks again! Cheers 🙌🏼

[@AR-wg1di]

I don't know why I watched this. I don't own a boat let alone a Yacht but I was very interested. Good job!

[@ElevateYacht]

That’s great to hear! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you very much for watching and for commenting! Cheers

[@cjmac8233]

That was so cool and informative to watch. I have a 30 footer and even then I haven’t docked or undocked single handed. This vid gives me inspiration to do so

[@ElevateYacht]

That’s great to hear! Thank you for watching and commenting. I’m glad you like the channel 🙌🏼

[@niko36]

No wind, no current, no traffic, what do you a bow thruster as well? Wow what a pro! Lol “single handed” hahahahaha

[@Banditchappi]

Very impressive vessel and manoeuvre! I own a 43 ft former tug boat reconfigured as a recreational vessel with about 62.000 pounds with a single engine without a bow thrust and I never docked it single-handed. I have my wife for it. 🤣👍🏻 Anyway, it makes me happy to see that the processes of docking are nearly the same as we do it. The lines are configured before reaching the dock, we also select the docking side first, but I prefer the port side because of the momentum. Fenders are out in right place and right height above water fitting to the stage. And, most important, tidiness with hazards like stumbling traps. The only difference is that we always will go forward into the box because backwards makes no sense with our vessel. But in weather conditions as we see here we do it the same way with docking first with a spring line to prevent moving the vessel further. That multiple reconfiguration of the lines after docking we know also very well. Especially in the case when there are too less cleats on the landing stage like we see here. Greetings from Germany!

[@ElevateYacht]

Props to you and your wife for maneuvering and handling a vessel like that. I’m happy to hear that you appreciate the processes and follow similar ones as well. Thank you for watching and sharing! Cheers!

[@guinnessharvey4476]

Those joysticks are game changers

[@ElevateYacht]

They changed the industry by totally opening boating up to more people. Docking and undocking is some of the biggest stressors and to be able to provide confidence and control is huge. Thanks for watching!

[@PaulandSagra]

Really great video demonstrating the thought process and flexibility needed to berth a large motor yacht single handedly.

[@ElevateYacht]

Thank you very much for watching and for the kind words! I appreciate it! Cheers 🙌🏼

[@CFArmouredCrewman]

Ah those controllers are awesome. My in-Laws Yacht has the wireless handheld controllers (basically Nintendo Wii lol) and he can actually jump off onto the dock and guide it in like an RC boat... amazing to watch.

[@ElevateYacht]

The new technology in this industry is really amazing. Bringing boating to whole new groups of new boaters. Thank you for watching and sharing!

[@testingsomething6519]

Hmmm. You make it look very easy. Obviously, you do have a lot of experience and a lovely, planned and slow approach to slip etc. But, I guess having a 'skyhook' park, aft remote control, joystick, bowthruster, video control, no wind, no current, mooring in a slip and not right between other large boats (like we have to do in France) could be a benefit. I would be very interested to see you do a version with an 'aid malfunction' and come in just on engines. I think we would all find that very useful to see.

[@ElevateYacht]

I’m glad you asked! You might find this video useful - twin engine docking, no thrusters kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioqWg2R9rLppnLs Also, skyhook does not dock or do any driving other than holding the vessel in an exact location based off its GPS coordinates. There is new technology coming that has assisted docking, this vessel does not have it. Video also does zero controlling, only is there as a visual aid. However, you are correct in saying that the lack of wind and slip size were helpful in making this look so easy. Thank you for watching and for your kind works and feedback. I appreciate it! Cheers

[@doverivermedia3937]

Very interesting and insightful 👍. Thanks for sharing.... and greetings from the UK 🇬🇧

[@JulieWallis1963]

My dear husband has told me we can have a boat… if I’m willing to drive and park it! This has given me hope that maybe I could be a boat owner again,

[@ElevateYacht]

That’s great news! I’m happy to help more people become boaters 🙌🏼 thanks for watching and commenting. See you on the water soon :)

[@basilreardon5783]

Your using dynamic positioning with your autopilot and you have a stern docking station for your bow thruster . Its a good way not to scratch your paint job . What was the price tag of your electronic system for private use ? To gain this stamp on your MMC it's 1500 clams . You have a sweet toy to play with .

[@wilfdarr]

The one thing I'd mention is that you shouldn't make it a habit of tying your fenders to the hand rails or lifelines: this creates more torque on the stanchions and can eventually crack them. Fenders should be tied to the base of the stanchions or to the toe rails. Otherwise, great video.

[@ElevateYacht]

Great comment and observation. Thank you for your comment and helpful input! Cheers

[@flubby18]

Boy, the definition of yacht has certainly been expanded.

[@molokaibro]

Thank you for proper docking crazy how so many boats survive there owners

[@ElevateYacht]

With the massive influx of new boaters to the industry, training and lessons are key to keeping people and their vessels safe. I always appreciate when boaters take the initiative to receive lessons and training. There is no shame in asking for help. Thank you for watching and for liking the video! Cheers!

[@robertloehr5130]

He did a nice job explaining, doing this with a current and 10 to 15 knot winds would be a different story.

[@ElevateYacht]

Thank you very much for watching and commenting. Here in Chicago, we get plenty of days with strong winds, so I’m quite familiar with windy docking. This day was perfect to dock and slowly walk through the process for a video. Windy docking days are all business. Cheers!

[@mitchelp.4517]

IPS drives with joystick and skyhook, and a bow thruster on top. Stern docking controls. A dead calm day, a 100ft slip for a 60ft yacht haha. Barney Rubble could dock her at this point.

[@scottdowney4318]

Nice docking job. My own boat, a 37 Egg harbor, I tie up in a slip with pilings on both sides, and found the large rear fender simple does nothing but get the hull side dirty. It has a SS rubrail which can rub the piling instead, and I tie it so it is centered in the slip. So I stopped using that one large rear fender all the time.

[@ElevateYacht]

That’s a great technique and a great boat. It’s nice having pilings you can pivot off of if needed and not worry about and damage. Some of the pilings in our harbor system are metal, which does not work well for that. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@Denstoradiskmaskinen]

At Second Dock Cleat, can have the middle Yacht-Cleat with a long rope, with a loop in the end, connect it as you go by, by Pole technique/rope, so you have 1 point connected as you go to Stern Cleat. This Bow thruster technique is redundant to it

[@ElevateYacht]

this technique is great, especially if you have an established dock with lines pre-set. I always like to get the midship - rear-facing cleat on first, then in the worst case, you can engage the outside engine in reverse and pin the boat against the dock. Great advice. Thank you for watching and for your input!

[@kevinh.w.crabbe8748]

This is all good the norm is it lotta changes since I bought it in the 70s and this is all good instruction telling us the step you doing is very good it says zero I appreciate that

[@ElevateYacht]

Thank you very much for watching and for your input! Cheers!

[@TheKickboxerr]

Great tutorial, now I can dock my super yacht to...

[@DoodMangSpeaks]

Idk if im just too broke to understand but owning a yacht just doesn’t seem too fun to me. This video was super cool and I am super impressed you docked that huge boat. Thats nerve racking lol 🤘

[@ElevateYacht]

They can be a lot of work but sure can be fun too. Then again, being on any boat is great. Thank you for watching and commenting! Great to hear you like the video. Welcome to the channel! Cheers

[@Vetteman372]

you are a pro, i have trouble with my 26' boat and you did it with a 60' WOW

[@ElevateYacht]

Thank you very much! Hope you’re enjoying the channel! 🙌🏼

[@nikolacar6025]

This is the best explained docking video i have ever seen

[@ElevateYacht]

Wow, thank you very much! That’s great to hear and I’m glad you enjoyed the video! Thank you for watching and for the kind words🙌🏼

[@jeremypilot1015]

Consummate pro for sure! can't put a single mark on a brand new boat. You obviously know what you're doing, that company hopefully compensates you well. You save them a lot of money on each delivery.

[@ElevateYacht]

Thank you very much for the kind words and support! There is definitely a lot that can happen to a vessel during a delivery - especially ones that involve four locks. Can never be too careful 🙌🏼 Thank you for watching and commenting! Welcome to the channel. Cheers!

[@jimj2683]

With the new garmin birds eye view system and virtual bumper you could dock the boat from inside.

[@ElevateYacht]

I have seen some videos on that and also the new Volvo technology they’ve got coming out. Pretty wild stuff. This improving technology just helps to open boating and larger yachting to so many new boaters. Great for the industry. Thank you for watching and commenting! Cheers!

[@johntripp2028]

nice boat. I once stern docked a 65 foot cat in a 26 foot wide slip. The cat had a 25 foot beam, dead calm slack tide. Las Olas City Marina, Fort Lauderdale, FL

[@ElevateYacht]

Damn nice work! I always enjoy a good challenge in docking like that. Cats are great with all that beam they have. Unfortunately, the Great Lakes aren’t ideal for cats with lack of slips wide enough. Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@mikefoote34]

This was perfect. Working at a marina myself, everything was well executed. If only everyone could get their lines ready before coming in, they whiskey throttle it and blame us even when they have no lines or fenders set up.

[@ElevateYacht]

Thank you very much for the support! What seems like an obvious step in preparation to us, might not be to others. When making yacht deliveries, I end up traveling with my own kit of gear and supplies because you never know what is onboard and the condition it’s in. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@jomarkelly3932]

Very impressed with your Handling and detail… job well done! Thanks for sharing.

[@ElevateYacht]

Thank you very much for the kind words! I am very happy you enjoy the video. Hopefully you find some education or entertainment out of the channel. Thank you for watching and for commenting!

[@Corster45]

I miss working at the marina. Had such an awesome time and met a lot of great people! Very well done sir!

[@ElevateYacht]

This is truly a great industry to be in. Lots of great people - from the marinas and their staff, to the boaters themselves. Thank you for watching and commenting! Cheers

[@pointvillage16]

FYI- For all the people who are not captains and don’t know what you are talking about. The greater size of vessel you are operating the easier it becomes to operate..

[@garynoll700]

Daniel that was a great video with alfred chit show. Good job man.

[@davesenor3146]

Nice job! I never thought a video on docking could be so interesting and entertaining...Thanks for sharing

[@ElevateYacht]

This is great to hear! Honestly took me a while to start filming content because I wasn’t sure people would find it interesting. I spend just about every day on a vessel and a lot of what I do has become “routine” but now I am seeing that there is value in filming everything and letting you guys decide what you would like to watch. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@erictrowery8590]

I absolutely appreciate this video I learned a lot thank you

[@scotland1380]

Don’t own a yacht but had a great time watching this and learned a lot. One day this will come in handy lol

[@ElevateYacht]

That’s great to hear! I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Welcome to the channel. Thank you for watching and commenting! Cheers!

[@jamesdill6832]

I really enjoyed watching you tie up this boat ! ! !🤩

[@ElevateYacht]

Thank you very much for watching and commenting! Cheers

[@konstantinivanov1986]

I've got a boat too. A 15f Lowe john from 1975 i get to transfer control in the back too its built in my bilge pump. Great thing about it it cost as much as one of your ropes.

[@ElevateYacht]

That’s a fishing machine right there! Great boat! Thanks for watching and commenting! Cheers

[@konstantinivanov1986]

@@ElevateYacht great job docking. Lived in Chicago for 10yrs and been out on the lake in an old Imperial a few times. Those docks freak me out. That was a nice boat. But it ain't nothing without a captain like you.

[@ElevateYacht]

@@konstantinivanov1986 thank you very much. I really appreciate your kind words. If you ever make it back to the city, shoot me a message!

[@timelapse-relaxation2526]

Awesome video. Docking is probably our most favorite thing to do on my buddy’s 66’. Gets nerve racking when wind blowing pretty hard though. Great control and most respect doing it solo!

[@ElevateYacht]

Thank you very much! Docking is the best! I love the challenge and how each time is a little different. Thanks for watching and commenting! Cheers