How To Dock a Single Engine Boat

[@javmo701]

Great job explaining a complex subject while also performing and filming simultaneously! Your ability to break down the information in an understandable way really helps the audience grasp the concepts more easily. Thank you! At the end of day is all about feeling, orientation and practice.

[@raymondharper9935]

Thanks. I'm an old fisherman new to boating. Demonstrating and talking me through the process is excellent. I'll practice.

[@tamikobroms5465]

More docking videos! Very informative. Love how you use the drone to show aerial views.

[@burritotrap]

It's really helpful as a beginner practicing for a boat license. The way you explained it is superb, just the right amount of detail even for non native english speakers. The different camera angles make it so much easier to see what's going on. Thanks for all the effort you put in with the drone.

[@markdole3768]

Great video thanks for taking the time to explain this. The overhead view really helped out.

[@NickOlinde]

Absolutely. I appreciate the kind words!

[@PanoMono]

You do a good job explaining concepts that are difficult to put into words. The aerial views help a lot.

[@NickOlinde]

I try my best to keep it simple and easy to understand!

[@DeanSchroeder-d3z]

Great video for new boaters. Please make more videos about all aspects of the; basic, intermediate and advanced boating skills. Thank you

[@gilbertolsson7432]

Hello Nick. Thanks for the video! The boat rotate going forward and not going reverse, just like if you imaging a car with only backaxle STEERING. A car with frontaxle steering also rotate but only when you are going reverse. The explaination is WHERE the steering is placed, in the front or in the back.

[@georgetullis7216]

Thanks bro. Had freshwater boats most of my life and never had a grasp on this until now. Thanks.

[@KIWI_ADVENTURES]

Hey Nick, very nice and complete explanation of the docking process, thanks for taking the time and sharing!

[@NickOlinde]

Absolutely! I am here to be a resource.

[@wyldbill100]

Coming off the dock in REVERSE was a great tip! Thanks.

[@NickOlinde]

Absolutely. It is by far the best way to do it.

[@chino1127]

Awesome video, well done! I found the birdseye drone videos with the console view to be the most helpful and really appreciated how you showed several different attempts and different angles to solidify the instruction. I give you credit on recording everything and then editing it together to make it seamless. Big like!

[@NickOlinde]

Thank you for the support! I do my best to be the best resource that I can be!

[@declanharkin8603]

Very helpful Video - well made inc drone shots etc. thanks

[@RyanSmith-fb8rf]

Come in at 45* angle into the wind and then turn outboard prop towards the dock and hit reverse to pull the stern in. Never dock a boat with the wind at your stern if you can it’s easier to use the wind as a break if it’s blowing towards the bow. Wind is very important to consider when operating a vessel. Good job

[@NickOlinde]

That is a good base but that doesn’t always work. Every situation is different and each requires a different approach to controlling the boat. When possible it is always good to go into the wind but that is not always possible sadly. And I agree, winds throw another variable into the mix. I chose to keep this one simple and do just basic docking technique. Maybe in the future I’ll do a video of how to dock with wind

[@JS-gl8lf]

Helpful, BUT really all that was required..,......10min max with dual images and talking same time

[@Goncoastal]

Totally appreciate it! Not many videos on single engine docking, let alone my cabin cruiser single engine docking. Would love to see more boating FYI’s.

[@NickOlinde]

I am going to try to pump out some more boating how to's.

[@iphotonw7032]

Thank you for posting this video. It’s very helpful and you do a great job of explaining the movements of the boat. The drone and split screen also very helpful. I’m a new boat owner and learning to dock and get into my slip at the marina are the most challenging.

[@Mixdreamer]

Fantastic video, some people critiquing this video have low attention span. Great info for me as new boat owner

[@joehamilton5362]

Watched quite a few videos on this topic.this was the best.well explained and helpful. Thanks 👍

[@NickOlinde]

I really appreciate that! I do my best to make these easy to understand and resourceful.

[@fawaznaeem49]

Thank you so match good learning 😍🙏🏽. Regards from 🇸🇦.

[@1milgaming669]

Nice video. I think the reason you clear the dock when you reverse out is because the curve of the bow gives you more space. Whatever the reason, I think it’s definitely the best way to pull away from a dock.

[@NickOlinde]

That makes a lot of sense! Completely agree.

[@davidlewington3324]

​@@NickOlindealso,as you mentioned, the pivot point is closer to the bow.As the boat rotates around that vertical axis the bow has much less lateral movement compared to stern.the bow still kicks out in the opposite direction to stern, just less so. Easy way to demonstrate it is to stick a pin through a ruler or stick at different points and twirl it round noting how respective ends move sideways as they draw different size circles, unless of course the pin (pivot point) is in centre

[@dwayneroberts6616]

I noticed how smooth your control is. My control is stiff. I think it's the shifting rod bushing being gummed up or the rod might be bent. It's going to make docking a little more tricky no doubt.

[@Coinfox]

Great video! Best boat docking video I've seen to date. Your explanation of boat control was excellent and thorough for such a short video. Maybe the difference between hull / stern kick out might be the surface tension. Thanks for the content!

[@nauticgator1828]

Thanks Nick. Even though I have a single engine, I still use your Bahama 41 video on docking as a review and to remind me on technique. New video on the single engine is great too. The Albury looks great.

[@NickOlinde]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@Littlepiehead]

Great video. I learned a lot - thanks 😊

[@NickOlinde]

Absolutely! I try to be as helpful as possible.

[@MichaelRobertsJr]

New boater, very informative, Thanks Nick!!

[@NickOlinde]

Absolutely! Let me know if there is anything else that you want to see!

[@davidlewington3324]

Liked the last part where showed drone footage and helm synced to voice description. Also liked how you showed a combination of two basic approaches where you swing the stern toward the dock and combine with pointing the bow towards the dock at different times as needed.you could see what you were doing with wheel and throttle in each case to control momentum and rotation.some just teach a single method but like reverse parking a car, you need to learn how it responds to various inputs and adjust accordingly I recall many years ago having a boat docking lesson having studied up on my preferred method.the instructor made me approach at 90 deg which totally threw me but forced me to think about how the boat responded to different inputs necessary to put it where i wanted.it was a learning exercise with instructor onboard and agree not recommended for newbies just trying to get boat in safely

[@steven6106]

Awesome video and all the angles were great.

[@colinmcnamara4659]

Best video I’ve seen! Thanks a lot

[@ekhatchboosted]

Great video thanks for making this. Could you do one about docking single engine boat with current

[@NickOlinde]

I can! I need to find somewhere with good reliable current to make it but I’ll figure it out. Current can actually make things pretty easy

[@richardknott2021]

Excellent video..

[@NickOlinde]

Thank you!

[@dwayneroberts6616]

Very similar boat to mine. Thank you. I'm trying to get every advantage I can before I have to go try this. I've spent a lot of time getting my hull looking good. I'm going to be bummed out if I damage it. Great video 👍

[@ChrisCallahan00]

Great video, thanks. How about backing into a narrow slip with a single outboard? My outboard is on a bracket and I seem to have far less throttle authority in reverse. Trimming up a little helps some.

[@NickOlinde]

Absolutely! Backing down a single engine boat can be a little hard to make a video on because there is so much variation in how different boats will perform going in reverse. Even identical boats with different props can back down completely differently. But I will absolutely do that!

[@lekijiji]

Thanks for this video, very useful. I would just recommend, when teaching, to never show what NOT to do (it would be negative training), only show WHAT to do and how it’s done. Keep up the good work 💪🏼

[@sethrudolph2678]

Great job explaining everything. Easy to understand. Love the drone and go pro at the same time. Thank you.

[@NickOlinde]

Thank you! I try to keep it simple and easy to understand.

[@KC2DZB]

Very helpful, thanks!

[@NickOlinde]

I am here to help!

[@angelobosquesjr428]

Very very VERY helpful. Thank you!

[@NickOlinde]

Of course! I am here to be a resource. Let me know if there are any other boating how to's that you would like to see.

[@pitatoe]

backing out doesn't pin you as you're dragging that corner out rather than pushing it from the opposite end of the boat and trying to almost lever off the dock. if you mounted the motor off the front of the boat so it was pulling instead of pushing you'd get off the dock without pinning/dragging when going forward. Thanks for the example of the tight quarters dock between two boats. I've had the chance to do this a few times and chickened out and went for a less desirable position further down the wall. Great to see it in action so I can better visualize and practice it. cheers.

[@FreedomYak]

If you look at the drone footage and watch just the point of the bow you will see that it does indeed move closer to the dock as you reverse out. It does not seem like it’s moving off center because the curve of the bow keeps it from making contact as it swings toward the dock. Try that with a small Catamaran and it won’t work. That said it is a valid technique to move away from the dock in a tight spot without making contact for most boats.

[@NickOlinde]

Great points and I agree.

[@Roger-gm9tl]

Wind can be your best friend or worst enemy depending how it's affecting you, your experiance to conditions & how use & adjust !

[@NickOlinde]

I agree! The wind (and current) throws a whole other variable in the mix

[@johncheape6366]

Thanks, it definitely helps a newbie who is just learning!

[@iGaucho]

Thanks Nick from Ireland, your video is very good explaining how to dock a boat, it's been very helpful...I've got a Quicksilver 505 with centre console, not a very big boat but I get a bit stressed when docking.

[@NickOlinde]

I am glad that you found it useful! All you need is to spend a little bit of time out there practicing and it will start to come naturally

[@tomd.43]

By far the best video I've seen on single engine docking. I ran into the same situation with my boat pinned against the dock from the wind and river current. The next time I'll know how to correct that problem when departing the dock.

[@NickOlinde]

I am glad that you found it useful! I try to make these videos as simple to understand as possible

[@kman8505]

Content on a Bahamas crossing in a single engine. Preparations, ideal weather conditions, etc.

[@NickOlinde]

That is coming when I cross the Albury next month! I have two videos where I have done it, once in this Albury and once in a 2150 Bluewater but those were not designed to be instructional. I’ll get one done!

[@KIWI_ADVENTURES]

Please add the information on how to clear customs when you get to bimini!

[@hartmuthenk3573]

The bow also kicks out when you reverse. It just doesn't matter that much, an the bow has a triangular shape. In your droneshot you clearly see, that the tip of the bow approaches the dock, even if it doesn't hit it. Try the same with a boat that has a rectangular shape and you'll see it's the same, no matter if reversing or going forward.

[@NickOlinde]

You are correct! Thank you for that clarification in the comments!

[@hartmuthenk3573]

​@@NickOlindeYou're welcome. Forgot to mention: Great video and great channel!

[@mseller12]

Thanks for the video. The drone helped a lot.

[@NickOlinde]

Absolutely! I am glad you liked it.

[@djl0fne]

Right rotation prop effects the response

[@NickOlinde]

Yes. Prop walk is definitely a thing

[@stephenscott963]

I love your videos, but any possibility of a video on exactly how you plot your course from FL to anywhere in the Bahamas, every single thought you have for us complete amateurs that have never done this trip?? I heard very, very easy to run aground and what again is your thought process and how to plot course so have the least chance of running aground? I did an auto on Navionics and it took me across bad areas even with all my proper settings? Thanks again!

[@NickOlinde]

Absolutely! I am crossing our Bahama in the next week or two and will showing y’all exactly how I do it and what you do

[@ryanbratton3486]

I really enjoyed this video. It's very helpful. But I have a question. What if you have to come in a narrow dock area and do not have the space to come into the spot at a 45 degree angle? My dock is to narrow for that? I might be able to have half the angle

[@photohum]

Great video, thank you!

[@NickOlinde]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@DinaCentrone]

So informative thank you!!

[@scottforan1261]

Good vid mate. Have you done one on anchoring in a bay close to land?

[@NickOlinde]

I appreciate that! I have not but that’s a good idea

[@Mr1maine]

Learned something today. Thanks!👍🏽

[@NickOlinde]

Happy to help!

[@johndculp]

Capt to Capt, great video!

[@NickOlinde]

I appreciate the kind words!

[@freedomwanderer91]

Great video. I have to do a lot of things like that on my own. Great info.

[@NickOlinde]

I appreciate it!

[@bindusharma8882]

Very very well done to help a beginner like me

[@NickOlinde]

Thank you! I try to keep it as easy and simple to understand as possible.

[@colmbrennan4526]

Great job 👏🏻

[@NickOlinde]

Thank you!

[@navegareviver]

Good video , very helpful ! Thanks

[@NickOlinde]

Thank you! I appreciate the kind words!

[@declanharkin8603]

Think may be prop walk effects when reversing ?

[@steveodonnell2921]

I've got an xpress h18 with a 94 inch beam. In reverse, especially in wind and current the boat does not turn the bow around. It goes straight back which can put you into a panic. I thought seat time would give me more confidence but not the case. I love the boat but this issue sucks. At first I thought there was something wrong with the boat but from what I've come to realize is that it's normal with this boat. Docking is difficult with this boat. Any ideas?

[@NickOlinde]

That’s a sweet boat! I would guess that you have a 4-blade prop on the boat right now. Shallow draft skiffs are already pretty lousy in reverse but with certain 4-blades they can be borderline uncontrollable haha we have a 16 Egret that just will not do what you want it to do in reverse. We just learnt to deal with it so that we keep that performance we like out of the prop

[@edwardtye4119]

I think the reason the turning effect is less in reverse than forward is because the prop generates less thrust in reverse due to the sweep of the blades

[@dwightcassidy7056]

I love the videos on how to do things for boats.

[@NickOlinde]

There is more to come!

[@Agua-Sala]

Hi Nick, I am currently teaching my daughter (she already has the FL safety license) how to dock our boat. Can you recommend any captain or maybe you, that i could hire for a few hours to giver a lesson on our boat, we are in the Jupiter area...

[@NickOlinde]

Good morning! I am definitely open to helping out! I am in Palm Beach Gardens so very close to yall. Shoot me an email if still interested. My email is [e-mail].

[@tomgia1964]

Helped Ty for ur time and awesome effort

[@radamesgonzalezzambrana7439]

Very helpful!

[@davidcruz7962]

I have a 25 cobia single engine and I like to make Bimini . I will like to get more info.

[@NickOlinde]

Feel free to reach out to me anytime for any help. My number email is [e-mail]

[@joseluisblanco6287]

Best dicking VIDEO EVER Thank you freaking awesome! I have a 21ft and I have a hard time hitting other boats wake do you have any advise?

[@johnhatchett4774]

I have a v hull fishing boat. I need to dock my boat after launching it off its trailer so I can leave it at the dock and park my truck and trailer . Docks in my area don’t have cleats but do have posts to tie up to. How’s the best way to tie the boat to the post before I leave it?

[@jose-kd4fn]

Can you make again a video on how to drive a boat Slower step by step every part and focus the camera in each part name and what his function

[@NickOlinde]

I absolutely can and will do a video like that. I'll try to have it posted in the next month or to so feel free to subscribe so you dont miss it.

[@WilliamsWorks]

Like it yes

[@NickOlinde]

Thank you!

[@SaltlifeMiamiGuy]

Good info. Thanks. 🙏

[@expansioniskeyrn]

Thanks! Very instructive & educational. Only enjoyed the hands on demonstration with the split screen & voice over. Not so much of you talking with no view.

[@NickOlinde]

The theory behind the procedure is just as important and I have to explain that somehow. There is not a surefire way that works every time to dock the boat. Different situations call for different handling and so the theory of why the boat moves how it does is very important.

[@elfwerks]

Very nice vid, thank you.

[@NickOlinde]

Of course!

[@SamReed-sw6ns]

How can you shift smoothly when you have to press the throttle button to go in and out of gear? It’s always jerky when I have to do this and doesn’t seem smooth like your throttle.

[@coldisle]

Honestly..great job, but you Almost lost me (forever) with talking and theory…but towards the end when you are talking while I’m watching the boat movement at the same time watching your helm imputs it was VERY helpful and really well done. Thanks and not meant at all as a criticism…just, instead, FYI what actually helped Me! We all learn differently. Thanks.

[@NickOlinde]

I really appreciate the constructive criticism. I try my best to make every video better than the last. I definitely struggle with the balance between explaining the theory (which I think is important) and the actually doing part of the video. I am slowing getting better at it.

[@justinliang2443]

nice job。thankyou

[@NickOlinde]

Happy to be a resource.

[@repomannv]

clean!

[@harryhuether7087]

Is there a way I can DM you? I’m in the market for a 23 Albury.

[@NickOlinde]

Send me an email [e-mail]

[@bindusharma8882]

It would be helpful to see the docking in reverse as that is what most of the time I have to do

[@NickOlinde]

I am going to make a video on backing boats into slips!

[@bindusharma8882]

When is this video coming? Waiting eagerly for it

[@WDL2020]

By the way very good video.

[@NickOlinde]

Thank you! I appreciate that!

[@Blane-i4n]

No mention at all about the rotation of the motor spin, clockwise or counter clockwise. A right hand or clock wise rotation motor will always backup better to port and easier to dock on port side. Propeller spin makes a difference in controlling a single engine, no mention of this.

[@NickOlinde]

I agree with you that prop walk affects boat handling. However, for the average recreational boater with a normal 3 blade prop, they will be 100% ok without ever thinking about that. On an outboard boat propeller choice has the largest affect on prop walk. I have a 16 Egret that I alternate between two different props depending on the mission. With her low pitch 4-blade prop slow speed handling is terrible. I have 0 control over the boat in reverse but the prop works for our shallow water Bahama runs to pop us up on plane and give us that stern lift. With her 3 blade I have complete control and can turn at will forward or reverse. My point in all that is that I agree, prop walk is a factor. However, the average outboard boater with a standard do it all prop is not going to think much about it at all.

[@artvandelay1099]

True or false. A real captain doesn't need a boat hook. I've heard old guys say this. Essential piece of equipment? Or just for greenhorns?

[@andyatk40]

All captains need a boat hook, but not for docking, for retrieving things that fall overboard like caps and people 😊

[@gittojr1]

I love boating how tos

[@rynovoski]

Re: the physics, it's probably just the shape of the bow, no?

[@NickOlinde]

It is exactly what it is

[@NickOlinde]

To an extent. A mix of both

[@marshall4759]

Good video, however the background music is annoying on instructional videos, especially for someone hearing impaired like myself. Thanks for the information.

[@doreen5760]

only at the end was it beneficial

[@NickOlinde]

Thank you for the view!

[@Nides015]

As someone with ADHD I feel as though you’re purposely torturing my brain. Other than that, thank you. Any advice on a 20’ dinghy trip from St Thomas to St James solo for a first timer? Some experience not a lot.

[@williamwaha3193]

I checked the comments first but I don't see this question anywhere , so I'll ask it then . If the left side of the boat is ' Port ' and the Right side is ' Starboard ' then why are you docking the wrong side of the boat ? Shouldn't you be docking the left or Port side ? Port side is where the dock is supposed to be , correct ? So that would be to the left side of the boat .

[@doreen5760]

Don’t show what NOT to do !

[@NickOlinde]

Noted

[@williamgale734]

More do…less talk

[@NickOlinde]

I appreciate the constructive criticism. I was just trying to thoroughly go over the topics and theory behind it so everyone knows what is happening. I always try to make each video better than the last so I appreciate the crtiticism

[@burpthekat9426]

Great instruction. Less repetitive narrative would be better. Overall, the instruction was spot on and very informative

[@vanhaus5022]

Every video from every maker is the same, talk talk talk..

[@doreen5760]

way too much talk-the top view explains

[@NickOlinde]

I was just trying to be as thorough as possible and go over the concepts. The videos of me actually doing it would be worthless if you don’t truly understand why the boat reacts how it does

[@kelboodha]

I think you slapped your audience.

[@NickOlinde]

Why do you say that?

[@iq6840]

On a real boat, it'll only turn one way in reverse. I have a 24 deep v and it only goes one way in reverse. Yours is more flat bottomed so yours will comply with you, but not if you have 24 degrees of dead rise and a heavier type of boat.

[@NickOlinde]

That is not true whatsoever. I am on different boats all the time for my work and that statement is simply false. The greatest reason for sub par reverse performance is because of prop choice. Props drastically change not only performance in forward, but also in reverse. I have a 16 Egret with an extremely shallow dead rise and I have a pretty low pitched 4-blade on her and I borderline can not even control her in reverse. I keep that prop though because I love the stern lift and the ability to hop up on plane in no time if I need to to get off a flat. We also have a 23 Reef Runner which has a full 24 degrees of dead rise and I can back that boat up like a dream. If I changed the prop that could change in an instant. Prop walk is a real thing and is the biggest factor when it comes to performance in reverse.

[@ElCatrinMuerto]

​@NickOlinde "On a real boat" as opposed to the spaceship you're on.

[@iq6840]

@@ElCatrinMuerto correct

[@mikesmith4764]

To much talking lost me just dock the boat already

[@NickOlinde]

It wouldn’t be helpful if I just visually showed y’all how to dock a boat. To be truly good at it and confident in a variety of docking situations you have to know the theory behind why you do certain things in certain situations. Understanding how the boat reacts is paramount to truly understanding boat handling.

[@bigmike312]

Don't feel the need to explain yourself to someone making smart ass comments. The drone video along with the gopro fpv was very helpful.

[@kapawatus57]

You talk sooooo much!

[@NickOlinde]

There is a lot to talk about and explain!

[@KpucDork]

Hey buddy, quit telling us how great you are. If people like your video they will hit the like button if they want subscribe to your video they will subscribe. I’m gonna keep swiping you talk too much about yourself. You’re too great.

[@NickOlinde]

I appreciate the kind words 😉 just a quick reminder that you clicked on a video telling people how I personally do things as a professional in the boating industry. There are other ways to do the same thing but this is my video and what works for me. Regarding telling people to like and subscribe, saying it in the video helps DRASTICALLY with the actually number of likes and subscriptions from a video. This is partially a business for me so I need to do what helps me grow and the analytics say that reminding people works.

[@Woychowski]

Thanx

[@NickOlinde]

Absolutely!

[@geneestep3806]

Great video! Very informative. Loved the two videos (drone and GoPro simultaneously). Extremely helpful! Thank you!!

[@demirel1975]

21 min of nothing

[@NickOlinde]

I literally explained how to do it and all the theory behind it. I don’t know what else you could want out of a how to dock video. But thanks for the view!!

[@wlacalle]

Great video, thank you !

[@Johnny-tc6tz]

I believe it's all about the torque of the motor, No matter if you are in reverse or forward the motor is always rotating in the same direction, The prop may be turning in a different direction , But the Motor never changes direction. In reverse or forward the prop changes how you pull away from the dock. It's all about the crankshaft turning in one direction. Hopefully I explained it correctly