www.iFourWinns.com

If I were to have one wish it would be for someone to develop a bow thruster that could be fitted to my boat. I get tired of yelling at people to clear the dock and run for their lives when I come in.

Just kidding it's not that bad but it would be sweet to have one.

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2003 268 Four Winns Vista
F-350 King Ranch Diesel (Tow)
1990 Four Winns Fredom 180

I am sure that there is a bow thruster that would fit your boat, but maybe some lessons from an experienced captain would be for fitting, not mention, a little cheaper

I share your pain!!!!
Ive recently bought a 06 V278 and its pretty much hit and miss so far with parking. Im caught between doing it with a bit of speed so you can steer or doing it slowly and not having and response to the steering wheel. What the trick old boys? Ive got a 35 foot berth but need to do a sharp right and then left to enter it. The corners are not the problem its the approach angle...
3 weekends , 6 attempts and attempt number 6 was the only one I can be proud of. Thankfully nothing has been hit yet but thats probably more luck than judgement.
Practice makes perfect hopefully.

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Oliver
'06 V278
Singapore

Take it slow. Go on a weekday to a dock and practice, practice, practice! I have no problem with docking my 268 at fuel docks or launch ramp courtesy docks. I haven't had to put it into a real slip yet.

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Do you have twins or just 1 engine? I have twin dp's and I always have them in idle and come in at a 45 degree angle with bow pointed towards the slip. This allows for more time to maneuver the stern into position. Also, I turn around and have my backside towards the helm and keep my hands on the throttles to steer. I never steer with the wheel but if you only have 1 engine, then disregard all of this because I have no clue.

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Current Boat: 2000 Four Winns 298 Vista
Previous Boat: 2000 Carver 406MY

All 2006 278 Vista's have only one engine. Late 90's 278's had twins.

Only advice I will give is to never approach anything faster than you would want to hit it.

As to the Bow Thruster question, contact Florida Bow Thruster if you are serious.
They will come and install it for you, but you will not be able to afford any gifts for your
family when you see the bill.
http://www.floridabowthrusters.com/

My BIL had them add a stern thruster to his 530 Carver last spring, top notch work and service.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Good advise Cap'n but my problem is backing in. At this point I drop someone off at the dock and back in slowly and throw them a rope. I have not hit the dock yet but it is close sometimes.

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2003 268 Four Winns Vista
F-350 King Ranch Diesel (Tow)
1990 Four Winns Fredom 180

I back in too. And go very slow, then usually grab a dock cleat with the boat pole and the wife grabs a stern line and we both pull the boat a foot or two the rest of the way into the slip.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Thankfully I don't feel your pain, as I drive a run-about. My bro-in-law swore up and down I had a bow thruster on my last 18' Maxum. I could bring that one (and myFW) in sideways or squeeze into a tight spot when needed.

Like above, practice when there ain't a lot of peeps around. I plan on teaching the GF how to dock the boat, and handle the trailer in early spring before it's warm enough to jump in.

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Walt B
"Debt-Charged"
Black '07 H210SS
6.2L Bravo One turning a 21P HIFive
Wakeboard Tower with Perfect Pass Stargazer version
Missouri River; Kansas City, Mo.

With two engines you have no excuse!! ...trying to manouver a single engine machine in a tight spot is a hmmm 'female dog'...

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Oliver
'06 V278
Singapore