www.iFourWinns.com

Last summer was my first with my V338. The best money I have ever spent in boating was to hire a local captain and get some lessons. After 2 lessons ( 1 with the wife and 1 without the wife) the anxiety level was much better. I was able to put the boat into the slip with a minimal amount of trouble. I did the same thing this summer in my new home in Florida. A local captain friend of mine spent a few hours with me showing me how to handle the inlets and we practiced getting into my intercoastal slip that is much different than my boat basin LI Sound slip. A little local knowledge and a good teacher go along way towards being proficient and enjoying boating.

And as everyone else has said:

1. Go slow but not slow enough to loose control against the wind and currents.
2. Never approach faster than you are willing to hit it.
3. A well placed spring line can save you in many situations
4. Everyone needs to be sitting and quiet except a trained 1st mate that is helping with the lines and guiding you.
5. All engine moves must be clear and concise to move the boat in the planned direction.
6. Be prepared to abort entering a slip if the situation does not look good.
7. Always accept help on the dock if they are willing to properly catch/secure a line.
8. A successful docking may not always be the prettiest event but causes no damage.

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07 Tiara Sovran 4300
07 338 Vista - SOLD

Awareness of your surroundings is paramount. Watch the wind, the surface of the water and the under current. Sometimes when I think I will get the boat into the slip on the first shot, I am surprised by the under current and get pulled/pushed out of allignment and have to do a go around.

That leads me to my second point. If you don't get into your slip the first time, don't waste time trying to fix the approach, just start over. It can be the easiest route.

Thirdly, you are likely to get the boat in the slip on the first shot when no one else is around to watch you!

When everyone and their cousin is around is when you likely should go back out for a few more hours!!! (kidding)

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2008 Four Winns V358 (T 6.2L Merc Bravo III's with DTS and SeaCore)
2006 Sea Ray 340DA
2006 Sea Ray 320DA
2005 Maxum 3100 SE

Googled that gizmo and it does not look like you can buy it in the states. Anyone else have any luck locating this thing? Overtons has one but it is not well reviewed.

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2008 Four Winns V358 (T 6.2L Merc Bravo III's with DTS and SeaCore)
2006 Sea Ray 340DA
2006 Sea Ray 320DA
2005 Maxum 3100 SE

You can buy it in the states...

Davis Rudder Indicator

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Brett DiMichele