Docking a Boat with Twin Engines

Do you get stressed out when you dock your cruiser? You aren't alone. Twin engines can make the job a lot easier, and can also cause complication and confusion. Docking a boat with twin engines is something we do everyday..."it's our day job". We want to help you learn the basics, pick up some tips, and feel more confident around the dock. In this video we will cover:

Intro 0:00
Twin Engine Inboard vs. SternDrive 1:32
How to Dock a Twin Engine Inboard 2:40
Docking tips for Twin Engine Inboard Cruisers 5:40
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For more info check out these resources:

*One on one boat chat to ask me questions:

*Boat Boat Care and Maintenance Playlist:

*Len's Cove Learning Center:

[thecarolinahoosier]

You have a great style for explanation. I’ve learned so much from your videos to where I’ll be a newbie+ when I get my boat next month!

[DWinthekeys]

First rule of close quarters boat operations, only go as fast as you are willing to crash into the dock.

[jefffydirchuk]

We're moored at a marina on the TSW which is currently affected by a very strong current (open damn infrastructure to lower high water from all this season's rain). Our slip is positioned at a right angle to the current flow. Would love to see a video showing best procedure to handle our situation

[tomdrummy]

Great video……..glad you didn’t use bow thruster.
I’ve never used one in over 40 years of boating. 😊

[nursesail]

Going from single handing a 33 ft sailboat to now buying a twin screw power in the 40 ft range, I have felt pretty apprehensive about single handing that. With your help I believe I will thrill the peanut gallery in a good way. Thanks!

[christopherklanica]

Good video. I see folks PANIC once in a while maneuvering around the marina. When they panic it seems their actions become faster and their boat becomes more uncontrollable at the same time. As you said if you go slow you can better maintain control of your momentum. When I moved up to a cruiser my sales person said you can't hurt much if you go slow.

[jhanick]

Never approach a dock any faster than you want to hit it.

[FtLMale]

Thank you for a very helpful video. I am soon to be handling my 33 twin inboard and I worry about docking at my home where I have boat immediately fore and aft, so maybe 50 of dock area with other boats across the canal. Am I best to back in then try to spin the bow in?

[mattiasarnesson]

And there was another great video for us beginners! Keep em coming! =)

[chrisdixon]

Good clear instructions and advice - excellent gear shift controls. Throttles far away. But that boat - yikes - they look weirder every year!

[gummanng]

Omg hahaa .. Missing the key info for how to maneuver boat right or left using the shifters !

[lesliehorton]

Im working on a Crarver Mariner 3297 with twin Mercs its not in the water yet but my heart rate rises just thinking of this but you did a great job explaining this.

[carbidegrd]

Waiting to see one in 2 knots of current and 15 knot winds.

[Nick_GIZR]

If you have separate throttle and gears (that aren't modern fly by wire) what stops you shifting in to gear when you have too much throttle on, trashing the gearbox? On a single control you can't do that. Is there something to prevent shifting over a certain amount of revs?

[harrymurphey]

... I don't get it. When I grew up in the sixties and seventies most of the "twin screws" where set-up w/ Port Engine/Starboard Engine controls ... shifters on the inside w/ throttles on the outside ... NOT ... shifters together and throttles together too. I could not use the set-up you have. Too much twisting around to see properly when you are "backing down" and looking over your shoulders. I was taught ... center the helm, and leave it alone at slow speeds ... and put your butt on the helm, face aft and work the controls that way. Now you are facing the direction the boat is traveling to back into the slip /back-down and can see/watch the pilings and dock ... Always check the engines shifting/idling BEFORE you get near the dock ... a engine stall could be a BIG problem ... go slow!!! ... but also learn to "goose" the throttles lightly as needed to provide that lil' bit of power to slow down, stop a turn/swing or counter a gust of wind or current (sometimes you need to NOT hang there allowing the wind/current to get to you) ... I would go out of the marina and PRACTICE ... PRACTICE and then PRACTICE some more. Till it was second nature and I knew exactly how the boat would react

[Andrico]

nailed it with momentum!!

On a single engine which I have (30ft a large single) I use momentum and ensure a correct approach. If the approach is off or wrong I abort and try again.

[ryankay]

I enjoy you videos. I'm going to buy my first boat next year and these lessons are a great tool for me.

[susansutton]

We are getting our boat next month and your video was really a great help keep them coming!!

[pball]

I had no idea you guys were located in eastern Ont until your last video I watched. How’s the inventory looking? Should I come see you in the winter for our first boat purchase?