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Docking, is it really easier than Yamaha?

btbowden

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i just watched the boat test video and saw the boat moving side ways, I suppose due to the lateral thrust, but still hard to believe. For those who own a vortex boat, is it really easier to dock than Yamaha?
 

robert843

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It just depends on the docking situation where brp boats have an advantage is the rear bucket allows you to swing the rear of the boat into the dock quicker and because it use thrust instead of pull the nose of the boat will stay at more of a pivot point. Side docking in close quarters or side docking against a current yes they have an advantage in most other docking situations I would say its close to the same. The reverse bucket on a brp boat is a little more touchy and may actually make backing into a slip a little more tricky as it will want to turn the rear of the boat unless you have the wheel perfectly straight.
 

Chapvrx

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Never tried docking Yamaha , but you got that right it looks pretty on a promo video, then what it really is in reality
 

scokill

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While I'm very proficient with the Yamaha, and with most other boats, it's like Mike Tyson said....everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth. The boating equivalent is wind and current.
 

JetTech72

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With the lateral thrust of the Rotax reverse bucket design & now with the addition of the iNR system which provide perfect neutral, I do think any Rotax equipped boat has an edge over Yamaha in regards of docking operation.
Not to mention the "Docking Mode" that is also available & will reduce the throttle operation for those who think it's too nervous for them.
 

Drift Away

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Don't worry I think @JetBoatPilot may have solved that problem ( yes that's a Shameless plug for Will and a guy's down a jet boat pilot). Curious to see how his new invention helps the docking issue. After a long day out of the Sand Bar in Clearwater or Tarpon Springs pulling back up to the dock or onto the trailer with strong winds or strong current or more importantly after some strong drinks can be a little bit challenging with the Yamahas.
 

blackhawkpilot

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Never tried docking Yamaha , but you got that right it looks pretty on a promo video, then what it really is in reality
I agree. The Chap is not as easy to dock as it looks in the video. Yeah, the "Dock Mode" helps, but it's still very challenging. We're getting there, but it's always a challenge for my wife to pull up to the dock to let me off. The Thrust Vectors help immensely.
 

Bill D

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scokill

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Don't worry I think @JetBoatPilot may have solved that problem ( yes that's a Shameless plug for Will and a guy's down a jet boat pilot). Curious to see how his new invention helps the docking issue. After a long day out of the Sand Bar in Clearwater or Tarpon Springs pulling back up to the dock or onto the trailer with strong winds or strong current or more importantly after some strong drinks can be a little bit challenging with the Yamahas.
If you are driving after some strong drinks I think you should reconsider.
 

robert843

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@Bill D where do you store this on your boat or do you have a compact able one? Had my first experience soaking some random stranger fishing on the dock today and figured I would grab on of these.
 

swatski

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@Bill D where do you store this on your boat or do you have a compact able one? Had my first experience soaking some random stranger fishing on the dock today and figured I would grab on of these.
I have a "compactable" hook (albeit a very old model) - fits well in front of the helm - strb bow storage opens/is continuous with the helm compartment. This thing fits nicely in the outside "groove" in there.

--
 

jdonalds

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While I do believe reverse works better in other boats I don't have any trouble docking the Yamaha. In fact I believe I have very good control over the boat. I don't deal with current but there can be wind that requires just a bit more planning. If there is a cross-wind I just pick a docking position where the wind will push the boat toward the dock rather than away from it so the boat doesn't drift away from the dock while I'm trying to tie up.

The trick is to use short bursts of engine RPM if needed. Turn the steering wheel toward the dock while in reverse and the rear end will move toward the dock. If the wind is giving me trouble I'll use the short burst method.

Yesterday I sucked up a tow rope on the starboard engine (perhaps the 4th time in 8 years). I decided to call it a day and return to the launch ramp using only the port engine. Again I had no trouble docking with only one engine.
 

Bill D

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@Bill D where do you store this on your boat or do you have a compact able one? Had my first experience soaking some random stranger fishing on the dock today and figured I would grab on of these.
I have a telescoping version. It shrinks down to about 2 or 3' and extends to 8'. I keep it in the battery compartment along the hull, but get it out when I get the fenders and dock lines out before I approach the dock. Once I have it out I lean it up against the windshield until I'm ready to use it. The tricky part is not tripping my wife with it while she tries to help. Lol
 

RightStuff

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