First time out and I hit the damn dock

[adrianp89]

I recommend a steering system (@Cobra Jet Steering LLC ) and then take a day off and go out while the ramp is empty to practice for an hour or two.

Best advise is go as slow as your willing to hit something. Other than that, come in with your nose at 45 degrees to where you want it, then turn the wheel to the dock, put it in reverse and give it some light thrust.

 

[oramac]

Two things come to mind for unsolicited advice. One, the Bimini top can work against you when trying to control the boat in the wind, and 2) if you have a choice of docking on the outer rails of a dock or going directly into a slip, the outside rail is much more user friendly, at least it is for me. Sometimes the wind and current can just push you right up against it instead of having to navigate speed and control into a slip.

This! I took my boat out for the first time this weekend as well. 20 mph steady winds with 30+ gusts. I would get the bow of the boat into the slip, then the wind would grab the rear of the boat and swing me right back out. I went to the end rail of the dock, and I let the wind work for me instead of against me, and drift me in. Heavy winds suck regardless of the boat type. My 18' I/O, with a relatively low free board, was a PITA to dock in high winds, too. This 21' boat is like a sail by comparison. I can't wait to get out on a calm day to see what the handling is really like. Also, fenders. Many fenders. LOL

 

[AZMark]

So visible cause of the white. I appreciate the comments. Could be on YouTube hard to watch a grown man cry. Lol

I’d just do a close matching touch up paint.
I know it’s painful on a new boat but those really aren’t that bad. At least you didn’t get through the blue paint too.

 

[Yambers]

So visible cause of the white. I appreciate the comments. Could be on YouTube hard to watch a grown man cry. Lol

Thats nothing. It is almost like a badge of honor. Remember, chicks dig scars. This just shows you come in hot. hahaha

 

[Chatt_Jetsetter]

I tried tears but that didn’t work.

Savage, that was funny. I'm sorry to hear about that though.

 

[Jmiller912]

…thanks all

 

[MajorBummer210]

Throttle neutral throttle neutral.... and use those throttles independently. Can spin boat on a dime with enough practice.

 

[Croker]

Don't worry about the scars enjoy the good times on the water and when the seasons over head into the local marina and have them repair it. There are so many people that can easily repair those marks just find 'the local' someone who's good at their job and has a fair price.

 

[Overtime81]

So visible cause of the white. I appreciate the comments. Could be on YouTube hard to watch a grown man cry. Lol

I have the same color boat and my boat looks 100% better after taking the decals off

 

[TimW451]

Lateral Thrusters, fenders, and/or dock like a Disney World boat. And +1 on the whiteout.

 

[the MfM]

Lateral Thrusters, fenders, and/or dock like a Disney World boat. And +1 on the whiteout.

I took my son when he was five to LEGO world. They had a little Disney like electric boat the kids could drive around in a glorified lazy river like loop. He managed to get his boat turned around heading the wrong direction causing a major pileup. There was screaming, shouts of encouragement/directions from the parents. And a few tears from the kids stuck who feared they would sink.

When it was time to dock he headed in at full ramming speed at a 45 degree angle to the dock. When he bounced off the dock he almost pulled the attendant into the water.

We got out of there pretty quick but I didn’t see any scratches on his boat

 

[adrianp89]

I took my son when he was five to LEGO world. They had a little Disney like electric boat the kids could drive around in a glorified lazy river like loop. He managed to get his boat turned around heading the wrong direction causing a major pileup.

When it was time to dock he headed in at full ramming speed at a 45 degree angle to the dock. When he bounced off the dock he almost pulled the attendant into the water.

We got out of there pretty quick but I didn’t see any scratches on his boat

Sounds like a day at the local boat ramp.

 

[Betik]

I took my son when he was five to LEGO world. They had a little Disney like electric boat the kids could drive around in a glorified lazy river like loop. He managed to get his boat turned around heading the wrong direction causing a major pileup. There was screaming, shouts of encouragement/directions from the parents. And a few tears from the kids stuck who feared they would sink.

When it was time to dock he headed in at full ramming speed at a 45 degree angle to the dock. When he bounced off the dock he almost pulled the attendant into the water.

We got out of there pretty quick but I didn’t see any scratches on his boat

Dad!!! You cannot just change the location and think that people will not know ....

 

[Jmiller912]

Sounds about like what I did. Had an I/o boat for 20 years you put it in reverse it goes in reverse. Sad part is I had 4 big fenders out just no fenders in that spot.

 

[danielcasey01]

I got my first jet boat (2008 Yamaha SX230) last summer and there is certainly a learning curve with maneuvering. Practice, practice, practice and I got much better quickly. I also took all the decals off my boat in April (they were faded from the sun) and I think the boat looks fantastic!!

 

[HangOutdoors]

Nice looking boat.

 

[Jmiller912]

Now it’s good side.

 

[meegwell]

I recommend a steering system (@Cobra Jet Steering LLC ) and then take a day off and go out while the ramp is empty to practice for an hour or two.

Best advise is go as slow as your willing to hit something. Other than that, come in with your nose at 45 degrees to where you want it, then turn the wheel to the dock, put it in reverse and give it some light thrust.

I need to remember this. I've docked (my slip, fuel, and restaurant) about 5 times this past weekend (first times out) and I know I need a lot more practice...and I am real nervous about doing it alone but I will have to at some point soon. Sorry to slightly hijack the topic!

 

[212s]

Don't fret it too much...we got the new 2020 boat and although I didn't hit the dock, I put a plastic Danik hook on the rear cleat at a busy dock and didn't realize it would rub against the silver pinstripe above the rub-rail. Oops...no big deal...a little heat and it's good enough for now. One day I'll probably pull the pinstripe off the boat.

 

[tdonoughue]

I get that it is a new boat and you want to make it pretty, but those little scratches I would not worry about. If it bugs you, I think that the pinstriping tape would be the way to go. I would not paint (or use white out on) them--that will leave you will lines on your gelcoat if you ever do pull the stickers.

For practice, I prefer the fender in the middle of the lake. First throw one out there. It is a swimmer. Practice coming up along side it (without running over it). Practice coming up to the bow on it, so you can go to the bow and pluck it out of the water. Back up to it... Then toss a second one out there. Pretend the line between the 2 is a dock and do that 45 degree thing described above. Then pull away and try again. Come from the other direction...

Stinks that it was your maiden voyage, but don't worry. The other voyages will provide plenty of fun to make up for it.