First time out and I hit the damn dock

[Jmiller912]

Thanks everyone. Looking forward to the next nice day. Ordered the cobra jets today so hope that helps.

 

[adrianp89]

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!

Alone is pretty easy at this point for me. I make sure my bumpers are out and ropes at front and back. Along with the docking technique mentioned, I bring the back rope to the helm with me, then when I am at the dock I keep that rope in my hand, move to the front, grab that rope and walk onto the dock. This way I have both ropes for the boat and it can't slide away due to current or wind.

 

[I_squared_r]

I ordered a bottle of blue gelcoat after my 1st scratch and never opened it. Now I have an unopened bottle of gelcoat that reminds me of the obsessive 1st season boater that I was. You could just fill it in with white vinyl or change the decal next year.

 

[RobbieO]

So my dealer gave me 5.5” x 20” Seachoice round fenders for my 21 ft boat. I feel they are good quality but seem small. I’m think of getting the 6.5” x 23” fenders. I really want the 8.5” x 27” fenders but afraid that’s overkill. I could just get 4 babz! Opinions?

 

[tdonoughue]

Overkill is never a possibility with fenders. Oversize and not fitting where you store them--that is a different matter. If you have the space to store them, the bigger the better. No question.

 

[RobbieO]

Overkill is never a possibility with fenders. Oversize and not fitting where you store them--that is a different matter. If you have the space to store them, the bigger the better. No question.

Thanks. I may go with the 8.5”. Our hulls are difficult for perfect placement. I have the storage room for now.

 

[RobbieO]

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.

Thanks for the heads up. I put a plastic Danik hook there all the time. Now I’m afraid to look. I did hit the dock with that fender once. I have it horizontally.

 

[KC-AR240]

The Yamaha decals are paper thin/cheap and scratch easy....Nice part they are cheap to buy. If it’s bad enough just buy new decals and change out when your ready to sell it.

Where can I purchase the decals (Large ones on the sides). After my tie-up for a bite to eat I noticed the boat was hitting the opposite side and found BAD dock rash

 

[zipper]

Try here. Not sure which you are looking for. 2018 Yamaha AR240 HIGH OUTPUT (SAT1800AT) Graphics & Mats | Yamaha Sports Plaza

 

[KC-AR240]

Try here. Not sure which you are looking for. 2018 Yamaha AR240 HIGH OUTPUT (SAT1800AT) Graphics & Mats | Yamaha Sports Plaza

Thank You.. Just put in my order... Any tips on how to remove that decal ?

 

[zipper]

Hot sun and a hot hair dryer, or a heat gun. I used a heat gun to remove mine on a cold day.

 

[drewkaree]

Hot sun and a hot hair dryer, or a heat gun. I used a heat gun to remove mine on a cold day.

Add some plastic razor blades and adhesive remover (Goof Off, Goo Gone, etc). You'll wanna wash it really good afterwards as well, I'd go with Dawn for a stripping wash, and plan to re-wax everything afterwards.