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Cockpit Docking Station Question

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by carelm, Jun 11, 2012.

  1. carelm, Jun 11, 2012
    #1
    carelm

    carelm Senior Member

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    I noticed that on yachts that have cockpit docking stations, they are usually located on the front of the cockpit. This location forces the operator to look over his/her shoulder while backing into a slip or mooring. How come the docking stations aren't located on the transom where the operator could look straight ahead?

    Thanks in advance.
  2. AlfredZ, Jun 11, 2012
    #2
    AlfredZ

    AlfredZ Senior Member

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    When backing up from any station, you face backwards, and look over your shoulder if you need to check the bow's motion or your side clearance. Having the station at the front of the cockpit will keep the skipper in full view of both sides while lines are handled, he/she will also be aware of the side motion as well as how the hull is behaving being closer to the center of gravity. Just how things happen with me!

    Cheers,
  3. carelm, Jun 11, 2012
    #3
    carelm

    carelm Senior Member

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    Thanks for your answer. It made it a lot clearer.
  4. Bamboo, Jun 13, 2012
    #4
    Bamboo

    Bamboo Senior Member

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    If you have "Palm Beach" style controls with single levers on either side of wheel you can and most do back up while facing the transom. If you have four levers as found on some boats you do not face the transom while backing. It is not common on cockpit stations to have a wheel- and the levers are right next to each other- which means it is more difficult to face the transom while backing. The station is not on the transom itself because it makes little sense to put a station on the transom for a variety of reasons. If you cannot back the boat up from the cockpit station near the salon bulkhead while facing the bow and looking over your shoulder then you should be parking or backing from the main helm.
    Many sportfishing boats have cockpit stations so the operator can help with the fishing duties when the vessel is light handed- not for backing up in tight quarters.
  5. AlfredZ, Jun 13, 2012
    #5
    AlfredZ

    AlfredZ Senior Member

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    I totally forgot about the Trolling use for that station. You are right, in sport fishing boats it is more for trolling than docking. You're also right about about the split levers for gears and throttle, if there is a wheel it kind of gets in the way and one should keep a direct look on the levers to know which is what and where its set at. It has been long since I played with those!

    Cheers,