In our previous article, we discussed tips for slow-speed docking and entering/exiting a harbor. Getting your boat alongside a pontoon, harbor wall, or jetty is one thing, but making your departure effortless is quite another.
As advocated by Princess Yachts, the first step is to anticipate, plan, and understand the conditions you are facing, combined with some regular practice...
For many yacht skippers, leaving a berth can be a stressful experience, fearing that the stern might scrape against the wall or pontoon. In this article, we will cover the techniques to ensure you can depart with such ease that onlookers will be impressed by your operation.
This article is based on outboard/sterndrive setups, but many principles also apply to inboard engines.
Basic Concepts of Departing a Berth
Just like any maneuver on the water, the first step is to pause and think. As introduced in our previous article, use the APE concept (Assess—wind, tide, depth, and other factors; Plan—formulate a plan based on the assessment; Execute—cautiously implement the plan).
Departing a pontoon is no different. Changes in wind and tide/current will have a critical impact on how you choose to leave. You need a plan in your head to address these factors.
Assuming you are aware of the depth and distance to other vessels, the key considerations are wind and tide/current. Are they pushing your boat away from or onto the pontoon? Are they affecting the stern or the bow?
Important Tip: Before departing, have your crew prepare the bow and stern lines. Use a method where the line is passed around the pontoon cleat (or through a mooring ring) and brought back to the boat. This allows the crew to release the line from the boat rather than untying it and jumping back on. It is safer, more relaxed, and represents good seamanship.
Departing in Offshore Wind Conditions
Let's assume the elements are pushing you directly away from the pontoon. In this case, you have a few simple options.
Method 1: Using Wind Thrust
The simplest method is often to just release the bow and stern lines and let the wind push you away. However, ensure you are well clear of the pontoon before turning the wheel and engaging forward gear, otherwise, you risk the stern being pushed back into the pontoon (Note: this depends entirely on the pivot point).
Remember, as we mentioned before, if you turn the wheel first and then engage the gear, the front third of the boat will move where you want, but the stern might swing the other way. Forgetting this is why many skippers end up damaging the stern.
Method 2: Reversing Out
Using wind thrust isn't always effective; you may need to reverse out. Follow these steps:
1) Prepare the lines;
2) Turn your rudder away from the pontoon;
3) Check your surroundings, release the lines, and once the skipper is 100% sure the lines are clear and the crew is safely back on board, engage reverse.
The shape of the bow allows the boat to pull away without contact. Whether you alternate between reverse and neutral or keep it in reverse for a longer duration depends on your judgment. Alternating is best when the wind is blowing you away from the pontoon.
Important Tip: If space behind you is limited, you may need to reverse out at a sharper angle. Consider engaging forward gear for a split second with the rudder turned toward the pontoon to create extra space.
Then immediately shift to neutral and steer away following the procedures mentioned above. This keeps the stern further from the pontoon for a clearer exit angle.
What if You Need to Make a U-Turn?
If you need to turn around immediately after leaving, you have two options: move forward and find space to turn, or use a "spring line pivot"—provided you have enough space.
Instead of trying an "S" reverse, keep the engine in reverse longer. You can achieve a full U-turn in about two boat lengths. Try this in a spacious area to get the feel for it.
Departing in Onshore Wind Conditions
If the wind/current is pushing you onto the pontoon, your strategy depends on the strength of these elements. Most of the time—unless it's very strong—you can still use the previous techniques, with the only difference being that you may need to stay in reverse a bit longer.
Using a Spring Line to Reverse Out
If you are really pinned against the pontoon, you may need to use a spring line. This limits the boat's forward/backward movement and allows you to angle the stern so you can reverse out with more force.
Let's look at an example: Using a Reverse Spring Line.
Follow these steps:
1) Run a line from a forward cleat, around a pontoon cleat, and back to your boat;
2) Take a turn around your cleat and hold it;
3) Release the stern line and prepare to reverse against the tension of the spring line;
4) Once the line is taut, engage reverse gear;
5) Turn the wheel away from the pontoon; the stern will begin to swing out.
When the boat is at nearly 90° to the pontoon, coordination between the person handling the line and the skipper is crucial.
1) Shift to neutral;
2) Instruct the person at the bow to release the line and quickly bring it back on board;
3) Once the line is cleared and the crew is safe, gently steer away.
Important Tip: In most cases—unless in strong winds—you rarely need a spring line. Keep it simple whenever possible.
Experiment on your boat to see what works best, but always try to keep things simple.
Risks of Using a Spring Line
Consider these risks:
1) The person at the bow must ensure the line is secure on the cleat; never hold it under extreme tension by hand;
2) On the foredeck, sudden movement can lead to falling overboard. Keep throttle movements gentle and instruct crew to maintain a low center of gravity.
Safety Point: If you are putting a load on deck cleats or pontoon mooring points, ensure they are capable and securely fastened.
Departing Using Forward Thrust
Another method is "using forward thrust while preventing forward movement." This is effective if you have good control of the line. Refer to the image: Using a Forward Spring Line.
When to Use "Forward Spring Line Departure"
When you are pinned by external factors (wind/tide), if the wind is directly behind you, reversing out is simple. However, if the wind is blowing onto the bow or side, pushing the boat onto the pontoon, it presents a challenge because the wind will want to push the boat against the pontoon as you try to reverse.
In this case, you have options:
1) If space permits, reverse out more aggressively to clear the bow;
2) Use a forward spring line to angle the stern out;
3) If the wind is on the bow, use forward gear to nudge the bow out, then let the wind help you rotate away.
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