Leon explains: Leaving dock diagonally using the bow thruster
May 8, 2024 · 1 min · 15K views
What this video covers
A bow thruster combined with a midship spring line lets a boat leave a dock diagonally, moving forward and sideways simultaneously.0:03 Leon Schulz demonstrates the technique on Regina, starting with the engine running and the bow turned away from the port-side quay while all lines except the midship spring are removed.0:34 The spring runs aft; forward gear and inward steering push the stern away from the dock.0:41 Once the spring is released, Leon applies forward gear with the wheel turned toward the dock, which drives the stern out, then counters the bow's inward swing with the bow thruster.0:58 The result is a diagonal departure that opens roughly one meter of clearance from the quay.1:41 Leon notes the method is especially useful in locks with high walls, where conventional maneuvering room is limited.0:08 The key counterintuitive step: steer toward the dock to kick the stern out, then use the bow thruster to prevent the bow from closing in.0:58
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