Mainship 34 - single screw docking?

[jeffconnell12]

Hey guys - I am narrowing my search for a small trawler and really like the early 80's mainship 34.

My biggest concern is the single screw diesel and no thrusters.

Would I regret and resent this boat as it would be a nightmare to take in and out of a busy marina with a narrow slip?

My experience is working a 25' grady (single 250hp) and several 18-20 boats.

Thanks

 

[mr 88]

Since your searching why worry about it until you find what your looking for. Who knows , it may have a bow thruster in it . They can be added at any time. If it doesn't have one you can add it or talk to the owner and ask them how they handle it . Spring lines and knowing how the hull reacts in reverse and other conditions may relieve your anxieties.

 

[ahicks]

Without bow thrusters, a single that size is going to be a handful. Not saying it can't be done, just saying it'll be a handful.

Pulling up to a gas dock, or a wall, not too bad. A slip, with other boats on each side? Go for it. Not for me....

 

[FunInDuhSun]

Agree with ahicks; watched one of my marina neighbors for many years work their 28 Carver (no thruster, single inboard) into and out of their slip. If the current or wind wasn’t favorable they had to use a spring line to make the turn.
I NEVER ONCE saw them go out solo, probably due to this!

 

[Texasmark]

Couple of problems with an inboard, especially with a deep keeled hull like a trawler. First off, the keel is your enemy for maneuvering since it wants to keep the boat going straight. Second, the prop thrust is inline with the keel. The only thing going for you is the rudder and taking a rudder controlled boat vs an outboard where thrust can be vectored to aid in your maneuvering, night and day.

A boat such as that has to be "led" to the dock, not "pushed" to the dock. It's like putting a trolling motor on the stern of a boat vs bow. On the bow it pulls and the boat follows. On the stern it pushes and the bow pretty much goes as the wind and tide direct it.

Bow thrusters are made and are popular for a reason!

 

[Tassie 1]

I agree with most of the above,

But l live in ' Ye Olde Timey Fishing Village '
That still has many single screw timber and steel diesel commercial cray ( lobster ) boats, mostly in the. 30 - 38 ft range
as well as converted ex fishing boats,

Very few bowthrusters on those either,

most of the operators do have a LOT of experience with them though,
just sayin'

 

[Grub54891]

I've found when moving boats around our marina, for service or launch/haulout reasons. driven several different sizes/designs. Some you have to get moving a bit, then put it in neutral to gain control at slow speeds. That eliminates prop thrust against the rudder so it'll actually turn where you need it to. You must do thus with caution, in gear, out, as needed. Each boat is different, it don't work on some, others are a piece of cake. Of course dual screws are alot easier, don't have to touch the helm if the rudders are straight.

 

[ahicks]

Each boat is different for sure!

Prop walk, where the bottom blade has a tendency to scoot the the back of the boat sideways because it's in denser water, is a great tool for very low speed (dead slow) maneuvering as well. The reason gentle shifting in and out of gear can be effective.

Trouble is, it's VERY easily cancelled out by wind and/or current too.

 

[racerone]

I remember an owner of a 40' boat.------He and his wife came into our small marina during very nice weather.-----Wind picked up ( 30 knots ) and he came in to ask for some extra hands to move to a better spot / slip .------I volunteered.------This owner had complete control of his boat and backed it around without a hint of things going out of control.----Simply amazing how he did this.-----Twin screw , grey hairs , many years of experience, not his first boat etc.-------Said " thank you for being ready to help "----So what this means is that whatever boat you buy it takes time and practice to get it to respond to your touch.------Single handed I have docked 35' or 40' sailboats with people on the dock saying " you did not need any help at all "----Or " I did not expect another boat to come in today with this wind , but it does look like you know what you are doing "-----And as stated the key in a crowded harbour is ----GO SLOW.

 

[ahicks]

Sailboats have comparatively HUGE rudders and are designed to not get knocked sideways right from the get go. I've found them to handle just great in tight spaces, with a single screw...... and no doubt, dead slow speeds. Most of them have a pretty serious dose of momentum that needs to be dealt with!

Too, have a lot of respect for some of of the boat handling I've seen. Hat's off to those guys, who have likely forgotten more than I'll ever know on the topic....

 

[racerone]

Sister in law was on board a 38" sailboat ( 20,000 LBS ) that I was bringing home for the owner.-----Put it it into a tight spot in a crowded harbour.-----Several concerned owners with the " what is he doing " look on their faces.----Sister in law said ---" I do not know how you did that , but my hat is off to you "---Experience , judgement and going SLOW counts.

 

[dingbat]

Have a friend who charters slips a 48’ Markley in the end slip. In and out twice a day. Uses the old midship laso trick to back in.

Here are some of the local boys in action...who needs a bow thruster.... lol

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2LRhkMH48_Q

 

[cptbill]

Spring lines are your friends in a single screw boat of any kind, If you get enough practice with lines you'll find you can do just about anything