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 Dock-O-Matic		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5231 Posts
Initially Posted - 08/18/2017 :  17:21:50  Show Profile
Anybody regularly use a Dock-O-Matic? According to Randy, a long-time member from the Pacific NW, he created a gizmo to place a loop over the center dock cleat to secure the boat while coming back in to the dock. Once the Dock-O-Matic was in place and snugged up, he could then very leisurely secure all the other lines to the cleats forward and aft.
I created a very primitive version when I used to be docked out on a tidal river (winds and currents), but since I've moved over to the quiet and sedate harbor, I don't really need it.
Until the other day last week - we had gusty northwesterlies that, of course, piped up just as I was approaching the dock. Took me two, no, three turns to secure the dock lines. I was wishing I had a Dock-O-Matic then!
Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain — Milford, CT

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts
Response Posted - 08/21/2017 :  15:23:17  Show Profile
I made my own also. Worked fairly well.
DavidP
1975 C-22 SK #5459 "Shadowfax" Fleet 52
PO of 1984 C-25 SK/TR #4142 "Recess"
Percy Priest Yacht Club, Hamilton Creek Marina, Nashville, TN
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sethp001
Mainsheet C-25 Tech Editor

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814 Posts
Response Posted - 08/21/2017 :  17:03:42  Show Profile
Is this a Dock-o-Matic?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qHdPhkSSNQ


Seth
"Outlier" 1987 Catalina 25 SR/SK/Traditional Interior #5541
"Zoo" 1977 Morgan Out Island 30
"Nomad" 1980 Prindle 16
"Lost" 1988 Catalina Capri 14.2 (sold - yay!)
"Marine Tex 1" Unknown Origin POS 8' Fiberglass Dinghy
https://whichsailboat.com/2014/07/27/catalina-25-review/
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WesAllen
Navigator

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USA
222 Posts
Response Posted - 08/21/2017 :  17:17:44  Show Profile
Can't get anymore automatic than that. I love it.
Wesley Allen
"Breaking Wind"
1982 C-25 SR/TR/SK #2773
Hemlock, MI
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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9013 Posts
Response Posted - 08/21/2017 :  17:39:26  Show Profile
quote:
Originally posted by sethp001

Is this a Dock-o-Matic?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qHdPhkSSNQ
Well, no--that's a fantasy... Randy's Dock-o-Matic is simply a spring-line made to a midship cleat on the boat, with a loop on the other end that is held open by a piece of vinyl tubing around its loop. The idea is that loop can be easily dropped on a dock cleat with a boat-hook as you approach the dock or enter a slip. The basic principle of a spring-line takes over, pulling the boat into the dock as it is tensioned by the boat. (Don't make it too long--you want some angle from the cleat to the boat to pull the boat in as it stops. But make it out of twisted nylon for some shock-absorbance.) After it stops the boat, the motor can be left in gear at idle, holding the boat against the dock, while other dock-lines are secured.

Simple, but brilliant! (In particular, the tubing that holds the loop open so it is easily dropped on the dock cleat.)
Dave Bristle
Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT
PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage, USCG "sixpack" (expired),
Now on Eastern 27 $+!nkp*+ Sarge
Edited by - Stinkpotter on 08/21/2017 17:47:44
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sethp001
Mainsheet C-25 Tech Editor

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814 Posts
Response Posted - 08/21/2017 :  18:34:31  Show Profile
quote:
Originally posted by Stinkpotter

quote:
Originally posted by sethp001

Is this a Dock-o-Matic?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qHdPhkSSNQ
Well, no--that's a fantasy... Randy's Dock-o-Matic is simply a spring-line made to a midship cleat on the boat, with a loop on the other end that is held open by a piece of vinyl tubing around its loop. The idea is that loop can be easily dropped on a dock cleat with a boat-hook as you approach the dock or enter a slip. The basic principle of a spring-line takes over, pulling the boat into the dock as it is tensioned by the boat. (Don't make it too long--you want some angle from the cleat to the boat to pull the boat in as it stops. But make it out of twisted nylon for some shock-absorbance.) After it stops the boat, the motor can be left in gear at idle, holding the boat against the dock, while other dock-lines are secured.

Simple, but brilliant! (In particular, the tubing that holds the loop open so it is easily dropped on the dock cleat.)


Wow, thanks - that's a great idea!


Seth
"Outlier" 1987 Catalina 25 SR/SK/Traditional Interior #5541
"Zoo" 1977 Morgan Out Island 30
"Nomad" 1980 Prindle 16
"Lost" 1988 Catalina Capri 14.2 (sold - yay!)
"Marine Tex 1" Unknown Origin POS 8' Fiberglass Dinghy
https://whichsailboat.com/2014/07/27/catalina-25-review/
Edited by - sethp001 on 08/21/2017 18:34:57
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sethp001
Mainsheet C-25 Tech Editor

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814 Posts
Response Posted - 08/21/2017 :  18:36:52  Show Profile
quote:
Originally posted by WesAllen

Can't get anymore automatic than that. I love it.


Here's the same hero launching his sailing dinghy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPeetFWRVxo

I feel bad for the other guy's treatment after being hospitable.


Seth
"Outlier" 1987 Catalina 25 SR/SK/Traditional Interior #5541
"Zoo" 1977 Morgan Out Island 30
"Nomad" 1980 Prindle 16
"Lost" 1988 Catalina Capri 14.2 (sold - yay!)
"Marine Tex 1" Unknown Origin POS 8' Fiberglass Dinghy
https://whichsailboat.com/2014/07/27/catalina-25-review/
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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4275 Posts
Response Posted - 08/23/2017 :  16:01:03  Show Profile
If you know how to dock a boat you don't need no stinkin dock-o-matic!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W36rDKl4T5s

Association Member

GaryB
Andiamo
'89 SR/WK #5862
Kemah,TX
Edited by - GaryB on 08/23/2017 16:01:41
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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9013 Posts
Response Posted - 08/23/2017 :  18:31:06  Show Profile
quote:
Originally posted by GaryB

If you know how to dock a boat you don't need no stinkin dock-o-matic!
You can hear and see the bow- and stern-thrusters in that video, plus he probably has twin screws. Many new boats have all of those things and the GPS integrated by computer to a joystick by the helm, so you can make them go sideways, spin on their axis, and hold their precise positions in wind and current--like on a Playstation... Hardly any talent required.

I have one screw, no keel (she slips and slides), no thruster... "Talent required."
Dave Bristle
Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT
PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage, USCG "sixpack" (expired),
Now on Eastern 27 $+!nkp*+ Sarge
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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4275 Posts
Response Posted - 08/23/2017 :  20:58:35  Show Profile
quote:
Originally posted by Stinkpotter

quote:
Originally posted by GaryB

If you know how to dock a boat you don't need no stinkin dock-o-matic!
You can hear and see the bow- and stern-thrusters in that video, plus he probably has twin screws. Many new boats have all of those things and the GPS integrated by computer to a joystick by the helm, so you can make them go sideways, spin on their axis, and hold their precise positions in wind and current--like on a Playstation... Hardly any talent required.

I have one screw, no keel (she slips and slides), no thruster... "Talent required."

I could make my single engine Sea Ray do that but it was a stern drive and the wind had to be in the right direction.

Association Member

GaryB
Andiamo
'89 SR/WK #5862
Kemah,TX
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
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