Outing: Second trip on the Ericson 32-200
Objective: Learn the exact setup and execution required for single-handed docking
Areas Used: Grand Marina slip and empty docks in Brooklyn Basin
When I bought this boat, my biggest question was simple: How do you actually dock an Ericson 32-200 by yourself? What is the setup? What is the sequence? What do you touch first, and how do you control the boat without rushing around?
This outing was designed to answer those questions directly.
1. The Exact Docking Setup for This Boat
These are the components that matter specifically for the Ericson 32-200:
Fenders
- Three fenders on the docking (port) side
- All hung at slip-height
- Spacing:
- One at the bow flare
- One at the beam
- One aft, just forward of the cockpit coaming
The Ericson hull shape makes the middle fender critical because the beam carries aft.
Dock Lines (Single-Handed Priority)
The most important part of the setup is the midship spring line:
- Line is pre-cleated on the boat at the midship cleat
- The other end is set up as a fixed loop sized to drop over the dock cleat in one movement
- Length adjusted so that when the loop is dropped, the boat stops exactly where it needs to be in the slip
This is the line that allows single-handed control.
Engine and Rudder Setup
- Rudder centered on approach
- Engine at idle only
- No reverse until alignment is confirmed
The Yanmar on this boat has enough thrust at idle for all slow-speed control — anything more causes overcorrection.
2. The Execution: Step-by-Step Docking Procedure
This is the actual sequence practiced repeatedly during the outing.
Step 1 — Line Up Early
- Turn into the fairway with enough distance to begin straightening the boat
- Avoid last-second helm corrections
- Approach the slip at idle speed
The Ericson tracks well when set up early; it wanders if corrections are made late.
Step 2 — Shift to Neutral for the Glide
Once the bow is pointed down the slip centerline:
- Shift into neutral
- Let the boat coast in
- Use short throttle bumps only for small corrections
This boat glides smoothly and predictably in neutral — one of the most important handling characteristics for single-handed docking.
Step 3 — Minimal Helm Corrections
At neutral or idle:
- Keep the helm movements small
- Oversteering causes the boat to “walk” instead of track straight
The long fin keel reacts slower than a small rudder on many new production boats, so steady, small corrections work best.
Step 4 — Stop the Boat at the Midship Cleat
When the boat reaches the slip entry:
- Step off with the midship line loop already in hand
- Drop the loop onto the dock cleat
- The line instantly stops the boat’s motion forward and sideways
This eliminates the need to run to the bow or stern.
Step 5 — Secure Second Line Only After the Boat Is Stable
Once the midship line is on and loaded:
- The boat is pinned safely
- The bow cannot swing out
- The stern cannot drift
From here, walk calmly forward or aft to attach the bow and stern lines.
This is the core of single-handed docking.
3. Why This Procedure Works for the Ericson 32-200
Neutral glide behavior
The hull tracks straight in neutral, making it predictable in the slip.
Prop walk direction
In reverse, the stern walks slightly to port, but at idle it is manageable and does not disrupt the approach.
Midship location
The Ericson’s midship cleat is in a perfect location to stop the boat without twisting it violently, unlike some boats where the cleat is too far forward or aft.
Visibility from the helm
The boat’s cockpit layout offers a clear view of the slip and dock cleat, making it easy to step off safely.
Slip geometry
My slip at Grand Marina is aligned so that a straight neutral-glide approach does not require heavy maneuvering.
All of this means the midship-line-first approach is not only practical but optimal for this hull and slip.
4. Practice Locations: Grand Marina and Brooklyn Basin
The outing involved repeating the procedure in two locations:
Grand Marina
- Practice departures
- Real-world slip approaches
- Handling within a working fairway
Brooklyn Basin empty docks
- Controlled practice without adjacent boats
- Ability to abort and reset cleanly
- Multiple approaches without risk
Practicing at both locations confirmed that the same procedure works consistently.
5. What I Learned From This Session
- Lining up early is the most important part of the approach.
- The boat handles best at idle, with neutral doing most of the work.
- Small helm corrections are better than reactive steering.
- The midship spring line is the key to single-handed docking on this boat.
- Using a fixed loop dramatically reduces workload when stepping off.
- I now have a repeatable procedure I can follow alone.
6. Next Steps Toward Full Single-Handing
- Replace throttle and shift cables to eliminate stiffness during low-speed maneuvers.
- Fine-tune the midship line length so the stop point is perfect every time.
- Practice the same sequence in moderate wind once baseline skill is locked in.
- Add a formal single-handed docking checklist to refine consistency.
Summary
This second outing was about confirming the exact setup and execution needed for single-handed docking on my Ericson 32-200. By practicing at Grand Marina and the empty docks in Brooklyn Basin, I was able to break the maneuver down into clear, repeatable steps: configure the boat, line up early, glide in neutral, secure the midship line, and stabilize the boat before touching anything else.
Now I have a procedure that works — not in theory, but on this specific boat.
—J