Bump and Thumb Method

One of the most difficult thing for new owners of twin engine boats to conquer is being able to dock.  In reality, the captain should be able to dock the boat with VERY minimal use of the steering steering wheel.  Not only can the skill of driving a twin engine boat with only the throttles come in handy when docking, but in the crazy event that loose steerage, the only way to steer will be with the throttles, and trust me, its very important to be able to do this, don't ask me how, its a long story.

The Bump Method

The bump method is the simplest of the two.  When docking, use quick movements of the throttles, bump them into and out of gear.  Quickly go to ahead, allow the drives to engage, then back to neutral and likewise with astern.  Using these quick movements will keep the boat from gaining too much speed at once as speed is one of the biggest enemies when docking.  

Quick tip: If you will be taking a drive from ahead to astern, be sure to pause in neutral to allow the props to stop spinning.  If a prop is spinning in one direction then immediately sent in the opposite direction, serious damage can be caused to lower units and/or transmissions.  

The Thumb Method

Imagine that you are driving a twin engine boat.  Take both of your hands and place one on each shifter with your thumbs pointing inward toward each other.  Your thumbs are now indicating the direction each part of the boat will move if you shift into the corresponding direction.  

Assume you are in neutral and let me explain it....

• If you move your left (port) throttle into forward, the front of the boat will move to the right, the direction your thumb is pointing.  
• If you move your left (port) throttle into reverse, the stern of the boat will move to the right, the direction your thumb is pointing.  
• If you move your right (starboard) throttle into forward, the front of the boat will move to the left, the direction your thumb is pointing. 
• If you move your right (starboard) throttle into reverse, the stern of the boat will move to the left, the direction your thumb is pointing.  

Quick tip: If you will be taking a drive from ahead to astern, be sure to pause in neutral to allow the props to stop spinning.  If a prop is spinning in one direction then immediately sent in the opposite direction, serious damage can be caused to lower units and/or transmissions.  

Click here to test your skills with this docking simulator. 

Here is Captain Frank Stoeber from Regal Boats explaining the bump and thumb method.