Will_L said:
If you have a speedometer onboard ..gps..or handheld the helms person can learn the approach speed INTO THE WIND that works. Most errors are related to too much speed. You want to end up near dead in the water...way too often the boat is going 2-3 kts when the hooker attempts snagging the ball. Always goes badly then.
Agree on the speed and the most common mistake of too much headway. Totally disagree on using anything like a "speedometer" or GPS to gauge the approach to a dock or mooring. Tape that stuff over and focus on your movement relevant to stationary object near by. Once you are within sight of land the only electronic tool that should be used is the depth sounder. Into the wind at the lowest headway possible to maintain steerage is the way to go. On a cat the dual engines allow control with no headway for those that master the concept.
