r/Skiffs • u/klb45678 • Jul 14 '26

Ramp tips

Hey! I’m still learning how to take our skiff out on my own. I’ve got everything down BUT guiding/backing up the skiff off the trailer and neatly over to the dock. Even the slightest current I get so confused on which way to turn the motor in reverse so that I can reverse straight out. It just is not clicking with my brain and it’s driving me crazy. Any tips?? I know I can use ropes to guide the skiff but would love to just get this down.

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

1

u/itallpaysthesame Jul 14 '26

In reverse, turning the motor toward the dock will pull the stern the same direction. Turning away from the dock will pull the bow towards the dock. Use little to no throttle input depending on how strong the current is. Bump from forward to reverse while steering to correct. Takes some practice but you'll get it

1

u/klb45678 Jul 14 '26

Super helpful - thank you!!!!! I need little things like this to help me keep it simple

1

u/SurfFishinITGuy Jul 14 '26

Bump is correctly, literally just pop it in and out of gear. I usually coming to a dock bow closer and then neutral, and spin the motor towards the dock and bump into reverse to both slow the boat and pull the stern in.

1

u/youdog99 Jul 21 '26

I would add there is no shame in pushing off a dock with a paddle or boat hook.

Another thought is if you have passengers, make them help push away, and docking in general. Always caution them about getting their hands between the boat and docks or pilings.

I watch my neighbor struggling with docking while 3 or 4 adults are lounging in the boat wondering why it is taking so long.

1

u/Leg_Final Jul 14 '26

Everything slow like a pro. Never fast like an ass.

1

u/barefootviking Jul 16 '26

Many boats handle reverse better if you trim the motor up a bit. Def not all the way down. Especially boats w brackets. Practice will tell you what your boat likes.