A safe harbour manoeuvre does not begin at the helm, but with clear communication on board. Going through responsibilities, line handling and possible manoeuvre sequences together before mooring or casting off helps to avoid last-minute rushes and misunderstandings. This is exactly where the Voxtob Manoeuvre Box comes in: it helps skippers and crew to discuss typical situations at the jetty in a clear and practical way and to run through various solutions without time pressure. This is particularly beneficial for beginners, who can thus better understand their roles on board and act with greater confidence in an emergency.
Before setting off, rather than in the thick of it
The principle is deliberately simple: a manoeuvre is not merely explained, but planned out in three dimensions. This can be particularly useful for charter crews. After taking over the boat, they often have to deal with an unfamiliar vessel, an unfamiliar harbour and changing wind conditions. Even on your own boat, a brief briefing is helpful before everyone is expected to act in unison when setting sail.
I am looking for a suitable BOOTE article to serve as an editorially appropriate alternative link. The key advantage lies not in additional technology on board, but in clear agreements. If the helmsman and the bowman agree before the manoeuvre who will monitor which distances, when the bow line is to be handed over, and how to react in the event of a failed approach, the crew will remain capable of acting effectively. This significantly reduces the risk of frantic, uncoordinated individual actions. The BOOTE article explains what matters when it comes to prepared lines, clear tasks and safe mooring. “Harbour manoeuvres: What you need to bear in mind when mooring and casting off”.
A hands-on crew briefing
A tactile aid is particularly effective where verbal instructions alone remain too abstract. The three-dimensional representation is ideal for explaining the boat’s position in relation to the jetty, dolens or neighbouring yachts. To this end, the pier, jetties, bollards and harbour exit can be easily replicated on the blue board. The model boat features cleats, a rudder blade and a throttle lever. It is secured with a rope in exactly the same way as a real yacht in the harbour.
This also sets it apart from digital training programmes. Apps and simulators can replicate driving behaviour, mooring manoeuvres and exercises. The Voxtob concept, on the other hand, focuses on joint preparation for a specific, imminent manoeuvre. For a crew briefing at the chart table or in the cockpit, this can provide a more immediate experience than a screen.
No substitute for practising on the water
A manoeuvring assistance system is no substitute for experience at the helm or for assessing the wind, current and available space. Particularly when operating larger motorboats, skippers should first familiarise themselves thoroughly with their own boat in light traffic: how quickly does it lose speed? How does it react when reversing? Where is the pivot point, and what effect do the bow, stern and fender lines have? You can find practical basics and tips for safer mooring and casting off in BOOTE’s articles on Port manoeuvres as well as to the Mooring and unmooring alongside.
However, as part of the preparation, the manoeuvre box can help to refine the crucial step before the actual manoeuvre: turning a vague instruction into a clear sequence of actions. This is a sensible approach, particularly when working with children, guests or crew members who have little experience of manoeuvres.
The Manoeuvring Box S costs 49 euros. The Manoeuvring Box, which has a 40 per cent larger base area and includes a second boat, is on sale for 64 euros.
Book recommendation
Harbour manoeuvres step by step – with a motorboat illustrates the most important manoeuvres with motorboats in clear sequences of bird’s-eye-view images. Mooring and casting off at a jetty, alongside a mooring line or in a berth are covered, as are turning round, repositioning, anchoring, towing and passing through locks. The book also explains the differences between shaft drives, Z-drives and outboard motors that are relevant to these manoeuvres.
How do you prepare your crew for a tricky manoeuvre in port – with clear instructions, a sketch, or is it bound to go wrong anyway?
Michael Rinck
Redakteur Test & Technik