EQUIPMENT AS AN EXTRA HAND

Nearly every short-handed skipper can make use of bow and stern thrusters when docking. “We use Glendinning proportional hydraulic thrusters,” says Jeff Druek, president of Outer Reef Yachts, “so we can nail the boat alongside the dock while you get the lines on. They’re a huge, huge plus.” ¶ Beyond hydraulics, look for thruster joysticks that can be locked in the “on” position while the skipper leaves the helm to handle lines.