Backing up

[Phil Prater]

I just watched the video of Lola backing out of her slip. Nice job Lola.
But I also noticed that backing down that fairly long fairway, she kept looking over her shoulder to see. This is not in any way meant to be critical of anyone. But am I the only one who turns around, puts my back to the wheel, when backing any distance. Is it just something about me that makes this method easier. Or are you just not as comfortable doing it this way. I know I lean slightly towards oddball, but just wondering.

[LOLA]

Ok this has been suggested...I will try it. If I have to use the throttle , I'm wondering if I can do it being behind my back, like with my left hand, and I'm right handed? Another suggestion I believe was to stand behind the other side of the wheel....again the instruments are hard to use.

I will have to practice.

My real fear is the actual getting out of the slip and getting just right in the middle of that narrow channel . The boat is 30 ft..
the channel is 30 ft wide, which is narrower as of the bulkhead, and I'm 5 ft on the rudder...once I get in the center of the channel, I just line up the Knot on the wheel, until I have to back into another area, and go to forward.

Now get this...may seem odd but I am a mirror driver having done sales in a RV for 13 yrs...I have purchased 10 inch mirrors which I'd like to install on my cockpit....anyone ever do that?

Thank you, by the way for the nice compliment.

[Phil Prater]

Lola,
Couple different ways to do this. You can stand facing aft, beside the wheel, or in front of the wheel, if it is easier for you to reach controls or more comfortable. You also might get a bunch of empty gallon jugs, milk jugs work fine, and anchor them somewhere in open water. Make a channel and practice, and find out what works best for you. What works for me might not be your cup a tea.

[LOLA]

HEY THANKS I HAVE MANY SUGGESTIONS...i DO PLAN TO INSTALL LARGE REAR VIEW MIRRORS...AS ON MY RV, AS I AM USE TO MIRROR DRIVING...IT MAY NOT BE FOR EVERYONE, BUT HEY I AM INTO WHAT IS BEST FOR ME.