Notes to self.....

[waternwaves]

When sailing bigger more expensive boats........ it is always wise to:


1) Not let your crew handle the aft mooring lines when docking. Keep those in the cockpit with you until the forward mooring lines are secured., or at least around the cleats....

2) A perkins 4-236 85 hp diesel cannot be pull started, even with a 1-1/4 inch mooring line around the prop, after crew drops the aft mooring line in the wawa.

3) If they don't know what a boat hook is........(since all your other docking and mooring operations did not need it) DO not I repeat DO NOT have them on deck without proper operation of and explanation why it is used to PULL the boat in.

4) make sure Deck monkeys should be large enough to wrestle any sail which could fall down during deck manouvers.

5) remind crew that the greek principles of democracy do not float. The democratic republic (especially docking with winds over 20 kts) is left ashore with the insurance binder and float plan. There is only one name on the insurance policy on the line identifying vessel master. Any and all opinions, feelings and discussions are welcome, as are grog and cold beer, however use of opinions, feelings, or aiming fluid by the captain is at the discretion of the captain.

6) Some of the most dangerous crew are former power boaters with familiarity with 15hp/ft. experience.

However even they can be lots of fun.

[pokerrick1]

You mean a diesel cannot be started by spinning the prop - - - even if one is spinning the prop in the correct direction??? Even if the key is in and on???

All this time - - - I didn't know that

Rick

[waternwaves]

Rick,

The above was merely an example at my somewhat dry, laconic, ascerbic, attempt to tell a joke. (as was pointed out 2 days ago). I will try to include the following caveat with all humor attempts.

Any resemblence of the above crew to any real crew (mine or anyone elses) , historical or otherwise, is a simple coincidence and is not intended. Inclusion of facts was merely for illustrative purposes only. Contact your dealer for complete details. Offer void in 50 states of the Union and territories, Rebates must be in the mail by 1-1-08. your mileage may vary.


I also found out it takes longer than a 10 ft boat hook to clear a rope off the prop of a 16ft beam sailboat... (See if I ever go out without dive gear again.... lol).

I guess if you have to have a mechanical problem, 3 ft from the home dock when you are coming home is the time and place to have the problem.

[maddmike]

My rule of thumb when docking my old tank (CSY 44) by myself or with inexperienced crew: "send them below to monitor the radio just in case someone calls to advise a slip change at the last minute" After all the 3 and 1/2" + glass on the CSY was way stronger than any old wooden dock that should happen to get in the way----

MM

[waternwaves]

There were no marks......lol o n the boat or dock.

I generally do not power into docks.
And the dock had a rub rail anyway.

Powerboaters are always in a hurry. Operating a sailboat, I put it where the wind and current will take it to the intended position. Some people dont wait. Had one guy almost break his neck jumping over the safety lines to try and get on the dock to handle a line, That part of the boat was a foot farther from the dock..........jeesh, walk forward 8 ft, stand on the boarding step, and drop your leg over a ft and a half....

But PLEASE do not drop the mooring line.........

Thanks mike,
I'll have to remember the monitor the harbor master trick.....lol

I guess I get a bit spoiled with my mac I can fit in almost anywhere......


However we are still looking for a 50 ft. or so fiberglass apartment.
.

[pokerrick1]

Sorry, Sir, but I really did get it the first time - - - I quess I have to prewarn or prelabel my wise as* comments also as such too.

Rick

[Beam's Reach]

I like the "monitor the VHF" idea as well.

I used to like to have the Admiral at the chainplates with the boat hook in case I got into trouble. But now that I'm more comfortable with docking, I prefer that she just sit (I'd say stay out of the way, but she might read this ). I'd rather have to deal with any trouble myself instead of explaining what I'm doing and what I want her to do.

I guess I just haven't trained my crew properly, but I go out alone about 70% of the time, so it's just easier to do it myself. And if the wind is really bad, I know there will be a few other boaters waiting to help pull me in.

[tangentair]

I find it humorous that you feel your crew might have functions related to boat handling. On my boat the 14 yr old is the historian, his job is to record for all posterity and family gatherings, the remarks of his mother - the judge and jury and color commentator, on my remarkable inability to preform even the simplest task in a logical, practical, economic or functional fashion within an acceptable time frame. Send them below - there is no way - their positons are fixed in the most advantageous place to observe my follies while providing the most obstructive barrier to accomplishing the tasks.

[waternwaves]

Tan,

Having the recorder on deck could be useful.

I am pretty much a headstrong do it yourself kind of guy> i was suprised at the demonstration of get home itis

i have never found docking as something better done hurried

side note>>>>>
the admiral has been admirable not taking me too much to task for the sloppy landing> i am sure the stories will be told about my slow motion docking endeavors

it is encouraging tho that she was not complaining of the docking speed or method. She learned her lesson long ago about jumping early. She also is quite comfortable with my fiberglass repairs. I believe it has to do with all that transom, rudders, hull, hatch, centerboard and liner work I have done to date.

[maddmike]

and they say MAC's don't help teach you boating skills - I wonder when the last time a TP-52 owner did any work himself on his rudders, brackets, glass, etc.

MM

[pokerrick1]

I have three docking speeds - - - slow, slower and slowest - - - and I don't care who is on board. That's probably why I "hit the target" 99% of the time (I've missed my slip docking twice in 2 1/2 years - - both times in stronger than usual wind) - - - both times I uttered four letter words (like dock and slip and whoa)

Rick

[Bransher]

Would it be possible for you to post the time and location of your next crewed sailing? Some of us who are in the area might like to come to the marina and set up folding chairs so we can watch the action.

Just kidding of course. Most of us have "been there and done that" at one time or another, and I for one am quick to lose my temper in that situation.

[K9Kampers]

...both times I uttered four letter words (like dock and slip and whoa)

...STOP...NOOO...OUCH !

[waternwaves]

hey......

give a guy some relief.....

It is twice the length and 10 times as heavy as my mac......

I have to dock it a little slower, especially with currents and winds...and 85 hp to move it.....

I will sell popcorn and videos nextime, ushers will handle seating on docks C & D,

ADDED NOTE: Any goof up on lateral positioning would have resulted in goring a 4788 type meridian..... and I dont want to burn all my bridges with this charter company.....

[KayakDan]

Isn't it strange how the boat gets bigger as you approach the dock. It's just as strange how the boat seems to be going a lot faster in the last 20 seconds or so,particularly if you throw a line and it's missed on the first attempt.

Your docking was giving me flashbacks to my "controlled crash" getting into a tight dock in the wind 2 weeks ago. It's not polite to yell"Oh Sh*t" in a quiet marina.