Biggest Boat you can handle alone?

[Progress]

I have spent many hours singlehanding, including all 34 of the locks in the Erie Canal. I enjoy an occasional break where it's just me, the sea, and my boat.

Lines are rigged for landing before I leave. Food and water are in a cooler along with any other supplies or equipment I might need are within reach of the helm; and a appropriately marked coffee can is nearby. I try to be prepared to not have to leave the helm.

As for departing and/or landing I'm not too proud to take any assistance offered. Generally I size up the conditions (wind, current, available space) before attempting to land. Then think thru what I need to do and take it slow and easy.

It's all about prudence, planning, preparation, and patience.

 

[Alex F]

I think the elephant in this post is why? What makes boats fun is having people on them... Sometimes it is harder to handle a boat with a lot of people than solo... I went out with my dog on my 250 DA and got distracted for 1 second and hit a day maker... I prefer to always go out the the boat with my first mate... Extra eyes are always helpful...

SOLO means not even a dog, Rod. Man, you cracked me up on this one :smt043:smt043


I handle my boat alone periodically. As others have said the help from the crew extends to watching and handling lines, nothing else like pushing (unless it's really necessary in extremem condition). I would say that there's no right answer as to what line goes first, b/c it all depends on the wind direction. In my slip I have a "safety line" it's a small line tied to one stern cleat from the side piling. It works like a charm. It's goes off last and goes on first with easy reach. The rest of the lines I handle depending where the wind is blowing, so I secure those that keep the boat in place first.

As to the size, well bridge boats could be different, but I think most Sundancers in larger size will only be easier to handle.

 

[emlevins]

Well, this has been a great thread. As the OP, I was really interested in - as the title suggests - what size boat could be handled alone. But the answer to that question was quick and consistent - and thread discussion shifted to docking strategy and safety - and that has been terrific.

When I boat alone, I wear my PFD but have not used the kill switch lanyard - but plan to ( and of course will forget I have it on and kill the engine numerous times as I have with previous boats - and then think I have a mechancical problem :smt043).

As for docking, I prepare lines and fenders ahead of time and have the boat hook at the ready. I usually need to turn the boat around (180 degrees) in the fairway depending on wind conditions and approach my slip from the opposite direction. I dock bow in. I keep a bow and stern line on the boat - and step off with them to maintain control of the boat - (engine in neutral - in case I am not close enough to the dock to get off and need to go back to the helm and manuever the boat) Once off, I quickly attach the stern line and use the bow line to keep the boat from drifting. I then attach the spring line which is sitting on the dock and then move to the bow and attach the line I am holding. I then readjust all lines as necessary. I always welcome help because its never pretty - and I especially appreciate having someone secure the boat while I am still at the helm. Seems to get the job done.

And, I always put the boat in neutral when using the head on the water :thumbsup: