- Mar 10, 2004
- 5,113
6 knot current and 25 knot wind? Do the sailboaters yell at you about your wake while you are sitting in your slip?
Dockhands and Docking
- Thread starter Four Suns
- Start date
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Nehalennia II
New Member
Gary sorry for the delayed repsonse. I, believe it or not, run into it, albeit rarely, of the resort marina's "helping hands" even on the 230OV. I prefer to tie with "my Crew" as well. I just have a certain way I wish to tie and like Frank allow them to assist as long as there's no imminent damage about to occur and re-tie when they're gone.
this last weekend a kid tied our boat a certain way, and when I retied using the eye to the dock then tied to the boat his partner began to laugh (like I was simply reversing the way he had it) but then began to run it forward as out spring line, I looked up at him and said "there's a reason for my madness" and smiled in a nice way.
Later that day he was playing "marina rodeo" with his partner.
We watched as we walked the 900' to shore while they were taking turns trying to throw the cinching hitch in the line from the waist level to the dock cleat on another dock. I asked them "How's the night was going" they said "good how are you?" I said "fine-can I have a shot?" they smirked' and handed the line over. I lassoed the cleat with a single throw half-hitch and said...."I was 18 and bored once.....
--but I'm envious- do you babysit twins?"
this last weekend a kid tied our boat a certain way, and when I retied using the eye to the dock then tied to the boat his partner began to laugh (like I was simply reversing the way he had it) but then began to run it forward as out spring line, I looked up at him and said "there's a reason for my madness" and smiled in a nice way.
Later that day he was playing "marina rodeo" with his partner.
We watched as we walked the 900' to shore while they were taking turns trying to throw the cinching hitch in the line from the waist level to the dock cleat on another dock. I asked them "How's the night was going" they said "good how are you?" I said "fine-can I have a shot?" they smirked' and handed the line over. I lassoed the cleat with a single throw half-hitch and said...."I was 18 and bored once.....
--but I'm envious- do you babysit twins?"downeast320
New Member
admin said:
Sea Ray 300
Senior Sea Ray Enthusiast
- Oct 12, 2006
- 612
- Boat Info
- 2005 300 Sundancer
- Engines
- Twin 5.0 liter with Bravo III drives.
comsnark said:
Unfortunately, I wasn't clear enough and paint the entire picture.
The camaraderie that we have developed over the years is a result of all of us being beginners at one time, and trying to assist fellow boaters, so that it is enjoyable for all.
The 6 that I referred to, are never there at the same time, but we are a nucleus of 6 fellow boaters. Rarely, are more than 1 or 2 there on any given day, but we have instilled a repoire of camaraderie.
When we dock, we have to face our bow into the cross-current and cross-wind, and back into our slips. On any given day, after having docked a hundred times, sooner or later, one day, and you can count on it, the conditions will be all wrong, as the current and wind are forever changing.
Our marina doesn't have dock hands, so it's every man for himself.
I've heard stories of "newbies" trying to dock, in wind and current, on a Sunday afternoon, while being watched and laughed at from the "Sunday afternoon cocktail" crowd.
We assist whenever possible, if needed, and enjoy the camaraderie.
wkearney99
Active Member
- Feb 23, 2006
- 583
- Boat Info
- 47'
- Engines
- Twin Caterpillar C-12, Twin Disc straight shaft inboards.
Well, in defense of the 'loop on the boat' perspective, that does allow any adjustments of the lines to be done from on the pier, not on the boat. This will let them readjust the lines if necessary. Like the tide changing considerably or wind conditions. If the bitter end is on the boat they'd have to go aboard to make the adjustments.
When docking side-to at a restaurant it's typical to loop the line on the cleat and have the bitter end on shore to allow moving the vessel as space needs change.
It also lets someone on shore release the lines with a degree of control should an immediate departure be necessary (fire, weather, etc). If it's simply looped at the piling or cleat they can't do much to work "with" the crew on board. Granted, the crew on board can pay out some slack and let them have some extra line. But then you've got two ends of the line not firmly attached to something. Should trouble develop you really want to avoid sudden motions yanking someone off balance.
That said, I too despise "help" from on shore that attempts to give the crew different instructions than those given by the captain (ie, ME). I've told my crew (usually just the wife) politely ignore this 'help'. She's gotten good at it, usually with a pause, negative nod of the head and one hand pointing back to me at the helm. Leaving it to me to tell them "please, do what I've asked my crew to do".
More often than not it's a debate over the bow line at a fuel dock. This being that "most important line" in side-to dockings. I usually just have to bark out "get that line cleated down NOW". While they might not like the attitude, screw them, it's my $600 being put in the fuel tanks, not theirs. The attitude follows the money; from ME to THEM and not the other way 'round.
But if things aren't quite as friendly as would be helpful it doesn't bother me to "let them off the hook" with a comment about docking being stressful and a bit confusing at times. That seems to work, the smart ones recognize the attempt to 'lighten things up' a bit. When it doesn't then it's 'no tip' and a call to the dock manager during the week. If they're dumb enough to piss off someone spending that much money, well, time to get another job...
When docking side-to at a restaurant it's typical to loop the line on the cleat and have the bitter end on shore to allow moving the vessel as space needs change.
It also lets someone on shore release the lines with a degree of control should an immediate departure be necessary (fire, weather, etc). If it's simply looped at the piling or cleat they can't do much to work "with" the crew on board. Granted, the crew on board can pay out some slack and let them have some extra line. But then you've got two ends of the line not firmly attached to something. Should trouble develop you really want to avoid sudden motions yanking someone off balance.
That said, I too despise "help" from on shore that attempts to give the crew different instructions than those given by the captain (ie, ME). I've told my crew (usually just the wife) politely ignore this 'help'. She's gotten good at it, usually with a pause, negative nod of the head and one hand pointing back to me at the helm. Leaving it to me to tell them "please, do what I've asked my crew to do".
More often than not it's a debate over the bow line at a fuel dock. This being that "most important line" in side-to dockings. I usually just have to bark out "get that line cleated down NOW". While they might not like the attitude, screw them, it's my $600 being put in the fuel tanks, not theirs. The attitude follows the money; from ME to THEM and not the other way 'round.
But if things aren't quite as friendly as would be helpful it doesn't bother me to "let them off the hook" with a comment about docking being stressful and a bit confusing at times. That seems to work, the smart ones recognize the attempt to 'lighten things up' a bit. When it doesn't then it's 'no tip' and a call to the dock manager during the week. If they're dumb enough to piss off someone spending that much money, well, time to get another job...
pjnr56
New Member
Just wanted to mention a couple of things on this subject:
1) I am a NEW boater and appreciate ANY help when trying to dock. Yes you might laugh since I am docking a 20' boat but to someone who NEVER did it before, someone on the dock grabbing a line is most welcome and appreciated.
2) When I took delivery of the boat the "captain" instructed us to use the loop-end of the dock line on the boat cleat not the dock cleat.
3) At the marina I use they also ask that we use the loop-end on the boat cleat. This allows them to move a boat or adjust the lines if necessary.
Just my two cents...
1) I am a NEW boater and appreciate ANY help when trying to dock. Yes you might laugh since I am docking a 20' boat but to someone who NEVER did it before, someone on the dock grabbing a line is most welcome and appreciated.
2) When I took delivery of the boat the "captain" instructed us to use the loop-end of the dock line on the boat cleat not the dock cleat.
3) At the marina I use they also ask that we use the loop-end on the boat cleat. This allows them to move a boat or adjust the lines if necessary.
Just my two cents...
wkearney99
Active Member
- Feb 23, 2006
- 583
- Boat Info
- 47'
- Engines
- Twin Caterpillar C-12, Twin Disc straight shaft inboards.
I keep one set of lines permanently tied up at our home slip. It's just a lot easier to leave the lines in place.
Which end of the line goes on your boat also depends on if it's your home slip or not. I prefer to keep the loop on the boat for the stern lines at our home slip. This lets anyone on the boat helping me dock it avoid getting it wrong. Worst case they don't run it through the inside of the cleat first. This instead of some tangled mess of a knot wrapped around the cleat. This also usually means a lot less line likely to get dropped in the water, ready to foul a prop.
For the bow lines I have the loop around the piling. At the boat end I keep a strip of tape around the line marking where it sits in relation to the hull. That is, look down on the line when it's cleated and that tape will be just above the edge of the hull. Keeping the tape any closer to the cleat means replacing it more often.
Once you get the hang of how your boat is best moored it's often a good idea to buy (or trim) lines best suited to those lengths. This way you're not stuck with a lot of extra line piled up ready to get tangled or collect moisture. Flemished spirals look clever and all, but they're a great way to collect mold and bugs underneath. That and excessively long lines (especially at the bow) present a greater risk of getting tangled in the props. If a bow line falls off the pole (or gets dropped by an inconsiderate slip neighbor...) there's a great chance your engine will suck it up into the props when backing up toward the piling.
For the spring line from the stern to the finger pier I likewise keep the bitter end on the boat and the loop on the piling. I find it's sometimes necessary to adjust the spring line to move the boat a bit; usually to ease boarding.
Which end of the line goes on your boat also depends on if it's your home slip or not. I prefer to keep the loop on the boat for the stern lines at our home slip. This lets anyone on the boat helping me dock it avoid getting it wrong. Worst case they don't run it through the inside of the cleat first. This instead of some tangled mess of a knot wrapped around the cleat. This also usually means a lot less line likely to get dropped in the water, ready to foul a prop.
For the bow lines I have the loop around the piling. At the boat end I keep a strip of tape around the line marking where it sits in relation to the hull. That is, look down on the line when it's cleated and that tape will be just above the edge of the hull. Keeping the tape any closer to the cleat means replacing it more often.
Once you get the hang of how your boat is best moored it's often a good idea to buy (or trim) lines best suited to those lengths. This way you're not stuck with a lot of extra line piled up ready to get tangled or collect moisture. Flemished spirals look clever and all, but they're a great way to collect mold and bugs underneath. That and excessively long lines (especially at the bow) present a greater risk of getting tangled in the props. If a bow line falls off the pole (or gets dropped by an inconsiderate slip neighbor...) there's a great chance your engine will suck it up into the props when backing up toward the piling.
For the spring line from the stern to the finger pier I likewise keep the bitter end on the boat and the loop on the piling. I find it's sometimes necessary to adjust the spring line to move the boat a bit; usually to ease boarding.
Honestly. . .for transient moorings, I like to send the loop onto the piling, just because it is easier for someone to loop the line than tie it correctly. I fix the line length from the boat -> I start with the maximum, and shorten to where I am comfortable once the boat is tied off bow and stern.
For home mooring: I also have the loop on the pile because it is "neater". With the neat coil on the bow, and neat wraps for the other cleats. I don't worry about the bugs and mildew. . because I use the boat often enough that this is not a problem. And yes. . .the bitter ends are well marked with tape so even the newbie can see where to put the rope on the cleat.
Of course. . the home mooring is purely personal preference. It can work either way.
My local fuel dock is very friendly. They generally have lines in place, and throw you one bow and stern as you approach the dock.
For home mooring: I also have the loop on the pile because it is "neater". With the neat coil on the bow, and neat wraps for the other cleats. I don't worry about the bugs and mildew. . because I use the boat often enough that this is not a problem. And yes. . .the bitter ends are well marked with tape so even the newbie can see where to put the rope on the cleat.
Of course. . the home mooring is purely personal preference. It can work either way.
My local fuel dock is very friendly. They generally have lines in place, and throw you one bow and stern as you approach the dock.
mikestein
New Member
Maybe I shouldn't comment on this thread because I have a little boat, but I will anyway. It seems to me that you guys have forgotten how fortunate you are to be able to complain about the 'help'. You probably spend more on fuel than these guys make in a year. Our boats are our pride and joy, no matter the size, so I understand your concern. It's just funny to read this stuff from a different perspective. Maybe this thread should be in the cruisers section or something. It's like complaining to the ethiopians that your steaks are overdone. :smt043
Dear Mr. Democrat Man:
Huh? :smt017
Huh? :smt017
ImpulseIII
Active Member
Me too... :huh:
wkearney99
Active Member
- Feb 23, 2006
- 583
- Boat Info
- 47'
- Engines
- Twin Caterpillar C-12, Twin Disc straight shaft inboards.
mikestein said:
Uh, what? Under what reasoning does it seem logical to put up with incompetence based on economics? What sort of arrogance is that? Put up with them being stupid because they're poor? The racist crack about foreigners is likewise repulsive. I'd rather have the concern over docklines than misguided notions like those...
mikestein
New Member
wkearney99,
it's strikes me as funny that the things that irritate some big boat owners, would be WELCOME problems to some small boat owners. If that wasn't clear I apologize. Now go back to your own little fantasy land and be nice. If you don't want me commenting on your thread about yacht owners' problems, then move it to the yacht forum. As for the racist comment, that is what we call an analogy. I'm sorry it confused you.
it's strikes me as funny that the things that irritate some big boat owners, would be WELCOME problems to some small boat owners. If that wasn't clear I apologize. Now go back to your own little fantasy land and be nice. If you don't want me commenting on your thread about yacht owners' problems, then move it to the yacht forum. As for the racist comment, that is what we call an analogy. I'm sorry it confused you.
jhild
New Member
- Nov 2, 2006
- 350
- Boat Info
- 1999 BW 18 Ventura /
Sold: 2003 176BR
- Engines
- Current: 135 OptiMax /
Sold: 3.0L Alpha
Gary’s Hyatt Assault Team aside, here's something to think about: For every captain who says, "I can handle it!" and actually can, there must be at least 5 guys who say it, but can't. Maybe the dockhands are told not to trust anyone. That certainly doesn't excuse incompetence or rude behavior, but it's not unlikely that the captain and the crew of the boat pulling in behind you simply don’t have a clue. The guys on the dock might be less concerned with personal preferences than getting each boat tied down ASAP before the next bozo (usually with a boat bigger that his IQ, sipping his 9th cocktail of the morning) attempts to dock.
I'm usually on my 10th cocktail.. get the stereotype right.
ImpulseIII
Active Member
Gary, look what YOU started...... :grin: Now we need another thread on the number of cocktails necessary for proper docking....Not to mention how to tell someone that a steak is somewhat overcooked!!! Good god, how do we survive?? :smt017
I think this should be discussed in great detail this Sunday at BIH !!I just hope there are plenty of dock hands available!!!!! :wink:
I think this should be discussed in great detail this Sunday at BIH !!I just hope there are plenty of dock hands available!!!!! :wink:
We should probably meet up at Still Pond or Fairlee Creek before hand and get totally smashed before we head over to Baltimore....
mikestein
New Member
And you guys wonder where stereotypes come from? A couple of comments and all of a sudden it's a personal attack on the rich. Lighten up. Forgive us underlings for daring to comment on your thread.
(John's comment made a lot of sense to me)
(John's comment made a lot of sense to me)
ImpulseIII
Active Member
Rich...........???????? :smt013 ! I have a nice boat but we live in a double wide parked in the back of the local WalMart where we do all out shopping by the way !!!! I buy gas for my 20 year old Yugo two gallons at a time, heat my double wide with wood chips and can't take any bridge over to New Jersey to visit my relatives 'cause I can't afford the tolls!!! I have perfected the art of dumpster diving and get my clothes from the salvation army. Rich.....HA :smt009
Oh yeah, we won't mention my wifes second job with an escort service...... :smt100
Rich.,...... :smt089
Oh yeah, we won't mention my wifes second job with an escort service...... :smt100
Rich.,...... :smt089
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