Here's my tip for the day....what's yours?

Gofirstclass

Well-Known Member
Apr 20, 2010
11,670
Tri Cities, WA
Boat Info
Boatless in WA
Engines
No motor
Among the many CSR members are some who are on their first boat and are learning the ropes as the old saying goes. Others, myself included, have boated for many years, have boated on a variety of waters and with some, have owned many boats they have enjoyed.

So, here's my thought for this thread: How about sharing that one thing that you felt has made you a much better boater. Not necessarily better than others, but better than you were before you learned it.

I'll start with what I feel is probably the most important thing I learned and that is how to read what the winds and currents are going to do to my boat as I approach a dock. I often would sit, just idling in neutral, looking at what the wind is doing, looking at tell tales to see what way they were being blown. Then I would try to visualize what effect the winds would have on my boat and how I would make my approach to the dock. I almost always backed into my slip so that visualization also included where I would rotate the boat so I'd be in the right position to back in.

I almost never had to deal with current while docking but I would try to read any current and do the same visualization before I started my approach to the dock.

I also learned early on that there's no shame in taking a missed approach, pulling away from the dock/slip and starting the process over. Heck, if pilots can do it so can skippers.

Next?
 
Here is mine, I learned right away, 30 years ago to old off on the beer until the boat is tied to the dock or safely at anchor for the evening. I can say honestly that that is a rule and practice that has served me well and made me a safer boater than many berthed around me.
Carpe Diem
 
I have learned quite a bit. One being docking with wind and current. I back in perpendicular to wind and current so it can get tricky. I think another is properly anchoring. I used to think as long as the anchor was touching bottom you were good. Haven't had my anchor drag in a few years now.
 
Prior to starting engines, I always pull the engine hatch after fueling and sniff test.....gasoline vapors are quickly detected (even in very small amounts) by the human nose. If not practical, I would sniff the outflowing blower vent for any hint of fuel odor. Turn blower on after fueling.
 
So many small things that add up to big things. I would have to list 3 things that I think create a good foundation:
1. Basic understanding of weather / wind and how that impacts your boating.
2. Learn a few basic knots: cleat hitch, clove hitch and a bowline.
3. Basic mechanical troubleshooting.
4. Patience - this is the most important I think. Rushing to: go out, dock, anchor seems to always lead to something bad.

Ok that was 4 things.
 
Wind and weather growing up in Sebastian, not a big tide there.

Add Tide to that equation in Savannah where we have 8' swings.

Reading conditions properly- spot on.
 
Never bring the mistress to your marina. Pick her up at a different marina. So she doesn’t show up while out with the wife.

Well if we are giving that type of advice, my father once told me:

“If it Flies, Floats or F@&ks it is usually cheaper to rent it”.
 
I'm a owner of a new boat but not new to boating. You marina boaters don't have a clue on how hard docking a boat can be. Try docking on a public river dock when other boaters & barges are going by. Checking the wind?? HaHaHa the wind is about the least of my problems. I have heavy current to start with & depending on what size of boat is at the dock already, the current may change direction to try to spin my boat at the last second. There is the wake of other boaters going by that could care less if you are trying to keep from beating up your new boat & as the barges go by don't even get near the dock or certain damage will occur.
Then there is the other boaters that just want that part of the dock to pick up a friend, I have had boats pull up next to me as I was docking & had their buddies run across the back of my boat to get on their boat. Public docks are never big enough.
But when it is all said & done you have to look at it as just another day in the life of a boater. You just sit back in your chair look at the sunset lift your glass & say thank you for another day in the sun.
 
When we turned from weekend boaters to more of a cruiser style of boaters, my wife learned that when total darkness and adverse weather gets your head all screwed around, never, ever, doubt your instruments. She had an experience where unlike her normal self, her mind was telling her that the boat wasn't going where it was going. It happens in stressful situations for some people. She is well past that now and actually did most of the time at the helm when we did the all-night crossing of the Gulf during our loop.
We have learned together to not set out unless we both agree on the weather. In the snot, I do the driving, that's easy. She's the one who ends up going out on deck to do the line handling. Happy wife, happy life.
 
Thanks for the tip. Quite certain none of us ‘marina’ boaters have ever experienced anything like that. Of course we have no clue. Guess we should all sell and get RVs.
Waddya think Potato Man, let’s take up bowling?
Lighten up, Francis! Actually, bowling might be more up our "alley".
 
Give all new guest a safety talk.
Don't be in a hurry.
Don't come in if the wind is greater than your docking skills.Same goes for leaving.
Always come to a full stop, reset your rudders or drives then approach.
Wait to drink until you are done driving the boat for the day.
Don't yell or get pissed at those that are on the boat and are helping you.
Don't over throttle when in a panic.
Trust your gut on weather.
Don't over OCD when friends or family are on your boat.
Know where all the best leverage spots are on your boat. You wife will thank you:)
Always assume the other boater does not know what they are doing.
Be open to taking advice.
Learn how to anchor before doing your first overnighter.
Keep extra ropes, tools, parts,hardware on your boat.
Don't count on others for what it takes to operate your boat away from the dock.
Show all on your boat what to do in a emergency. Show how to use the marine radio- where first aid is- life jackets- fire extinguishers.
Learn the basic maintenance of your boat and how to troubleshoot the basics.
If you are the only one that knows how to drive your boat. Let all on your boat know any medical issues you have and what you need if they come up.
Know when not to go.
Alway have a alternate plan if weather comes up.
Don't assume you have enough fuel.
 
Agreed to winds and current when docking. ANYTHING you can do/learn/practice that reduces anxiety when docking is a great tip.

Also, learn how the mechanicals on your boat work. Hire an expert to spend some time on the boat if you are not sure.

Oh, and learn how to tie knots, the looped end of the line may not always be the one you need to tie off. If you tie off with the non looped end, mark where the other end meets a cleat/pilon/pole with a pierce of blue painters tape so you can get it right the next time.
 
I'm a owner of a new boat but not new to boating. You marina boaters don't have a clue on how hard docking a boat can be. Try docking on a public river dock when other boaters & barges are going by. Checking the wind?? HaHaHa the wind is about the least of my problems. I have heavy current to start with & depending on what size of boat is at the dock already, the current may change direction to try to spin my boat at the last second. There is the wake of other boaters going by that could care less if you are trying to keep from beating up your new boat & as the barges go by don't even get near the dock or certain damage will occur.
Then there is the other boaters that just want that part of the dock to pick up a friend, I have had boats pull up next to me as I was docking & had their buddies run across the back of my boat to get on their boat. Public docks are never big enough.
But when it is all said & done you have to look at it as just another day in the life of a boater. You just sit back in your chair look at the sunset lift your glass & say thank you for another day in the sun.
Sounds like the Cashman Park ramp in Newburyport on a holiday weekend.
 

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