Rafting for newbies

[estoltz]

Can I get some advice on rafting up from those more experienced? I'm participating in my first official raft up this coming weekend at Three Sisters on the upper potomac and want to make sure I am as prepared as possible. What gear do I need aboard? How do I approach the raft to join? How will I tie off to the adjacent boat? Are there any rules or etiquette that should be followed?

Thanks for the guidance

 

[Gofirstclass]

Rafting up is a lot of fun and doesn't need to be stressful.

First, for the equipment. You should have at least two fenders (3 are better) for the side you're going to raft up on, and the same for the other side if other boats are going to raft up to you. Don't count on everyone bringing their own fenders because some people cheap out and buy fenders the size of pop cans. You're protecting your investment in your boat so have decent fenders.

You'll also need at least two dock lines for each side of your boat. They don't have to be long ones, usually 15'-20' is more than enough. When I raft up to others I toss them the loop end of the line because I want to adjust the length of the line on MY cleat, not have them do it on theirs. Again, if you'll be in the middle of a raft up, have two lines for each side.

As you approach the boat you're going to raft up to, find out which side he wants you on, then set your fenders and lines accordingly. Also ask him if he wants you to set an anchor.

Let's assume for a minute that you don't need an anchor out. Approach the boat at about a 30*-45* angle and come in very slowly. Be aware of what the wind and/or current will do to your boat. Bring your bow toward his midship area and have someone on your boat had a dock line over to the other boat. Ask them to put it on their bow cleat. Secure that line to your bow cleat with lots of slack. You can tighten it later.

As you move your boat into position alongside his, get the sterns of the boat even with each other then pass a stern dock line over to someone on his boat. Ask them to put the loop on their stern cleat.

Then secure the stern line, making it as short as possible to step easily from one boat to the other. On the way forward to adjust and secure your bow line make sure your fenders are at the proper height and spacing to protect both boats. When you secure the bow line, you can leave some slack in it. That allows each boat to move independently of each other when wakes come. If the bow line is set too tight the boats won't be able to move freely and the fenders will rub on the gelcoat more than necessary.

Now, if the other guy wants you to set an anchor, do it and as you pay out your anchor rode back your boat down toward the other boat, coming in very slowly and using your shifters to position your boat. In this case you probably will want to hold off setting a bow line until the fenders are adjusted and the stern line is set.

I hope this helps. Run through this in your mind so when the time comes you'll have it down pat and look like a pro.

 

[blaster]

The bottom of the river in that area is rocky and it is also very deep near three sisters. I think if this is your first raft up and your not the largest vessel then your better off not being the primary anchor in the raftup. Now on the Roosevelt island side its a mud flat and you have to watch your depth. GFC is right, have large fenders and plenty of them. You do have the advantage that it's a no wake zone so you won't constantly be waked.

 

[Escapade]

EStoltz-
My take is to have everything you need aboard your boat as once your in a raft off it is really a pain to subtract your self befoto re the break up.
That being said, refresh your first aid kid. Ship happens. Bring Ice Ice Ice beverages food to pass, & sunscreen> Oh and a Fully Charged BOOSTER PAK. It may not be your batteries w/ a genny but, you will be hero to a boat down the way that let something run and at the end of the raft off it will come in handy. We have unwritten rules like- Raft with boats of similar size. Don't assume the guy next to you is managing his fenders or lines. Try to set spring lines up so the boats can not shift for and aft. If you are one who will be setting anchor. Go ahead and set 5-1 or even 7 to 1 rode out. Then set the anchor. We usually then run a second lunch hook off the back with our dinghy to keep things stable. MAke a mental note to lift your swim ladder prior to departing. Can tell you how many folks we shout to as the disembark.

Enjoy the Raft off!
Mike

 

[estoltz]

Thanks for the info. I am going to be one of the smaller vessels in the raft up and will most likely not be an anchor. I'm guessing they will position me near the end due to size and needed departure time (7am) from the raft. Is that a fair assumption?

 

[Big Island Lifer]

GFC touched on it above but be sure to be prepared before you reach the raft up. Meaning- stop a good distance out. Make sure you know what side of your boat you will raft up. Set up your fenders on your boat and let them hang over the side. Set up your lines to your cleats so the loose end can be passed to the boat you're rafting with quickly and efficiently. Once you reach the boat tie the stern cleat first to match up the back of the boats. Then tie up the bow line. If you are rafting to a boat much larger than yours you may want a spring line as well. Adjust your fenders to prevent rubbing. The fenders should be at the stern cleat and one midship- probably at your spring line. If your boat is lower in height keep them on your boat. If opposite you may be better off putting them on the other boat just don't forget to grab them when you leave. Put your name on your fenders (or the name of your boat) so you can keep track.

Have fun.