Went to Auquapalooza this weekend at LOTO. Questions about mooring to other boats

[Liquid-Therapy]

New to boating (we've only had our 290 Bow Rider a month now), there is still some boat etiquette we're trying to learn. I have a question about tying up with another boat and would also like to know any other boating etiquette that should be observed when tying up.

This weekend we went to Aquapalooza by Dog Days at the Lake Of The Ozarks. As we were approaching another boat to tie-up, I was wondering what end of my rope to throw the other boat. On one hand it seemed appropriate to hand them the looped end since it's minimal effort on their part to attach to their cleat, but then again maybe they want to have more control over how close they tie up with us by having the whipped end. Is there a right way or wrong way?

Any other suggestions regarding boat-to-boat etiquette you wouldn't mind sharing would be very much appreciated.

- Shane

 

[KarenS]

Personally...I don't think it matters. Just ask! :grin:

 

[Great lakes pirate]

Before you get close to the other boat use the looped end to attach the line to your boat. One line in front and one line in back. Then get at least 2 fenders out and tie them to the side of your boat. I usually put one toward the stern of the boat and one at mid-ship. Now you can approch the anchored boat. When the captain gets the bow close to the anchored boat, have someone on the bow toss the line to the other boat. Once they have the line go to the back and toss that line over and snug that line up. Once the sterns are tight, tie up the bow. If it is rough out a spring line may be required.

 

[KarenS]

Before you get close to the other boat use the looped end to attach the line to your boat. One line in front and one line in back. Then get at least 2 fenders out and tie them to the side of your boat. I usually put one toward the stern of the boat and one at mid-ship. Now you can approch the anchored boat. When the captain gets the bow close to the anchored boat, have someone on the bow toss the line to the other boat. Once they have the line go to the back and toss that line over and snug that line up. Once the sterns are tight, tie up the bow. If it is rough out a spring line may be required.

Or, what he said! :grin:

 

[patokapirate]

Great Lakes Pirate is correct. It is proper for the boat tying to the anchored craft to already have fenders and lines tied on and ready to go. The fenders should be appropriate sized for the boat and task at hand.

 

[mistercomputerman]

You want to be able to disengage from a raft to another boat minimal fuss. So, handing the bitter end of your line to the boat you are rafting to allows them to untie you, flip you your lines and let you go. I have seen folks loop their lines around the other boats cleat and take the bitter end back to the originating boat. Doing that allows you full control of the line and how tight it is, plus you can untie yourself if the need arise. To each his own.

Handing them the looped end requires too much extra line handling on their behalf and you lose control of the situation in an already potentially hazardous situation.

When approaching, do as has already been mentioned. Be prepared, tie the sterns so that you can cross from swim platform to swim patform, then tie the bow.

 

[spikeitaudi]

Great Lakes Pirate is correct. It is proper for the boat tying to the anchored craft to already have fenders and lines tied on and ready to go. The fenders should be appropriate sized for the boat and task at hand.

That might be the correct etiquette, but if you are the anchored boat that somebody is tying up to why not put fenders out to protect your boat just in case. The more fenders you have out the better. I always have at least 3 big fenders on each side when I am rafting up.

 

[patokapirate]

Spikeitaudi that is a good idea if you are the anchored boat to help protect yor own investment. I put fenders out on both sides myself when I'm rafting up in a group. I was just making the point it is rude to approach an anchored boat unprepared. Then expect them or your crew to hold the boats apart and in place while you fumble around and start to rig fenders and untangle docklines. And if you would approach another boat unprepared your docklines are probably tangled in a bunch of knots. : )

 

[spikeitaudi]

Spikeitaudi that is a good idea if you are the anchored boat to help protect yor own investment. I put fenders out on both sides myself when I'm rafting up in a group. I was just making the point it is rude to approach an anchored boat unprepared. Then expect them or your crew to hold the boats apart and in place while you fumble around and start to rig fenders and untangle docklines. And if you would approach another boat unprepared your docklines are probably tangled in a bunch of knots. : )

Got it. Your right. I think I need some coffee this morning.

 

[HUMPH]

We raft up sometimes several weekends a month and the club I am in has been doing this for many years and is considered the safest in the area. We do it as follows:

1. Call and ask which side to rig on
2. Rig your own fenders on that side and tie a bow and stern line on that side
3. Toss the bitter end of the bow line to the adjacent boat and get the boats together
4. Secure the bow line but leave loose until the stern is secure and tight enough to squish the fenders then tighten the bow line.
5. Take spring lines from your aft cleat to the other boat's mid cleat and do the same from your mid to their aft cleats
6. Handle anchors as needed either bow and/or stern
7. You are now secure so have fun but tighten your lines as the day goes on since they will become loose as boats move around and wakes hit you
8. Always make sure passing through the other boats is okay with the owners

 

[patokapirate]

Oh yeah, make sure everyone knows not to swim between the boats. Especially the kids!!!

 

[Big Island Lifer]

And unless you have to due to water depth- DON'T tilt up your outdrive! Leave it down so you don't bump into it and the prop while swimming.