Anchoring Etiquette: How do peole pick their spot?

[Kings Gambit]

Generator Generation

With respect to generators, I cannot even go to Isthmus Cove at Two Harbors, Catalina any more, at least in the summer. The last time I was there (more than a year ago now), I was literally surrounded by boats with portable generators; mostly, the easily-spotted Honda 2000. The skipper would put the thing up on his bow so he and his crew did not have to listen to it, I suppose, but I being in the cockpit of my boat in front of him, got to hear it. Even those 22' runabout fishing boats had 'em. Most of these people are there for one bloody weekend, but fire that generator up at least twice a day--for what--to save diesel fuel? I don't know. Sailboats included.

But, I think power boaters are just used to noise and diesel smell in a way that sailboaters are not. Being in a quiet anchorage with some of them is like sitting at a table trying to enjoy a fine meal and mostly good company when there's someone close belching and farting through the whole evening, completely unaware or unconcerned over how they're wrecking your evening. Where's the etiquette if there is any? Go find another table (down wind, far away).

 

[ishmael3]

Not all Rednecks are ass-hats, where I sail many self proclaimed Rednecks are as nice as any other boaters on the lake.

Unfortunately common sense doesn't always improve with income or social class.

I think I am a minimalist Red-neck.
Last night at 3AM, I was in My back yard in My flip flops and underwear, with My .22 rifle, after the skunk that has been plaguing Me.
Being a minimalist, I took the .22 instead of the .44 mag.....

 

[Rick486]

I think I am a minimalist Red-neck.
Last night at 3AM, I was in My back yard in My flip flops and underwear, with My .22 rifle, after the skunk that has been plaguing Me.
Being a minimalist, I took the .22 instead of the .44 mag.....

Don't know about the Redneck thing but if you have read the generator bashing threads they would probably prefer you use a slingshot so as not to disturb the tranquility of the neighborhood with the pop I know a .22 makes.

PS: Hope you nailed the damn thing. I have been sorely tempted on a coyote who has been visiting my backyard.

 

[thinwater]

In Chesapeake City I've learned to rig fenders at night...

... Around weekends. So often I've had a small boat slip in late, far too close. The holding is also terrible, so they often drift. Fenders have saved me twice.

 

[Rick D]

Re: Generator Generation

I sure understand what you mean. I have an EU2000 too. I put it on the swim step when I run it and try to use it as little as possible. I typically go over to Cat for a week or more, so don't have the luxury of not recharging. Despite three 22 watt solar panels, LED lights and a careful energy diet, I still have to run it an hour to an hour and a half daily. I am getting two more 90 watt solar panels that I hope will reduce my run time to every other day or so. I try to run it when everyone else does, typically when the shift changes about 5:00 PM. Unfortunately, that is also cocktail hour. I surely don't want to run the engine to recharge since it's really rough on it, wind generators are as annoying as a Honda, and solar alone won't cut it. Short installing a genset to haul around when I don't need it, I just don't know a better alternative.

 

[Kings Gambit]

Re: Generator Generation

Yeah-- I know it's a problem (to keep power up) without transforming to a 100% cruising yacht with all of the stuff those guys carry. The Downeast 38 not far from my slip carries 900 amp-hr of battery juice and two 130 watt solars, but I don't think wind, to do a 4-day trip. (And they don't even have ice!).

Well, that's one reason I moved the boat to Ventura Harbor. No moorings in the northern channel islands; people are not packed in like in a can of sardines. If some clueless person comes in and drops the hook on top of me, and fires up the Honda (or whatever), I can at least move away or try another cove. At Catalina, you're mostly (but not entirely) stuck with it.

 

[Stu Jackson]

I sure understand what you mean. I have an EU2000 too. I put it on the swim step when I run it and try to use it as little as possible. ... I just don't know a better alternative.

Ah, what an approach. Why not just run it at 0 dark thirty and at between 2200 and 2400 and get the MOST out of it?

Darn, you're soooooo considerate.

 

[Bill Roosa]

kids are different.
They tire quickly and sleep through the night.

 

[Richard19068]

I sure understand what you mean. I have an EU2000 too. I put it on the swim step when I run it and try to use it as little as possible. I typically go over to Cat for a week or more, so don't have the luxury of not recharging. Despite three 22 watt solar panels, LED lights and a careful energy diet, I still have to run it an hour to an hour and a half daily. I am getting two more 90 watt solar panels that I hope will reduce my run time to every other day or so. I try to run it when everyone else does, typically when the shift changes about 5:00 PM. Unfortunately, that is also cocktail hour.


Hey Rick - Weren't you doing some kind of survey about generators for the Two Harbors harbor department. Anything ever come of that?

 

[shipwreck66]

Whether it be anchoring, pitching a campsite, or in my case, parking a 18 wheeler in the middle of the Mojave Desert for the night, someone will sidle right up next to you and ruin the moment.

 

[Stu Jackson]

I think I am a minimalist Red-neck.
Last night at 3AM, I was in My back yard in My flip flops and underwear, with My .22 rifle, after the skunk that has been plaguing Me.
Being a minimalist, I took the .22 instead of the .44 mag.....

Can you come and help me with these mockingbirds that have haunted us since we've moved into this house? Night time sharpshooting skills are required...

I'm guessin' if your neighbor dropped his generator over your fence within 20 feet of your outside deck, you'd probably use your magnum on it, or him.

 

[Rick D]

Yea, the survey basically said the current guidelines were as good as any other of the proposals. Of course, you can't legislate courtesy...

 

[dhays]

I had enjoyed a rousing all day sail, entered My favorite cove and anchored, enjoyed a steak and hit the rack. EARLY next morning, I was wakened by voices. Confused, I sat up and rubbd My eyes, and still heard voices. "Look at that SOB, Charlie!" "Net Him, net Him!" "I AM, , dammit, give Me a second!" I climbed on deck, in My skivvies. A 16 foot bass boat WAS TIED OFF TO MY STERN CLEAT. The fishermen acted as if I didnt exsist. "Hows the fishing?" I asked. "Not bad." "can I get You a cup of coffe, or a Danish?" I asked. "Nah, We're good." I climbed back below and rummaged through My music collection. The two asshats were soon treated to a very loud rendition of Whole Lotta Love by Led Zeppelin. They were gone in two minutes.
When I returned to the Marina later that morning, I was accosted by the Lake Patrol. They said that two fisherman had reported that I "hassled them". I got off with a verbal warning.

I wonder what would have happened to me then after I cut the line they used to tie off to me?

 

[Stu Jackson]

I wonder what would have happened to me then after I cut the line they used to tie off to me?

I think that if you cut the line, you're at fault for damaging their property.

If, however, you simply and quietly untie (slip) their line from your cleat, who is to say that they hadn't simply made a bad cleat tie off?

Same result, no hassle to you.

 

[Tim R.]

I wonder what would have happened to me then after I cut the line they used to tie off to me?

And their boat drifts into another. I hope you have a good lawyer.

 

[Ross]

how about you just ship your anchor and motor away. You didn't tie the boat to your cleat you aren't obliged to untie it.

 

[Bob S]

How do you pick your spot!

This post has morphed into a generator etiquette debate. I agree that sounds, weather it be loud people, barking dogs or generators can ruin a otherwise beautiful moment. My question is how do you go about picking your spot?
I don't consider myself a newbie but I'm still relatively new to this. The first thing I did when I bought my boat was upgrade my anchor tackle. I have a 25# Mason Supreme with 60' of 5/16 chain and 300' of 1/2 nylon. Drawing only 3'10" helps when pick a spot. I can go where a lot of other boats won't. Generally I anchor in 6-20' of water more often 6-8'. As stated earlier, everywhere I am able to anchor it is usually very crowded. Try finding a spot inside Cutty Hunk Pond in the summer! When I pick a spot I try to put out at least a 5:1 scope. If I have to anchor close to another boat I try to find one that is using chain because I end up letting out mostly chain. I now can tell by the angle of their line whether their all/mostly nylon or all/mostly chain. I have on occasion when anchoring near another boat asked how much scope they have out. How would you feel if someone asked you how much scope you had played?
I have yet to drag into anyone or had anyone drag into me nor have I swung 180° into another boat. It still makes me nervous trying to judge how much scope to play verses all the other boats and visualize how everyone will swing. Does anyone else have that anxiety?

I am always fascinated reading peoples anchoring experiences.

 

[dhays]

After all this anti-generator, minimalist, back to the earth invective here and elsewhere I have decided to have my generator ripped out of my boat, smashed to pieces at the local scrap metal recycler, and recast into wind turbine components. My goodness I feel so guilty I'll be in counseling forever.

Sarcasm aside, I have no problem with generators, just with how folks tend to use them. The damn things should not be run between sunset and sunrise. Allowances can be made for those up here in the winter when it gets dark at 4:30 in the afternoon, but you get my point.

Dave

 

[dhays]

I'm waiting for the thread about the inconsiderate boater with the three kids that were soo noisy the rest of the bay couldn't even hear their generator's running - On that thread I will stay quiet and feeling VERY guilty.

Noise of voices is interesting. I don't mind the sound of kids having fun, even teenagers. It might be loud but the sound of kids enjoying themselves never bothers me much.

Now, if you have a bunch of adults who are drinking, their loud voices really, REALLY annoy me. x2 if they are using profanity.

Dave

 

[Lee Coller]

Charge a tie-off fee

I think that if you cut the line, you're at fault for damaging their property.

If, however, you simply and quietly untie (slip) their line from your cleat, who is to say that they hadn't simply made a bad cleat tie off?

Same result, no hassle to you.

Post a sign--mooring $100/hr.