Rafting up

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D

Dan

I have never rafted up at anchor with another boat. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
 
S

Steve O.

don't do it ....

If you are in a high wave or wake area, don't do it. You can damage your boat. Other than that, use lots of fenders.
 
Dec 3, 2003
544
None None Rochester, NY
Look up!

Make sure your spreaders are positioned away from each other so that when the boats rock the spreaders don't meet. Also, it is not polite to cross the other boats cockpit when walking over to another boat or the dock. Walk across the bow section for privacy.
 
May 7, 2004
23
Hunter 33_77-83 Sarasaota
We have done it a few times in calm areas. But even the occasional boat wake can cause a problem. Dont do it unless you are in really protected waters. Use good fenders and stager the masts so that rocking cant allow them to hit each other.
 
J

John Tesoriero

Carefully

Rafting up can be fun but it can also damage your boat and your crew if you are not careful. Pay heed to the advice about busy water with waves, wakes, etc. and be careful not to foul your rigging or spars on your neighbors. The most important line is the spring line that keeps your boat from falling back (from the bow of the already rafted boat to your mid-boat or aft cleat). After that is set, add and adjust your bow and stern lines and use plenty of fenders. Never raft-up overnight. In some situations, it is preferable to anchor securely and take the dinghy to the raft-up.
 
Jun 7, 2004
944
Birch Bay Washington
Used to do this a lot in Seattle area

20 to 30 boats at a time and then party. We used to do a line of boats and sometimes a complete circle. It requires some careful consideration as to alignment of masts, who puts out an anchor, what the currents and waves are expected to do, etc. If there is a party with a lot of drinking and idiotic behavior, captains need to tend to their own boats. I was once in a raft up and when I came up on deck, the visiting "landlubber crew" on the neighboring boats had untied from the raft and were leaving. The only problem was that my boat was adrift.
 
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