BOATING, whether in a sailboat, fishing boat, cruiser or ski boat means something different to each boat owner. Boats get us to our favorite fishing spots, pull water skiers, take us to destinations across the water. But more than that, there's a common thread that binds us together as boaters. Is it community, common interest, common calling? Is it passion for something inexplicable? This site contains articles, videos and blogs that explore the passion of our favorite pastime.
It's January and if you long for longer, sunny, warm days this time of year a tropical paradise is never too far away; a place where life slows down, lush verdant tropical foliage abound from the mountains down to the soft coral sand and calm, teal tropical sea.
Imagine yourself in another time and place where cares drift down peaceful waterways and soft breezes waft through your hair bringing a refreshing calmness and renewed spirit.
If this is where you want to be even if it's virtual and transient, you've come to the right place. Grab your favorite beverage and chill out in Tahiti for eight minutes. If that's not enough, take a trip to Papua New Guinea. We went there last year, remember? Trip to Eden - a Tropical Paradise. The tropics beckon.
It's in high definition (HD). Double click on the screen for a full view video immersion.
William L. Gills aka Bos'n Bill, webmaster of this site, is the author of the book Lubber's log, published by Llumina Press; a boating journal and adventure story of the author's first time experiences in the preparation, maintenance and piloting of a new, unfamiliar boat. You can visit his website here.
Are You Terrified of Docking Your Boat? Take These Top Five Docking Safety Tips and Conquer Your Fears!
Introduction by William L. Gills aka Bos'n Bill
In two previous popular posts with video presentation, A Boater's Worst Fear - Docking and Example of Boat Docking Finesse! we recognized docking as a major cause of apprehension for some boaters and then demonstrated how it's done with confidence and apparent ease. The following article by Barbara Day, provides some practical advice on docking to quell one of a boaters principal fears.
Article by Barbara Day
While many boaters boast about being great captains, only a few
can claim to be masters at docking.
Just like learning how to operate and steer a vessel, docking
is another essential skill for all boaters. Like parallel parking with cars,
however, docking is something that many new boaters are very uncomfortable with, some terrified of. It takes a lot of practice and
time to become skilled at anything - and docking is no exception.
Here are some helpful hints for those who don't want to ruin
their expensive toys when they’re finished on the water.
1) Slow and Steady
Slow and steady wins the race, but it also leads to successful
docking. It is never a good idea to approach a dock at anything over a turtle's
crawl.
Lower the boat's speed as much as possible, but ensure that it
is still possible to steer and maneuver. If the boat is approaching too
quickly bow to, go into reverse to stop the acceleration away from the
dock. Just the reverse is true when maneuvering stern to.
2) Watch the Wind
The wind will surely affect how the boat handles when docking. To determine which way the wind is blowing and how hard, pay attention to the flag, pennant or burgee on your boat or the flagpole at the dock or other boats. While the current also causes the boat to move in a certain direction,
it is more likely that both the wind and current are going the same way.
For a wind that is blowing against entry, it is easiest to go
head-on into the breeze until the last moment to prevent being pushed back out.
When the boat is an ideal distance away, turn at a sharp angle to align the
boat with the marine dock. When the wind is blowing the boat towards the dock,
simply stop the engine or put it in neutral with the boat parallel to it, and let the breeze take
the boat in.
3) Go with the Flow
The water current behaves much like the wind, but it can cause
more of a problem because it bounces back when it hits a barrier. This can
throw off timing and planning, so watch the waves, and study its patterns
before making an attempt to dock.
4) Pay Attention to the Surroundings
Docks can be tight and filled with other boats, so make sure to
pay close attention to the amount of room surrounding the boat. The positioning
of other docked boats can greatly affect the difficulty of docking.
When maneuvering into a narrow space with a single entryway,
make sure there is sufficient room when turning the boat to avoid colliding
with the dock or another vessel.
5) Prepare the Boat for Contact
When approaching the dock, be ready to use the stern lines and
bow lines. Timing is key during docking, so the boat needs to be tied down
quickly and correctly.
Remember to also attach fenders to the boat to shield it from
colliding with the dock. Concrete docks can cause extensive damage on impact if they're not equipped with dock bumpers and pads.
Boat Docking Video: See How It’s Done In a Small Boat Same tips apply for larger boats.
There you have it, Five tips that should reduce your
anxiety about docking! Have any tips of your own? Please share in a comment. Want more info? Here’s some additional boat docking detail from Boat/US.
Article by Barbara Day,
Contributing author and experienced boating enthusiast.
William L. Gills aka Bos'n Bill, webmaster of this site, is the author of the book Lubber's log, published by Llumina Press; a boating journal and adventure story of the author's first time experiences in the preparation, maintenance and piloting of a new, unfamiliar boat. You can visit his website here.
