fast and clueless

[ghost]

No disrespect to those I'm referring to, they turned out to be nice people, but it was interesting when recently stuck at Poole Town Quay due to weather for a weekend, the lack of what I thought was common knowledge displayed by some sunchariots and lumpriders owners with regard to how to handle their craft in tight scenarios or when anchoring etc.
Being a wafi - wind assisted fu*&&ng idiot - I consider things like transits and slow motoring astern, weathercocking the boat and generally a slow methodical approach to pontoons a matter of course, second nature.
Only having a beer with these guys, subsequently more of their mates aswell later on revealed how disturbingly little they know or understand, repeatedly defending against situations of tide and windage with POWER BURSTS' ( funny how they felt compelled to say it very loudly too), they didnt know about heaving lines with monkey fist's for eg.
I actually took two guys out for a sail in the harbour and they were very surprised - read alarmed- at the effect of even a little wash from passing mobos doing only 5ish kts on a small sailor.
Gotta admit, this was my first real fraternisation with the 'auld nme'
and it has re- opened my eyes to the fact that ya cant buy experience or commonsense. This has given me a renewed healthy respect of you mobo guys and I apologise in advance to (m)any if you get p.o. with me here, I 'spose it's the same for you lot, ya just dont know whos at the controls eh.

 

[ainley]

common sense not very common



alan

 

[Jobs_a_ good_ un]

Thats all ok as long as you wave back if we wave

 

[BrendanS]

and in the same vein there are a huge number of clueless raggies who I've pulled of the hard stuff because they either didn't have a chart or couldn't navigate with it. It works both ways, and there are a small percentage of idiots on both sides.

 

[ghost]

thats my last sentiment Brendan, re- same for you lot

 

[NorthernWave]

I took the boat ride from Alum Bay to the needles last weekend. (I know!!! I did it because a four year old was with me and wanted a ride on the boat!) I saw a 35ft sail boat heading fairly close to the needles. As I watched I was saying 'If he's not careful..........' BANG!!!! He hit the wreck off the end. WHat I thought was very funny was the fact he did it in front of a boat full of tourists. It certainly entertained me.

Chris

 

[Dave_Snelson]

In general, I agree. Although it has to be said that Porthmadog harbour doesn't suffer too much...only at Aug bank holiday.

My maxim for harbours and marinas is "go dead slow and look like a pro. Go to quick and look like a dick."

I still mess my moorings up though /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[mirage]

I was taught never to approach a dock faster than you are prepaered to hit it.

 

[ghost]

what struck me was,
You have sunseeker pros delivering big, very big boats into the quay - VROOM, VROOM, VROOM, WHIRRR, vroom all stop - perfect. The regulars hanging around witnessing this were attempting to replicate these manouvres.
That said the skippers of some of these big mobos are pretty noncey people, the crews were that professional they didn't even have leave the ramparts of the plastic fortress to tie up -
leaving the dirty work to joe nutbags onlooking from the jetty.
One poor soul seemingly struck dumb with awe was spoken to like a middle age serf peasant and when the skipper (who overshot) barked out his orders to the guy, you would have thought this guy was on the payroll, the crew just used this man, despite seven full time crew on board not one of them stepped ashore to help said luckless pauper, it wasn't a good show from the gentry that day. They did'nt even thank him

 

[Lakesailor]

Occupy the jetty with stooges. All look ready to help and when they pass the lines all say "<font color="black">pi</font><font color="black">ss</font> off"

 

[Ifraser]

Dave, not sure if it was you who introduced the " Go dead slow...." saying on here a month or two ago but I'd like to thank whoever it was...its now one of my regular training phrases. I recenlty learnt the importance, as an instructor, of slowing everything down so the students don't try to do it at the same speed. On the mobo vs raggie front, I operate a commercial boat and agree with the sentiments of there being equal inexperience on both sides of the 8 knot divide! Iain

 

[ari]

It's a good idea in theory, but on a planing boat in a strong crosswind going very slowly can sometimes simply result in the wind having for effect on the boat than the skipper.

In a bit of a blow (especially if it is blowing off the pontoon you're heading for) then sometimes quick decisive bursts of power is the only way to go.

Sometimes you just have to show it who's boss...

 

[ghost]

i still advocate the slow aproach- ferry gliding is a very important and highly prized technique that can only become skill with applied judgement,
ferry glide? ferry glide? you're pissed mate- wassa ferry glide - oh dear

 

[ari]

Ferry gliding not terribly helpful if wind right on the beam blowing straight off the berth though...

 

[ghost]

thats just the sort of obstacle i'm on about,
hold off in clear water, match the conditions pushing you - using visual transits, then adjust engine speed/ wheel to inch your way in desired direction, just keep using transits

 

[ari]

And be blown steadily away from the pontoon you're aiming for? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Nope, only way is to head for the pontoon at as sharp an angle as possible and with a fair bit of way on, swing the boat broadside on to the pontoon and allow its natural drift out of the turn to help counteract the wind trying to blow you off. Sharp burst of astern (on the inside engine if twin, helm down hard toward the pontoon if outdrive) to kill tforward way and the momentum of the turn helping you toward the pontoon.

And get lines ashore and a turn on the cleats smartish otherwise you're off again.

 

[jimg]

Sounds a bit iffy to me, get it wrong and......BUMP! It is not necessary to use a lot of speed, just have a crew member ready to get a line ashore smartish.

 

[[2068]]

The way to "slow down" this technique is, if it's blowing off the pontoon, then it's either blowing up or down the approach, so you should be able to almost stop dead before starting that final turn. The idea is to come in with a little throttle, and minimum speed.

Works for me.
dv.

 

[jimg]

I agree that that minimum speed is the key.

 

[Coupe]

Minimal speed works for me. I have changed my technique over the winter after a 1/2 day with instructor.
I complained that with both engines at tick over we seemed to be going too fast.
He showed me to only use one engine at a time and now berthing is more controlled and easier /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif