Marina berthing

  • Thread starter Thread starter MrG
  • Start date Start date
Something that surprised me was when I first realised it is that it is impossible to get into (or out of) a marina berth, or similar close quarters situation, without pinning the boat against/with something even if there is only a moderate current pushing you off towards the neighbouring boat. I suspect berths are not often set this way but we occasionally use one that is and has current.

For example, if one is 12m long, the current is 0.5 knot pushing you off into the neighbouring boat, and you go in at an average speed of 2 knots (very fast for stopping a 12 T boat) you need the beam of your boat plus another 3m, plus clearances (at least 8 m total for us) between your side of the dock and the neighbouring boat - you have to come in with all fenders (in which case you will be alongside your neighbour before you get much in at all) or with a plan to pin your boat with/on something. If there is all the required clearance, and if you have not gotten a line onto your side dock, then you will have to drift onto and climb over your neighbour to do so as you will be too far out to jump ashore your own side.

Obvious really, but I have to say I had not immediately realised the clearances needed when manoeuvring in close quarters with a cross current were so large, and is probably the cause of many difficulties. By what one sees, it is not very obvious to many others too.

John


<hr width=100% size=1><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by MainlySteam on 03/09/2003 11:58 (server time).</FONT></P>
 
When going into unknown finger pontoons:

Just recently did a training course, and spent some time doing exactly this.

As you head in, look at the water. Often the boat to one side or another is providing shelter, and by looking at the water in the space you are heading into, you can see if the water is more or less sheltered than you are expecting. You might find that the bow is not being blown off as you would have expected

It's also a lot to take on, but you should be looking for cleats on the pontoon, not just concentrating on getting in there in one piece.

It challenged me, I enjoyed it, and I learnt a lot.

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Agreed.

We find on courses that the time spent on boat handling exercises is often the most interesting part of the course, and certainly that with the steepest learning curve. Yet I very rarely see boats (other than school boats) practising close quarters handling, mooring, berthing, etc. Ok for the YM+ skipper maybe, but why don't the less experienced people do more?

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The technique of berthing in marinas with big tidal streams is one few have the opportunity to practice.

E Cowes is relatively innocuous, try Benodet on a spring ebb or even more exciting, for lack of room, St Gilles Croix de Vie, both have large rivers above them and are built well out into the river with a consequent 4 knots going through them.
Chandlers on those two marinas do a roaring trade in chandeliers (stanchions).

The only feasible method is lots of manpower and several long lines across to the other pontoons OR even more sensible, only go in and out at slack water.

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