Tying alongside ...

[2013PrincessV39]

Hi All,

The other day I was cruising towards the folly inn in cowes, but with some boats 3 to 4 astride tied to eachother alongside, I decided to give it a miss.

Hands up, I have NO IDEA what the etiquette is surrounding this practice, and I have even less idea what happens when I need to leave and I'm sandwiched between two other boats?!?

it sounds awful, but I don't personally want anyone traipsing across my swim platform is any footwear that I've not preapproved, and I am also not always the most social person after a week of work, and therefore will most likely avoid this at all costs. However when it's time to tie up no matter what (usually in laws involved) what do I do?

Thanks for all advice!

 

[Firefly625]

Hi All,

The other day I was cruising towards the folly inn in cowes, but with some boats 3 to 4 astride tied to eachother alongside, I decided to give it a miss.

Hands up, I have NO IDEA what the etiquette is surrounding this practice, and I have even less idea what happens when I need to leave and I'm sandwiched between two other boats?!?

it sounds awful, but I don't personally want anyone traipsing across my swim platform is any footwear that I've not preapproved, and I am also not always the most social person after a week of work, and therefore will most likely avoid this at all costs. However when it's time to tie up no matter what (usually in laws involved) what do I do?

Thanks for all advice!

when its busy in certain places that is what happens. You will be advised usually by harbour master / berthing staff where to moor / if rafting what boat to moor against. it is good etiquette to call over to the boat (if someone on board) to let them know you have been asked to raft against them and this serves two purposes, firstly if they are just off they will jump about and ask you not to, and second it will usually guarantee them taking your lines. Couple of other points of etiquette, you not only tie up to the boat you have rafted to but you should also put out shore lines (to the shore or pontoon), otherwise its bad form to be relying on the inside boats lines. Second is that where possible you should cross boats over their bow, but large sports cruisers this can be impossible so using bathing platforms becomes easier, but one should ask if its ok even though it is bylaw to allow rafting boats crews to cross yours to get to the shore/pontoon, if you don't like it, don't raft.

You can meet some nice folk, or not...

if the inside boat wants to go, usually easier to cast off and do a circle and return, or can be great fun to cast of a forward or stern line having beforehand run a long line right round the boats stern or bow depending on which way they are leaving and let them slip out & then pull yourself in.... best done on small boats IMO unless stern and bow thrusters upto spec.

 

[prv]

The term you're looking for is "rafting".

In general if you're somewhere busy and somebody needs to raft alongside you, it's unreasonable to refuse unless there's a good reason (eg, they're far bigger than you and might cause damage). In some places the harbourmaster will decide who goes where, putting appropriate boats together and overruling grumpy sods who try to insist that no-one berths outside them!

The convention is that each new boat adding to the raft supplies the fenders and warps between them and the boat inside. Some people hang a token fender or two off their outside as a signal that they're expecting rafting - I don't do this as the two sets of fenders can tangle together as the new boat arrives. But it might help you pick who to go alongside for a first attempt

As you slowly approach your intended victim, call out their boat name and "ask" to come alongside (if it's somewhere like Yarmouth that always rafts, they don't have a choice , but it's polite). Ideally they should then take your bow and stern warps and put them on their cleats - you shouldn't expect them to haul you into position, if there's any pulling needed it should come from your side, but people will often try to be helpful whether or not it actually helps . If the boat's unoccupied then one of you will have to get aboard it to put the lines on - just the ends on their cleats, keep the extra rope on your side.

Once you're tied up with breast lines and springs, unless it's very calm (both wind and current) and the boats inside agree you don't need to, you should run lines to the shore from your bow and stern so that you're not putting all your weight on their boat. This can be a bit of an art to rig the lines so that they're actually helping, rather than a slack token effort

Who is leaving when needs to be discussed, and there are a few options -

The easiest is if everyone's planning to leave around the same time anyway - you might have to wait half an hour, but it's easier than messing about.
Alternatively, if someone's on the inside but leaving earlier than everyone else, they might agree to swap round straight away, before everyone shuts down for the night, ready to leave easily the next morning.
If you do need to leave from the inside of a raft, one option is for everyone to break off and re-form. I've rafted with novices who wanted to do this, as they were concerned about getting out any other way.
Otherwise, there is a standard technique using warps to extract one boat from the middle of the stack. Ideally with help from the crews either side, but it's possible to do it from between unoccupied boats if absolutely necessary.

Obviously it's important to be considerate when crossing other people's boats, most of which is common sense (but we had some people the other week who were pleasant and polite but seemed unaware of how heavily they were clomping around on our decks). If sailing boats are involved, the etiquette is to cross over the foredeck ahead of the mast, this keeps you out of their cockpit and cabin, but I believe it's different with mobos (one of several reasons they tend not to raft together). Also worth noting that "twanging" the shrouds makes no sound on deck, but lots in the cabin!

Pete

 

[benjenbav]

In addition to the above, it is ideal - where possible - to raft against boats not only of similar length but with similarly high topsides.

 

[lisilou]

TBH, on a mobo it's far easier and much more practical to cross via the swim platform. I'd rather folk crossed my platform than clambered all over the foredeck....much more disturbance doing it that way.
Rafting is a very social thing. Yes of course the adjoining crew/s should be courteous but if you're looking for complete solace and peace and quiet, don't do it. Nothing worse than rafting up to a curmudgeonly kill joy.
L

 

[Kawasaki]

Hi All

Hands up, I have NO IDEA what the etiquette is surrounding this practice, and I have even less idea what happens when I need to leave and I'm sandwiched between two other boats?!?

it sounds awful, but I don't personally want anyone traipsing across my swim platform is any footwear that I've not preapproved, and I am also not always the most social person after a week of work, and therefore will most likely avoid this at all costs. However when it's time to tie up no matter what (usually in laws involved) what do I do?

/QUOTE]

Personally I have enjoyed Rafting
I remember the early days of our Families rafting experience
We had a tiddler of a boat and had to raft up
Next to an ef off big Trader
I had inhibitions
Like
'These must be posh gits will they let us come alongside?
Nothing like that happened
Lines were caught and advice given (probably thought I was gonna bash the paintwork) and we rafted alongside this Titanic of a Ship
Not only that, the Skipper / owner complimented me on me little boat 'I bet that goes like hot nasal excrement' he said 'With that lump on the back' i felt quite proud at that retort
Noty only that he said' Der wanna take a look around me Titanic you scruffy urchin'
'Yes please' says I and so I had a guided tour of his lovely Trader
This changed my attitude to 'posh gits' as I thought he was
And I will never forget swmbo's comments as we went ashore
'Kinnel K , that ship was wider than ours was longer' if yer gets me dwift!
And yer Man gave me a tip
He said courtesey, ney etiquette is go over the front bit towards the pointy end not over the blunt bit at the back
But he also said' Sometimes thats not possible so go across the blunt bit'
He obviously knew we were total Newbs
Since those early days I have remembered this day
And treat peeps the same way
Well
I never had a massive Trader but I have had the biggest boat in the 'Raft' on occasions and mirrored mine Hosts hospitality ever since
Plus I find 'rafting' a quite nice Social experience
Many the time I have drunk my 'rafters' fun box dry!
As yer do
Well I did/do
C'mon peeps we are like 'Souls' and what better to talk 'rollocks' whilst next to another boat and swap tales and experiences
Rafting is good for Me and for most I think

 

[Seastoke]

I like to leave my mobile number so peeps can call if leaving etc but don't like ribs along side they don't have a fun box

 

[bigwow]

I like to leave my mobile number so peeps can call if leaving etc but don't like ribs along side they don't have a fun box

Isn't a rib just the fender for the next boat:encouragement:

 

[superheat6k]

As suggested, if you do not like the idea of unknown grade footwear crossing your boat (and a whole host of worse sins) then do not berth in public places. But marina hopping can get mighty boring when you realise the similarities one to another.

However, techniques such as dealing with awkward berthing are why the Dayskipper ticket and training exists. From your comments I would suspect you have not obtained this training and would highly recommend it. Plenty on here who can offer this on larger flybridge boats too.

Indeed once your confidence builds on how to cope with the more challenging situations and especially never being too proud to request help when mooring, you will likely find the whole enjoyment increases. The get away from work aspect is what we all crave.

 

[2013PrincessV39]

As suggested, if you do not like the idea of unknown grade footwear crossing your boat (and a whole host of worse sins) then do not berth in public places. But marina hopping can get mighty boring when you realise the similarities one to another.

However, techniques such as dealing with awkward berthing are why the Dayskipper ticket and training exists. From your comments I would suspect you have not obtained this training and would highly recommend it. Plenty on here who can offer this on larger flybridge boats too.

Indeed once your confidence builds on how to cope with the more challenging situations and especially never being too proud to request help when mooring, you will likely find the whole enjoyment increases. The get away from work aspect is what we all crave.

It would appear I was sold short, as this was not something we covered in the practical and just something I studied in the theory.

Thank you for all the replies,mane I think with all the points raised, it looks like I will inevitably give rafting a try at some point in my boating lifetime!

 

[lisilou]

Once you get used to it, it can be very enjoyable not to mention a great way of meeting like minded people (well...mostly lol). If you have friends with boats, why not give it a go with them first?
L

P.S. What's the boat name?...just so I know when to wear my slippers

 

[southseaian]

Like a lot of people I don't like rafting. However as I guess you know it's inevitable in the Solent area.
At the Folly I always moor on one of the mid river pontoons and either use the water taxi or, if staying a while, launch the dinghy.
I was once alongside on the Folly pontoon and a guy rafted on me whilst i was not around. Only problem was he had a bike on his deck. The pedal of his bike was sticking out and made a long scratch down our boat. He blamed the tide, I blamed his stupidity.

 

[prv]

Like a lot of people I don't like rafting. However as I guess you know it's inevitable in the Solent area.

Some of the West Country rivers have people rafting up on buoys in high season as well. The Yealm I think will go three to a buoy, and two-deep on the visitors' pontoon.

Rafting up on a mooring or isolated pontoon annoys me in a way that rafting on a shore pontoon doesn't. The compensation for having to faff about with dinghies etc is supposed to be a bit of free space

Pete

 

[Jamesuk]

go to Helgoland and its 9 boats deep!!

At sub professional level you just 'come and go'. The etiquette is 'dont damage anyones boat' ;/)

 

[southseaian]

One busy day at Itchenor the Chichester Harbour Authority had a number of boats moor to just a single buoy. There were four or five boats in like a star arrangement.
Not sure if this is a regular event. A bit more privacy maybe but it left me feeling a bit uneasy.
Lots of places have you raft on two buoys fore and aft. Lymington after the town quay is full for example.

 

[prv]

One busy day at Itchenor the Chichester Harbour Authority had a number of boats moor to just a single buoy. There were four or five boats in like a star arrangement.
Not sure if this is a regular event.

I've been two-up there, but not four or five!

The Yealm moorings are the same, single buoy, multiple boats. They supply two pickup strops on them, but I'm told they will raft more (later arrivals providing their own lines) if necessary.

As a sailing boat the thing to watch is that your masts aren't in line with each other - otherwise a relatively gentle roll from waves or wash can cause them to crash into each other. I've seen two boats who tied up to have lunch together at anchor cause serious damage that way, one of them was nearly dismasted.

Pete

 

[Andy Bav]

We had a good and bad experience of rafting within 2 weeks at ST Peter Port last year.

When we arrived on the first day we were greeted by a larger than life character who could not have been more welcoming. He and his wife took our lines and in no time we were tied up and sipping a G&T. His opening words were, "get the bathing platforms together, I cant be asked with all that walking over the bows nonsense" and we had a wonderful 4 days rafted up with them. On the evening of the last day he asked if he could move to the outside as he had a tanker booked for the morning and needed an early start. We played musical boats for 5 minutes and all was calm.

We then went to Jersey for a 5 days and returned to St PP for a few days before setting off for home. Our inside "raftees" were at the other end of the spectrum compared to those from our first visit. They made us feel really uncomfortable and friends of theirs in the boat in front watched us like a hawk every time we came and went. One time, when one of the boys (24 year old ! ) put one foot on the coach roof, rather than walking around the 8 - 12 inch strip of deck running around the outside, their friend bellowed at him like a fish wife "you are supposed to walk around the outside - dont you know that ! ". I resisted a Vic Reeves "WooOOooo" as she was bigger than me .... much bigger, but it spoiled our last few days in the CIs.

So whilst there may not be a formal etiquette, I guess if you have the opportunity express your wishes in a polite way, taking account the circumstances (relative height of freeboard etc), or do what you think is right, you will be OK. We always afford other peoples boats the same respect we expect them to give to ours, and with the exception of that one instance have always enjoyed the company of like minded people in a raft.

 

[Bandit]

Around the CI and adjacent French Ports rafting in busy periods is quite common, you get used to it.

Yes I prefer a finer berth, I allows you to come and go when you want, I also quieter.

If there are no finger berths available and i have to raft so be it.

Most people are quite considerate and friendly, you meet some interesting people and it is quite sociable, often leading to alcohol.

If I have boats rafted outside me I put up on a post it on both sides of my cabin inside e window my departure time and tell the people my ETD.

I dont mind people walking across my boat when I am rafted if they are well behaved and polite, 99.9% are.

If the choice is your destination is full upon arrival and you are turned away or you have to raft, give me rafting every time.

People who are too precious about their boat, to allow people to raft or tie their dinghy alongside to stop people rafting should be tuned away by the Harbour authority!

 

[southseaian]

The largest raft up I've been in was at Dieppe in August 1999. It was the night before the total eclipse of the sun. The line of totality ran just a few miles to the west and every one wanted to be there.
There were 37 boats in our raft. Not only were the inside boats stuck there but the raft also blocked in most of the marina. We went ashore by dinghy and in the morning waited our turn to leave.

 

[superheat6k]

I suspect a lot of folk who find themselves inside a raft simply do not understand the etiquette that it is Hobson's choice. If I have to pass over another's boat I will always ask if it is OK to cross as a courtesy with an equal courtesy expected that the skipper shall not / cannot refuse. As long as I am in front of the cabin that is just fine - I am not going to do a dance around a silly thin side deck and numerous wires and ropes in the way, when there is a safer and clearer route across the coachroof forward of the mast.

On my boat I would always invite the outside boat to cross the aft deck as it was silly not to do so. On a typical swept back FB boat there are few handholds and plenty of tripping points forward, and often a very high freeboard making boarding the next boat difficult.

I must admit though sloshing the dog pooh of the foredeck the following morning onto the neighbours brand new fenders understandably exceeds the limit of welcome to be expected.

...

...

...

I did apologise and proceeded to scrub said fenders !