Windy experience

Philiz

Philiz

Well-Known Member
Joined
23 Aug 2008
Messages
2,888
Location
Staffordshire Moorlands U.K.
www.shabiera.co.uk
No not that sort! Went out on the boat yesterday as Kwackers says we need to experience windy conditions, tricky innnit!
Anyway, i got to thinking, I know I'm relatively inexperienced, but if I'm struggling in a 21 footer, how the heck do you guys with 30+ footers go on. Is it as much more difficult as I'm imagining, or is it easier because of the additional weight etc. or, is it more difficult because of the additional windage etc?
either way, I take my hat off to you!
 
I think you've just confirmed what I keep telling Mrs Lawsy, i.e. extra length isn't always an advantage! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
It's much easier with two engines.
Plus a bit more weight means you don't get blown around so quickly, although you stand more chance of demolishing the pontoon if you do get it really wrong.
Bow thrusters, although being the work of Satan, are also useful.
 
you can use opposing thrust.

With a single engine you can only push or pull the bow through the breeze or current. With twin engines you can push and pull the bow through. As well as meking the boat crab sideways a bit more eaily, especially with OD or Outboards using Vectored Thrust.
 
Now try it in a 30'er with a keel, mast and prop walk! It's a lot easier if there is a current to head into, but most marinas don't have that which is why I prefer river moorings!

There was a bit of a breeze last time I went into the Major's council estate, I could only get out by turning the boat manually with warps while standing on the pontoon, then giving her a good shove off like a dinghy & steppng over the stern. Unfortunately the stern is 4' above the pontoon, has a two rail pushpit & and aft cabin. Which is a bit like the north face of the Eiger for a pensioner like me. However, once I fell into the cockpit & put the engine in gear all I had to do was get back up on my two broken legs & steer her out into open waters. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
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