Rafting

[SurryMark]

What is the protocol for rafting up at a marina? How do you handle it if an inside boat wants to leave before outside boats? I've only rafted for a quick trip onshore.
Thanks

[Jerry Hammernik]

Mark,

The one thing I always try to do when rafting is to make sure the spars don't line up. The easiest way to do that is to raft off in opposite directions (bow to stern) that way if you get a wake coming through the marina (it happens more than it should) the spars won't smack into each other when the boats rock out of sync.

As for when someone leaves from the inside. That's what we used to call a Chinese fire drill (apologizes to anyone of Chinese descent who I may have offended). (On second thought I don't really care, anyone who is offended should develop a sense of humor. All hands on deck, fend off, slip the inside boat out and redo the raft. Long dock lines are of great use for this maneuver.

[Russell]

Also, if in a situation where someone rafting to you might happen, always put fenders out and ready even if not sure if someone will show up to raft to you.

I also make it a point to try not to walk through someones cockpit, I try to walk over my neighbors boat at the bow when going ashore to disturb them less. Of course no shoes ever.

Try to be aware of when your neighbor(s) plan to leave, so you can be there and ready to help with their dock lines and maybe retie yourself if they left the interior of the raft.

If you are the one who needs to leave the interior of the raft before the exterior boats, always let your neighbors know when you plan to leave well in advance. And always be reasonable about it, dont leave the inside of a raft at 6am forcing people out of bed, or forcing them to do physical activity before their coffee kicks in.

If its a dock situation where there is no shore power and you absolutely must run an engine or generator to charge batteries, make your absolute best effort to do it when your neighbors are ahsore or away. If that is not possible, do it only durring the day, not too early and not too late (dont ruin breakfast or sundowner time) and politiely ask your neighbors if they mind first.

In general, everything comes down to common sense politeness and courtesy.

[David van den Burgh]

And I would add that outer boats should be smaller than the inner boats if there's any chance of surge or exposure.