Boat handling classes

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king5899

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I realized yesterday that I need some training on close quarters handling of my boat. Yesterday I was trying to get my boat on the trailer in Bamar with no finger dock, other boats on both sides and the current was ripping. I kept trying to line it up and before I knew it the bow was getting pushed too far starboard. I thought I was compensating correctly but apparently not. I tried about 8 times before finally getting it on the trailer. The next guy to pull his boat, took him 1 shot, now granted he had a smaller boat and it looked pretty crooked on the trailer to me, but he got it lined up pretty easily.

So are there any classes that are in the area that may offer this type of training?

Thanks,
MJK
 
There is a guy that offers classes in the area but I've seen the results of "his work" One of the most dangerous procedures I have ever seen on the water. I'm surprised the admiral still has fingers.

PINNNING!!!!

Like Leigh said, practice practice practice...
 
My dockmate hired a professional. The jerk unplugged my electric and caused my beer and food to go bad. Put the money toward gas and experience.
 
Anyone ever seen any decent classes offered by the USCGA?

I'll have to get in early next year before many peaple are in and practice with some open slips.

MJK
 
King,
Dont get to upset about it there. That is one of the hardest areas to trailer and dock a boat that you will ever be in.

Pratice as much as you can but even then you will see it can be a real witch at times. You either have to come up or down stream and let the current bring you to the trailer. Also have to adjust your forward speed to allow for the drift. WE hauled quite a few times out of there. Spent about 8 years in there....
 
I wasn't too upset about it until the crowd began to gather and chant for me! JK

It was a bit frustrating, and it could have been a great oppurtunity to get some practice, but there was a guy waiting for me to get out of the way. Well I may drop it back in for a day if we get some good weather, and I'll have to play around some more then. If not then it will have to be the spring. Maybe I can find some books on boat handling.

MJK
 
quote:
Originally posted by WALSHIE

My dockmate hired a professional. The jerk unplugged my electric and caused my beer and food to go bad. Put the money toward gas and experience.

Click to expand...


Theres no such thing as 'bad' beer. Only varying degrees of temperature!!!

In the infamous words of Homer Simpson . . . "Ummmmm Beeeeeer"
 
"Secure", "Check", "Clear", "roger"???

What did I miss here? I'm just getting used to the acronyms, now single andom words!

MJK
 
King

There was a husband and wife team a number of years back that would refuse help from their dockmates whenever they came in to dock. He stayed at the helm and she ran around handling lines and attempting to secure the boat. They would bark out all these single word phrases as a form of communications.

In theory this is all a good thing but in practice she ran around like a chicken with her head cutoff and several times came close to having her fingers chopped off as he would drive the boat against the lines while she was still trying to tie them to a cleat. It was comical to watch and thankfully she never did get hurt, that we know of anyway. Not trying to sound harsh as we all had to learn but these two were rather unique, spent a ton of money on lessons, books of training materials and would always refuse a helping hand. They always put on a great show.

Personally, the more people I see on the dock as I come in the happier I am!
 
Harvey.... LOL.. He is over in Haverstraw now (and IMHO still the same jackass..)

Funny Story:

I remember one time early in the season my neighbor was coming in and my dingy was in his slip. I turn around and see this women giving me a dirty look and asking if this is my dingy. I said "yes it is, why do you ask" (keep in mind I did not know my neighbor was coming in yet as he was still in the channel no where near the slip) she responds in a desperate voice.. "These people are coming in so you will have to move it now.." I said "OK... no problem", so I move my dingy to the front of my boat and while getting back onto my finger I see Harvey come storming down my finger and nearly knocked me into the water. I asked " what are you doing" he replies.." I am helping my friend into his slip" as I look beyond this guy I see about 5 people from our dock all waiting to help the boat in. I ask Harvey " Do you mean to tell me that you came all the way down from silver to help this boat in when there are plenty of hands nearby?" he responds, "You Bethca..." (his slip is at the other end of the marina from mine) turns out the women was his wife. Well needless to say I guess he has no problem helping people into there slips even if it means knocking someone over so he can be the first one to grab a line..

Talk about overzealous..
 
I was trying to be diplomatic but you hit the nail squarely on the head Leigh. The scariest part is I had heard they were teaching power squadron classes. I think it's a wonderful thing when one volunteers time and effort to give something back to the community but perhaps in this case it may not be a good idea.

Amazes me how many people I've run into at Haverstraw that feels the same as you!

I'll never forget how he welcomed me to Haverstraw, yelling from his boat in the fairway, "Hey John, about time you came over to the deep water where the real boaters boat" Made me feel so warm and cozy. Moved right over to the north side I did!
 
I haven't had much help nor given any at my dock, as I was the only one on my dock this year. I am definitely not shy in taking help or giving it, but I don't want to be the next "Harvey".

Thanks for your input, and I hope I don't run into the couple from HELL!

MJK
 
Ya King you dont get much traffic on your dock. Great slip though..I was on A dock, 1st inside slip then got the cream of the crop and moved outside of A...PBM had there service slip where you are and it was alot tighter then. Oh the good old days....
 
quote:
Originally posted by king5899

I wasn't too upset about it until the crowd began to gather and chant for me! JK

Click to expand...


I wouldn't worry about that, chances are not one of them can drive a boat for *#$%.
 
Ignore the crowd, be yourself, keep calm, don't panic (that's what insurance is for) and practice, practice and practice. Did I mention that you have to practice? It's a matter of time, relax and if you have time, practice.
 
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