Leaving a dock

quote:
Originally posted by gcolton

Gnarley, I believe that you already know your problem. Your wife has physical problems. She does not want to be handling dock lines.

Does she really even want to be going out on the boat? I think that is a serious question.

I do not think that any amount of training, declaring "I am the Captain" or anything else is going to help until you and your wife have a serious conversation about whether or not she even wants to be involved in the boating scene.

It is possible that whe likes to ride but wants no part of the docking/undocking routine.

George

Click to expand...


After reading of the hip and back issues, I think that is a great point.

Pascal has pointed out the best ways to minimize her involvement in docking and un docking. I also think it is even more imperative that you either limit the "Peanut Gallery" help or make sure they know what is being done.

As a bit of an aside, and off topic, if your wifes ailments are limiting her enjoyment of the boat, but she still likes boating, perhaps you need to think aboutmoving away from a flybridge to an express.
 
I went through that with a former wife. While she was willing to handle lines and the anchor she simply wasn't strong enough, had bad balance and couldn't swim if she fell in. Eventually I convinced her to take the controls while I handled lines, and I gave her what directions were necessary from the deck. It worked better for both of us. The "captain" doesn't HAVE to sit behind the wheel.
 
"Skeetobite and others I firmly believe I am in charge and she disputed that this weekend stating those on the dock having more experience take precedence."

That is a real problem. If she can't get passed that perhaps it is best if you run the boat as if you're single handed.

"PeteMrrs, No yelling, but even speaking up when under pressure she seems to think she as being yelled at, this is a no-win!"

Been there with an ex-girl friend. Had to sit her down once and explain that just because I was TALKING to her in a very direct way, I was not mad nor yelling at her. Things got better after that.

But again, just single hand it. And perhaps step off and have her hand you the lines.
 
Capt. Bill;

I agree 100% I speak to my girlfriends in a totally different manner than I speak to my Wife.

[:-taped]
 
Docking for us is a family affair. It is actually a lot of fun to do it smooth and effective, like a well done pit stop. Wife is on the bow if there are pylons to tie to or she is at the stern if she needs to disembark the vessel to tie or untie lines. One kid at the stern and one on the bow, ages 10 and 11, always wearing lifejackets.

Departing, we completely review our plan including wind, current and the order of lines to be untied and why. Also whether fenders should be left out or removed prior to departure. Each person confirms their job and order of tasks. I usually undo any lines not necessary after engines are fired up and we are ready to depart.

Arrival, on approach in enough advance determine if floating dock or fixed dock and if there is a finger pier and which side we will tie up to (especially useful if going to a lot of unknown marinas). Are there pylons or not. Set fenders to expected height. Agree on each persons tasks and order and prepare all lines. Evaluate wind and current on approach and communicate which lines are most critical if it is windy or lots of current.

During the actual docking procedure it is dictatorial. In preparation we discuss and negotiate, but once on approach there is no discussion. This includes anyone on shore handling lines, they have specific tasks that our kept to a minimum. We handle docking procedures by ourselves as much as possible. During docking preparation I routinely review our number one rule, under no circumstances does anyone ever try to fend off another boat or the dock. Our routine makes it less stressful and as a family it is a fun team event, especially when things go like clockwork, but the captain must be unquestioned and in complete command while docking.

-Rick

Viking Sport Cruiser 50 FY
"Silver Lining"
 
"...I immediately turned back to the helm powered up..."

I never ever power down either of my egines until I know the boat is secure. This can only happen when my own eyes tell me so. This typicaly cant happen unless I have secured at least one of the key lines personally. When it comes to powering down I don't care what the crew members say, line handlers, or the peanut gallery. In addition, my engine manufacturer calls for the engine to idle before being shut down. Two birds with one stone. I will not give up my engine/helm manuvering option/capability until I am sure. I pay all the bills, it's my boat, and my reposibiity for boat and passengers. Dont' power down!
 
quote:
Originally posted by TurboWarp

"...I immediately turned back to the helm powered up..."

I never ever power down either of my egines until I know the boat is secure. This can only happen when my own eyes tell me so. This typicaly cant happen unless I have secured at least one of the key lines personally. When it comes to powering down I don't care what the crew members say, line handlers, or the peanut gallery. In addition, my engine manufacturer calls for the engine to idle before being shut down. Two birds with one stone. I will not give up my engine/helm manuvering option/capability until I am sure. I pay all the bills, it's my boat, and my reposibiity for boat and passengers. Dont' power down!

Click to expand...

+1
 
quote:
Originally posted by Billylll

quote:
Originally posted by TurboWarp

"...I immediately turned back to the helm powered up..."

I never ever power down either of my egines until I know the boat is secure. This can only happen when my own eyes tell me so. This typicaly cant happen unless I have secured at least one of the key lines personally. When it comes to powering down I don't care what the crew members say, line handlers, or the peanut gallery. In addition, my engine manufacturer calls for the engine to idle before being shut down. Two birds with one stone. I will not give up my engine/helm manuvering option/capability until I am sure. I pay all the bills, it's my boat, and my reposibiity for boat and passengers. Dont' power down!

Click to expand...

+1

Click to expand...


+2
 
+3

It's hilarious around the launching ramp when folks launch their boat, push off and THEN try to start the engine... If it doesn't you have a real show of screaming, throwing lines, paddling, etc.

In the evening you have those who approach the dock at a good clip and deliberately kill the engine. Only too late do they realize they need reverse to stop the boat and try for a restart, which of course fails 'cause the engine is still in gear. That one tends to get expensive.
 
I still haven't figured out some one is in a hurry to kill the engines, it's the 2nd to last thing I do.
 
The skipper is the skipper, not some dock jockey, not a guest onboard. The skipper bears ultimate responsibility therefore calls the shots of how things are to be done especially when unknown people are involved.
 
Alright everyone, I've been talking to the Admiral about this a bit so we are making progress.

How do you being the captain deal with the port captain in a cruise out?

Do you take instructions from the port captain or instruct them on your plans?
 
"port captain" -- Gnarley

???

The Captain is the Captain. Period. Who is the "port captain?"
 
The port captain is a member of a YC who instructs those on the dock and incoming boats with docking instructions, like sterning in, side tying and what level to drop fenders in preparation for docking. The port captain is likely to be on the dock ready to catch your lines tie them to cleats and help untie you.
 
<< Somewhat invasive for my taste, but different strokes etc... >>

Viewed in another way:

a) The Captain is always the Captain. Period.

b) Certain harbors do have rules and customs which should/must be followed. ie: "All vessels stern in".

c) Any "peanut gallery" comments about where I should place fenders will be considered un-asked for advice. It may be good advice. Or not. It is up to the Captain to oversee operations on the vessel, not some party with no liability...

d) Anyone "helping me tie up" is an un-interested party, whose advice can ( and usually will) be ignored. They have no authority over your vessel and it's operation. They also can greatly contribute to a confusing situation.

In short, when ashore, have a NiceCuppaCoffee with said individual, ask where and how he expects you to be docked, then ask him to please let you go about operating your vessel with out his ( her ) assistance. Explain that comments from the peanut gallery during docking are unwanted, and explain that such comments complicate communications aboard, and as a result represent a hazard.

Start nice, and be firm. If this does not work, skip the nice part.

Imho.
 
i think you're confusing dockmaster and port captain here... at a private facility, there is no such thing as a "port captain" unless maybe the club or organization feels like using a different, and maybe more impressive, title.

A dockmaster will assign a slip and inform you of some of the facility rules (like bow in only, esp. out on that far left coast) but beyond that does not have any authority to tell you how to operate your boat. when i get to a marina, all i want from the dock master is to tell me if i'll be on a stbd or port side tie, what kind of dock they have (floating or wood piling), that the slip is deep enough all the way if i back in and where the shore power connections will be. that's done on the radio before i even come in the facility so that i have time to rig the boat.

everything else, i'll handle... thank you. I dont' need anyone to tell me how to rig my fenders or lines unless there is something unusual about the slip or marina that i need to know.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top