Wind

"we watched at least 4 new baoters take their boats out and then come back pretty quickly. Unfortunately their return was not pretty with quite a bit of anchor to fiberglass action."

They have to learn at some point dont they? You cant always dock in perfect weather..

For me, windy days are the perfect time to practice docking. It sharpens my skills and I can see exactly what the boat does in certain situations.
 
quote:
Originally posted by BoatCrazy

For me, windy days are the perfect time to practice docking. It sharpens my skills and I can see exactly what the boat does in certain situations.

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Couldn't agree more!
 
New boaters should learn to dock their boats in calm weather before attempting tough conditions. They can practice alll they want as long as its not next to my boat. Had to jump to my bow three times yesterday to protect my boat. Saw two boatters damage their neighbors vessels and one takeout a stanchion. I'm sure the folks who had their boats damaged would not be as understanding.
 
So everyone that has trouble docking in windy conditions is a new boater?

I don't think so.
 
quote:
Originally posted by BoatCrazy

"we watched at least 4 new baoters take their boats out and then come back pretty quickly. Unfortunately their return was not pretty with quite a bit of anchor to fiberglass action."

They have to learn at some point dont they? You cant always dock in perfect weather..

For me, windy days are the perfect time to practice docking. It sharpens my skills and I can see exactly what the boat does in certain situations.

Click to expand...


Of course they have to learn, but, the key word is "new" boater. A new boater learns nothing in heavy winds, except to panic, do many things wrong and lose confidence. First you learn the basics, then you take on challenges refining your ability. Would you give your 16 year old the keys to the car and tell them to go drive on the LiE because it is the best way to learn? No, you teach them the basics and when they get the hang of it and do not have to think about cause and effect, they are then ready to take it up a notch on a less travelled high speed road.
 
quote:
Originally posted by rommer

So everyone that has trouble docking in windy conditions is a new boater?

I don't think so.

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Of course not, we all have our moments on windy days. This is my marina and I know the new boats and who the new boaters are.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Anchor Management

quote:
Originally posted by HOGAN

quote:
Originally posted by Anchor Management

Windy up on the Hudson too. Watched bumper boats at the marina today.

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It wasn't windy at Pennybridge, no bumper boats, either

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Now I don't want to infect the LICC forum with the Hudson banter but I feel compelled to answer this. The wind is way worse over there. You just can't tell because boats don't get blow around when they are dragging along the bottom.

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Funny and true. We need some heavy southern winds or something. I have never seen such low tides in June.
 
quote:
Originally posted by rommer

So everyone that has trouble docking in windy conditions is a new boater?

I don't think so.

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Any boater creating a dangerous situation to see how they handle a dangerous situation in my mind is not a responsible boater. Anyone who has been boating for any length of time will have plenty of practice. The exception is if you do it where you are not putting other people's property or safety at risk. I helped no less the 6 boats dock Sunday and was glad to do it. I would not be glad to risk my safety to help someone get back into their slip after they intentionally put themselves in that situation. I would also be more then a little upset if they damaged my boat in the process.
 
This coming weekend could be even windier! Potential for tropical storm to come up our way.
 
Agree new boaters should practice on windy days but not around other boats.
This is not parellel parking you do with your dad on the street.
Docking can get ugly quick.
Most of the accidents I have seen have been caused by wind.
Wind is the 1 variable that no boater, new or old can predict, especially a variable gust wind.
Throw in current and forget it.

Even though I am not a new boater, I don't like to go out on Windy days. It's just not fun driving in it, docking in it, anchoring in it, and dealing with salt spray from it. Lately the winds are non stop and the tides are super low. I am waiting for some normal conditions to return to our bay!
 
my most embarrassing boating moment was caused by wind about 4 fourth of julys ago. tried to grab last spot at tobay, one of the really wide slips as im getting into it wind start blowing and my bow rail winds up on the spotlight of a 33ftr next to me and rips off the light. no one got hurt, cost me a few hundred for the guys light but wouldn't want that to happen again.
 
The low tides must be from the new inlet.

HaHaHa

Billy K.
 
I agree that there are some days that are simply beyond the skills of most of us. We should stay put. A case in point was this past weekend when my dock neighbor and good friend just had to go out because he hadn't yet. Not a very good reason and upon his return he nearly gored his other neighbor with the extra throttle that he needed to apply. No harm done, but he was just fortunate that he had others on board to take measures.
 
quote:
Originally posted by CaptCrunch

my most embarrassing boating moment was caused by wind about 4 fourth of julys ago. tried to grab last spot at tobay, one of the really wide slips as im getting into it wind start blowing and my bow rail winds up on the spotlight of a 33ftr next to me and rips off the light. no one got hurt, cost me a few hundred for the guys light but wouldn't want that to happen again.

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Is this how you got your name?:)
Docking in the wind is tough for everyone and should be practiced but not at the dock near other people and boats. Choose a safe location like trying to pull up near a buoy or mooring and learn the affects of the wind. For a new boater to try docking in the wind is just asking for trouble. Once the boater has learned to control his or her boat then try docking in a light wind and build up to what you can handle. I'm with Hank on this putting others at risk for the sake of practice doesn't sit well with me!
 
The most experienced boaters can get in trouble in tight spots when you add wind and current. Sometimes it is simply unavoidable. It is always best not to tempt fate. We are also responsible to understand our limitations. Two years ago in my old marina a guy just bought a 40' aft cabin and had no idea how to handle it. He came in for a landing and it took him almost 20 minutes to get her in. He damaged several boats and nearly killed people who were being good neighbors trying to get him in. He hit the dock so hard on one attempt that took off his swim platform and nearly sent 4 people into the water. If they did fall in, he would have never thought to keep it in neutral until they were out of harms way. If this was a car and he did the same, he would have been arrested for recklass endangerment. (That would have been my vote).
 
"New boaters should learn to dock their boats in calm weather before attempting tough conditions. They can practice alll they want as long as its not next to my boat. Had to jump to my bow three times yesterday to protect my boat. Saw two boatters damage their neighbors vessels and one takeout a stanchion. I'm sure the folks who had their boats damaged would not be as understanding."

Not for nothing, but its only a boat. Just like if you were in a car and had an accident. Its only a car. Im not saying let them go and destroy peoples property...
 
IMO

Part of being a responsible boater is to listen to the marine forecast and determine whether conditions relative to your skills are favorable. I dock in a confined space and my boat is affected by cross wind. On a windy day I would rather sit at the dock and have a beer than put myself through the stress and I consider myself to be at least competent. Last weekend I was out in the morning to give the boat a run and back when it was just starting to pick up.

If they are calling for winds 5-10 and it turn out to be 20-25, that happens to everyone. But if your skills are questionable in ideal conditions (and there are many out there), I have a right to be pissed if you went out when conditions were not favorable and now you are playing bumper boats in the marina.
 
Marks 100 % right . Listen to the weather before you head out. I heard horror stories about this weekend in Merrick. One guy in particular had a boat full of people and AXIS docking system. Apparently one needs to Brush up on that. He paid the price. Boats pin striped. I cant stress it in enough, PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE

ok ... guy with newly painted hull is stepping off the soap box .

: )

Rob
 
"Not for nothing, but its only a boat. Just like if you were in a car and had an accident. Its only a car. Im not saying let them go and destroy peoples property..."

This is not the mentality I want for a slip mate! Being Hank and I share a finger I'm glad we share the same boating ideals. If my neighbor choose to go out in a storm to practice docks in the wind I would not be happy unless he found an area of the marina that no one was dock in. I would certainly give him a hand coming in but I would likely let him know how I felt about it. I see no reason to endanger people or boats and I for one don't think "it's just a boat"! It's my second home and maintain it with great pride!
 
quote:
Originally posted by BoatCrazy

"we watched at least 4 new baoters take their boats out and then come back pretty quickly. Unfortunately their return was not pretty with quite a bit of anchor to fiberglass action."

They have to learn at some point dont they? You cant always dock in perfect weather..

For me, windy days are the perfect time to practice docking. It sharpens my skills and I can see exactly what the boat does in certain situations.

Click to expand...


Don't think you would feel this way if the boater practicing has a slip next to you. Its about personally responsibility and respect for others. Yes, listen to the weather report - be prudent. If you decide to go out and practice to see what your boat "does" and bend my anchor or scratch my hull - expect to pay for it.
 
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