RAFTING UP ETIQUETTE


What surprises me about British yachtsmen, is how, despite being helpful and polite most of the time, they behave really badly when crossing another boat to get to the shore or pontoon, when rafted up. However, I must point out that whilst it's not all, I have come across a considerable number, especially when they are 'in drink'. So here are my guidelines, you may have more to add!

• Ensure that your shoes are clean and free of grit, even to the extent of removing them as you cross other boats. Also ensure that they are suitable for tramping across other boats ideally having soft soles.
• Walk on the deck, NOT across the coach roof, especially after sampling the local brews!
• Don't drag bags and gear across the other boats deck.
• Stay out of other boats' cockpits. If you need to connect a power line or stern line, ask the owner of the inboard boat to give you a hand before jumping in and helping yourself.
• Always put bow and stern lines to shore, don't rely on the other boats lines for security.
• Always get permission before going alongside and tying up - its good manners. If the owner isn't there, don't raft up unless there is really no alternative.
• Ensure that you have plenty of good size fenders hanging at the correct height for the boat that you are tying onto.
• Choose a boat of approximately the same size as yours to raft to, it's no good putting a 35 footer against a 17 footer, (but I have seen it done).

Mike Fellows - HAVE YOU ANY MORE TO ADD?


HOW MANY 'F's CAN YOU FIND?

FINISHED FILES ARE THE RESULT OF YEARS OF SCIENTIFIC STUDY COMBINED WITH THE EXPERIENCE OF MANY YEARS

Answer on page eight