www.iFourWinns.com

What do y'all consider to be proper tie up etiquette?

We obviously don't do this often so hence why I ask. Usually with our two kids we are pretty flighty and won't stay in one place long.

Is it assumed with several boats tied together that you are welcome to join on?

_________________
2005 Horizon 210, 5.7L Volvo

I'm not sure if I quite understand your question --- rafting up to strangers without an invite is definitely a no-no ! Getting an invite is usually as simple as cruising close and slow and asking. Be careful of your wake.

We usually have already contacted our friends and arrange to meet at a set location anytime after ??? This way you can do as you please before rafting up. If you think you will be leaving earlier than the rest then try and stay on the outside. Getting out of the middle is a pain for everybody else.

_________________
Marc, Kathlin & Nathalie


'89 Chaparral Laser 32

'93 Vista 245, 5.8L w/ King Cobra

Former Boats
'01 H260, 7.4 VP Duoprop
'98 H200, 5.0 GL w/VP SX drive

It really depends where you are in my expereince. On Lake St Claire one of the party coves it is the norm to raft up, freinds and strangers alike, where we typically boat though it would be unheard of to raft up with someone wihtout an invite.

_________________
Jeff

'14 Cruisers 380 Express "Simon Sez"
Merc 8.2 Mag MPI 380
DTS B3X, (x2) Axius Premier


(SOLD)
'08 V318
Merc 350 Mag MPI 300
DTS Seacore, B3 (x2)

In Texas you just pull up. No boater is a stranger.

You need AND HAVE READY!
Fenders
lines
and make sure you see other kids in the line, if not go elsewhere.
Pull up throw a line and introduce yourself.

_________________

Also consider if you're rafting up with friends that have larger boats you could offer to be the one that runs the water toys. Might serve as a way to keep the fidgety kids busy. Assuming the waters and situation are suitable for the task, of course. You're working a trade here, your time and fuel versus having access to the larger boat amenities.

As others have suggested I've not heard to folks rafting up without prior planning. We don't usually raft up with more than one or two boats. Makes it easier for boats to come and go based on schedules. You want to avoid getting tied up in the middle of a raft and then have to leave.

But realistically if you've got kids that won't sit still then perhaps rafting up isn't a good idea, or the kids need some behavior modification. Bringing along friends, or making friends that will be on other boats would go a long way toward keeping them busy.

_________________
-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

Okie's and Texans are similar in this respect. Don't tie up to a "party" if you have the kids on board. DEFINATELY have your fenders and dock lines ready. THROW AN ANCHOR. Around here, you simply ask the end boat if they mind if you tie up. Also, try to tie up with like size boats.

This goes both ways also. When several of us tie up family style (kids on board) and a "party" boat ties up, starts jamming vulgar music and dancing dirty, we will ask them to tone it down.

_________________

H210SS 6.2
F150 Platinum

On the Potomac, usually you know others in a raft-up prior to approaching. One of our on-line groups monitors 68 on the VHF so we just hale the club name if we don't see anyone we know or they hale us if we are out first. We have had strangers pull up and ask to join the raft-up and some folks are leary of that so we usually ask if anyone knows these people before letting them tie up.

_________________

2008 Four Winns V358 (T 6.2L Merc Bravo III's with DTS and SeaCore)
2006 Sea Ray 340DA
2006 Sea Ray 320DA
2005 Maxum 3100 SE

Good replies! Some I knew but I was just curious as I've not seen it discussed on the board before.

_________________
2005 Horizon 210, 5.7L Volvo

I would never consider rafting up with strangers, nor would I want strangers any where near us. We search for our own private cove.



I want the area to fish, listen or not listen to what we choose, run gen set 24/7 if we want without disturbing neighbors. This is how we enjoy boating, whether a day trip or week long holiday.

_________________
2000 248 5.7L DP
'92, '94 SXI 750, '08 STX 15F, '12 Ultra LX 300
Videos