This week we will talk about some of the items in last week’s Blog, Paragraph No 1.
Let’s consider whether you single hand or have mates to assist. If you single hand, then check out a previous blog “Tips for Single Handing”. The idea came from a captain who operates a 75ft yacht single handed. He uses the Landing Loop modified for his use. Check it out. I tried it. It works.
Next, if you have mates that assist in docking they need to be trained how to use the Landing Loop before you leave the dock. I suggest that you copy the pages “Detailed Instructions” from our web site. Laminate it and keep it on board so you can show it to your mates. Showing the video would be great, but I realize that is not going to happen. A five minute drill on what to do will generally do the trick. Your mates need to know what to do and when they are to do it. It will save lots of yelling and screaming, especially if your mate is your wife.
Where are the cleats and how do they line up with the cleats on the dock? I wish I had a simple answer for this. The captain must do some planning and practicing to see which cleat to tie to and which cleat on the boat should be used. I have had some people tell me they use the mid cleat on their boat and tie up to the center cleat on the dock. Others tell me they reach for the end cleat on the dock and use it as the spring line cleat to keep their boat close to the dock. Survey where the cleats are and which way will work best for your situation. You may not have cleats in these locations. Please do this before you get into a docking situation. Actually, this planning needs to be done whether you use our Landing Loop or not. If you have two mates and two Landing Loops use one on the bow and one on the stern. Tie up both at the captain’s instructions. This makes docking much easier and life very comfortable and relaxed on board.
Next time we will talk about what to do to prepare for docking when using the Landing Loop.
For those of us under deep snow; THINK SPRING. IT WILL GET HERE..
Have a great week.
Gadgets Unlimited, Inc.
Captain Al