Do I need a grapple?
 

This has been likely asked before.

I'll be retiring this spring, and buying a sailboat, 30-32 feet. I have limited experience,
mainly two J-World courses, plus ASA through Advanced Coastal Cruising,
plus a two week trip off the Calif coast, plus a bit of racing on a Santana 20.

In my daydreaming, I have most things figured out in the locale where I plan
to sail (San Juan and Gulf Islands), except for this....

I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and into another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do? Being single-handed and all. One thought occurs
to me...toss a grapple and snag the dock. But this raises more questions....will I need
to use a winch? How do I route the line? Do they even make grapples, or will I
have to make my own?

Is this idea even worth it? Last year, we (class of 4 students on a 37 foot J-Boat)
tried to dock on the lee side of a dock in 35+ knots. It took all hands ( 4 men and a teen)
on the dock waiting to catch lines to snug us up, and it was a bit of effort.
I was amazed at how much force the wind exerted on the boat. It was obvious that
to dock a boat that size, in those conditions, a single-hander would have to be
lucky as well as good.

In case you're wondering why the concern...I'm too old to jump a 4 or 5 foot gap
between the boat and dock, and know I'll need to sail smart.

Thanks for any advice/imputs.
Norm

Do I need a grapple?
 

x-no-archive:yes


engsol wrote:


This has been likely asked before.

I'll be retiring this spring, and buying a sailboat, 30-32 feet. I have limited experience,
mainly two J-World courses, plus ASA through Advanced Coastal Cruising,
plus a two week trip off the Calif coast, plus a bit of racing on a Santana 20.

In my daydreaming, I have most things figured out in the locale where I plan
to sail (San Juan and Gulf Islands), except for this....

I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and into another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do? Being single-handed and all.

Single handing is the hardest when docking and so docking is to be
avoided. Anchoring is easier.

It will be equally hard to leave the dock under those circumstances -
so I personally wouldn't leave if I didn't think I could get back.

We have our docklines on the pilings to pick up.

One thought occurs
to me...toss a grapple and snag the dock. But this raises more questions....will I need
to use a winch? How do I route the line? Do they even make grapples, or will I
have to make my own?

Is this idea even worth it? Last year, we (class of 4 students on a 37 foot J-Boat)
tried to dock on the lee side of a dock in 35+ knots. It took all hands ( 4 men and a teen)
on the dock waiting to catch lines to snug us up, and it was a bit of effort.
I was amazed at how much force the wind exerted on the boat. It was obvious that
to dock a boat that size, in those conditions, a single-hander would have to be
lucky as well as good.

In case you're wondering why the concern...I'm too old to jump a 4 or 5 foot gap
between the boat and dock, and know I'll need to sail smart.


grandma Rosalie

Do I need a grapple?
 

x-no-archive:yes


engsol wrote:


This has been likely asked before.

I'll be retiring this spring, and buying a sailboat, 30-32 feet. I have limited experience,
mainly two J-World courses, plus ASA through Advanced Coastal Cruising,
plus a two week trip off the Calif coast, plus a bit of racing on a Santana 20.

In my daydreaming, I have most things figured out in the locale where I plan
to sail (San Juan and Gulf Islands), except for this....

I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and into another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do? Being single-handed and all.

Single handing is the hardest when docking and so docking is to be
avoided. Anchoring is easier.

It will be equally hard to leave the dock under those circumstances -
so I personally wouldn't leave if I didn't think I could get back.

We have our docklines on the pilings to pick up.

One thought occurs
to me...toss a grapple and snag the dock. But this raises more questions....will I need
to use a winch? How do I route the line? Do they even make grapples, or will I
have to make my own?

Is this idea even worth it? Last year, we (class of 4 students on a 37 foot J-Boat)
tried to dock on the lee side of a dock in 35+ knots. It took all hands ( 4 men and a teen)
on the dock waiting to catch lines to snug us up, and it was a bit of effort.
I was amazed at how much force the wind exerted on the boat. It was obvious that
to dock a boat that size, in those conditions, a single-hander would have to be
lucky as well as good.

In case you're wondering why the concern...I'm too old to jump a 4 or 5 foot gap
between the boat and dock, and know I'll need to sail smart.


grandma Rosalie

Do I need a grapple?
 

If you find yourself in this situation, place several fenders on the leeward
side, and have a line secured to your (windward) midship cleat--or looped
around a winch if you have no midship cleat--and hook it around a cleat or
pile on the dock and back to your boat. That should hold you in place 'til
you can secure more docklines.
If it's really bad, perhaps you could place the mid-ship "breast line"--I
think its called--around the end cleat or pile so you won't drift over as m
uch, then run lines forward into the slip, and work the boat in. The key is
to tie the first line from the middle of your boat.

"engsol" wrote in message
...

This has been likely asked before.

I'll be retiring this spring, and buying a sailboat, 30-32 feet. I have
limited experience,
mainly two J-World courses, plus ASA through Advanced Coastal Cruising,
plus a two week trip off the Calif coast, plus a bit of racing on a
Santana 20.

In my daydreaming, I have most things figured out in the locale where I
plan
to sail (San Juan and Gulf Islands), except for this....

I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and into
another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do? Being single-handed and all. One
thought occurs
to me...toss a grapple and snag the dock. But this raises more
questions....will I need
to use a winch? How do I route the line? Do they even make grapples, or
will I
have to make my own?

Is this idea even worth it? Last year, we (class of 4 students on a 37
foot J-Boat)
tried to dock on the lee side of a dock in 35+ knots. It took all hands
( 4 men and a teen)
on the dock waiting to catch lines to snug us up, and it was a bit of
effort.
I was amazed at how much force the wind exerted on the boat. It was
obvious that
to dock a boat that size, in those conditions, a single-hander would have
to be
lucky as well as good.

In case you're wondering why the concern...I'm too old to jump a 4 or 5
foot gap
between the boat and dock, and know I'll need to sail smart.

Thanks for any advice/imputs.
Norm

Do I need a grapple?
 

If you find yourself in this situation, place several fenders on the leeward
side, and have a line secured to your (windward) midship cleat--or looped
around a winch if you have no midship cleat--and hook it around a cleat or
pile on the dock and back to your boat. That should hold you in place 'til
you can secure more docklines.
If it's really bad, perhaps you could place the mid-ship "breast line"--I
think its called--around the end cleat or pile so you won't drift over as m
uch, then run lines forward into the slip, and work the boat in. The key is
to tie the first line from the middle of your boat.

"engsol" wrote in message
...

This has been likely asked before.

I'll be retiring this spring, and buying a sailboat, 30-32 feet. I have
limited experience,
mainly two J-World courses, plus ASA through Advanced Coastal Cruising,
plus a two week trip off the Calif coast, plus a bit of racing on a
Santana 20.

In my daydreaming, I have most things figured out in the locale where I
plan
to sail (San Juan and Gulf Islands), except for this....

I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and into
another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do? Being single-handed and all. One
thought occurs
to me...toss a grapple and snag the dock. But this raises more
questions....will I need
to use a winch? How do I route the line? Do they even make grapples, or
will I
have to make my own?

Is this idea even worth it? Last year, we (class of 4 students on a 37
foot J-Boat)
tried to dock on the lee side of a dock in 35+ knots. It took all hands
( 4 men and a teen)
on the dock waiting to catch lines to snug us up, and it was a bit of
effort.
I was amazed at how much force the wind exerted on the boat. It was
obvious that
to dock a boat that size, in those conditions, a single-hander would have
to be
lucky as well as good.

In case you're wondering why the concern...I'm too old to jump a 4 or 5
foot gap
between the boat and dock, and know I'll need to sail smart.

Thanks for any advice/imputs.
Norm

Do I need a grapple?
 

On Fri, 06 Feb 2004 14:09:54 -0800, engsol
wrote:


This has been likely asked before.

I'll be retiring this spring, and buying a sailboat, 30-32 feet. I have limited experience,
mainly two J-World courses, plus ASA through Advanced Coastal Cruising,
plus a two week trip off the Calif coast, plus a bit of racing on a Santana 20.

In my daydreaming, I have most things figured out in the locale where I plan
to sail (San Juan and Gulf Islands), except for this....

I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and into another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do? Being single-handed and all. One thought occurs
to me...toss a grapple and snag the dock. But this raises more questions....will I need
to use a winch? How do I route the line? Do they even make grapples, or will I
have to make my own?

Is this idea even worth it? Last year, we (class of 4 students on a 37 foot J-Boat)
tried to dock on the lee side of a dock in 35+ knots. It took all hands ( 4 men and a teen)
on the dock waiting to catch lines to snug us up, and it was a bit of effort.
I was amazed at how much force the wind exerted on the boat. It was obvious that
to dock a boat that size, in those conditions, a single-hander would have to be
lucky as well as good.

In case you're wondering why the concern...I'm too old to jump a 4 or 5 foot gap
between the boat and dock, and know I'll need to sail smart.

Thanks for any advice/imputs.
Norm

Maybe the better thing to do would be to anchor until conditions were
more favorable for docking. Just a thought.
Mark E. Williams

Do I need a grapple?
 

On Fri, 06 Feb 2004 14:09:54 -0800, engsol
wrote:


This has been likely asked before.

I'll be retiring this spring, and buying a sailboat, 30-32 feet. I have limited experience,
mainly two J-World courses, plus ASA through Advanced Coastal Cruising,
plus a two week trip off the Calif coast, plus a bit of racing on a Santana 20.

In my daydreaming, I have most things figured out in the locale where I plan
to sail (San Juan and Gulf Islands), except for this....

I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and into another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do? Being single-handed and all. One thought occurs
to me...toss a grapple and snag the dock. But this raises more questions....will I need
to use a winch? How do I route the line? Do they even make grapples, or will I
have to make my own?

Is this idea even worth it? Last year, we (class of 4 students on a 37 foot J-Boat)
tried to dock on the lee side of a dock in 35+ knots. It took all hands ( 4 men and a teen)
on the dock waiting to catch lines to snug us up, and it was a bit of effort.
I was amazed at how much force the wind exerted on the boat. It was obvious that
to dock a boat that size, in those conditions, a single-hander would have to be
lucky as well as good.

In case you're wondering why the concern...I'm too old to jump a 4 or 5 foot gap
between the boat and dock, and know I'll need to sail smart.

Thanks for any advice/imputs.
Norm

Maybe the better thing to do would be to anchor until conditions were
more favorable for docking. Just a thought.
Mark E. Williams

Do I need a grapple?
 

What I've always done when short-handed is run a line from bow to stern, with
perhaps 10 extra feet. This allows you to control the bow and stern with one
line. Secured on the dock amidships it becomes both fore and aft spring line.

"Garland Gray II" wrote in message
news:9%VUb.2641$Yj.803@lakeread02...
If you find yourself in this situation, place several fenders on the leeward
side, and have a line secured to your (windward) midship cleat--or looped
around a winch if you have no midship cleat--and hook it around a cleat or
pile on the dock and back to your boat. That should hold you in place 'til
you can secure more docklines.
If it's really bad, perhaps you could place the mid-ship "breast line"--I
think its called--around the end cleat or pile so you won't drift over as m
uch, then run lines forward into the slip, and work the boat in. The key is
to tie the first line from the middle of your boat.

"engsol" wrote in message
...

This has been likely asked before.

I'll be retiring this spring, and buying a sailboat, 30-32 feet. I have
limited experience,
mainly two J-World courses, plus ASA through Advanced Coastal Cruising,
plus a two week trip off the Calif coast, plus a bit of racing on a
Santana 20.

In my daydreaming, I have most things figured out in the locale where I
plan
to sail (San Juan and Gulf Islands), except for this....

I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and into
another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do? Being single-handed and all. One
thought occurs
to me...toss a grapple and snag the dock. But this raises more
questions....will I need
to use a winch? How do I route the line? Do they even make grapples, or
will I
have to make my own?

Is this idea even worth it? Last year, we (class of 4 students on a 37
foot J-Boat)
tried to dock on the lee side of a dock in 35+ knots. It took all hands
( 4 men and a teen)
on the dock waiting to catch lines to snug us up, and it was a bit of
effort.
I was amazed at how much force the wind exerted on the boat. It was
obvious that
to dock a boat that size, in those conditions, a single-hander would have
to be
lucky as well as good.

In case you're wondering why the concern...I'm too old to jump a 4 or 5
foot gap
between the boat and dock, and know I'll need to sail smart.

Thanks for any advice/imputs.
Norm

Do I need a grapple?
 

What I've always done when short-handed is run a line from bow to stern, with
perhaps 10 extra feet. This allows you to control the bow and stern with one
line. Secured on the dock amidships it becomes both fore and aft spring line.

"Garland Gray II" wrote in message
news:9%VUb.2641$Yj.803@lakeread02...
If you find yourself in this situation, place several fenders on the leeward
side, and have a line secured to your (windward) midship cleat--or looped
around a winch if you have no midship cleat--and hook it around a cleat or
pile on the dock and back to your boat. That should hold you in place 'til
you can secure more docklines.
If it's really bad, perhaps you could place the mid-ship "breast line"--I
think its called--around the end cleat or pile so you won't drift over as m
uch, then run lines forward into the slip, and work the boat in. The key is
to tie the first line from the middle of your boat.

"engsol" wrote in message
...

This has been likely asked before.

I'll be retiring this spring, and buying a sailboat, 30-32 feet. I have
limited experience,
mainly two J-World courses, plus ASA through Advanced Coastal Cruising,
plus a two week trip off the Calif coast, plus a bit of racing on a
Santana 20.

In my daydreaming, I have most things figured out in the locale where I
plan
to sail (San Juan and Gulf Islands), except for this....

I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and into
another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do? Being single-handed and all. One
thought occurs
to me...toss a grapple and snag the dock. But this raises more
questions....will I need
to use a winch? How do I route the line? Do they even make grapples, or
will I
have to make my own?

Is this idea even worth it? Last year, we (class of 4 students on a 37
foot J-Boat)
tried to dock on the lee side of a dock in 35+ knots. It took all hands
( 4 men and a teen)
on the dock waiting to catch lines to snug us up, and it was a bit of
effort.
I was amazed at how much force the wind exerted on the boat. It was
obvious that
to dock a boat that size, in those conditions, a single-hander would have
to be
lucky as well as good.

In case you're wondering why the concern...I'm too old to jump a 4 or 5
foot gap
between the boat and dock, and know I'll need to sail smart.

Thanks for any advice/imputs.
Norm

Do I need a grapple?
 

If this is a rare occurance, I would radio ahead to see if anyone was around
to help you dock.
If this is likely to be the norm when docking at your slip, and you plan to
sail singlehanded...I'd find a better location.
No sense in looking for trouble, it'll find you on it's own.

engsol wrote in message
...

This has been likely asked before.

I'll be retiring this spring, and buying a sailboat, 30-32 feet. I have
limited experience,
mainly two J-World courses, plus ASA through Advanced Coastal Cruising,
plus a two week trip off the Calif coast, plus a bit of racing on a
Santana 20.

In my daydreaming, I have most things figured out in the locale where I
plan
to sail (San Juan and Gulf Islands), except for this....

I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and into
another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do? Being single-handed and all. One
thought occurs
to me...toss a grapple and snag the dock. But this raises more
questions....will I need
to use a winch? How do I route the line? Do they even make grapples, or
will I
have to make my own?

Is this idea even worth it? Last year, we (class of 4 students on a 37
foot J-Boat)
tried to dock on the lee side of a dock in 35+ knots. It took all hands
( 4 men and a teen)
on the dock waiting to catch lines to snug us up, and it was a bit of
effort.
I was amazed at how much force the wind exerted on the boat. It was
obvious that
to dock a boat that size, in those conditions, a single-hander would have
to be
lucky as well as good.

In case you're wondering why the concern...I'm too old to jump a 4 or 5
foot gap
between the boat and dock, and know I'll need to sail smart.

Thanks for any advice/imputs.
Norm

Do I need a grapple?
 

If this is a rare occurance, I would radio ahead to see if anyone was around
to help you dock.
If this is likely to be the norm when docking at your slip, and you plan to
sail singlehanded...I'd find a better location.
No sense in looking for trouble, it'll find you on it's own.

engsol wrote in message
...

This has been likely asked before.

I'll be retiring this spring, and buying a sailboat, 30-32 feet. I have
limited experience,
mainly two J-World courses, plus ASA through Advanced Coastal Cruising,
plus a two week trip off the Calif coast, plus a bit of racing on a
Santana 20.

In my daydreaming, I have most things figured out in the locale where I
plan
to sail (San Juan and Gulf Islands), except for this....

I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and into
another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do? Being single-handed and all. One
thought occurs
to me...toss a grapple and snag the dock. But this raises more
questions....will I need
to use a winch? How do I route the line? Do they even make grapples, or
will I
have to make my own?

Is this idea even worth it? Last year, we (class of 4 students on a 37
foot J-Boat)
tried to dock on the lee side of a dock in 35+ knots. It took all hands
( 4 men and a teen)
on the dock waiting to catch lines to snug us up, and it was a bit of
effort.
I was amazed at how much force the wind exerted on the boat. It was
obvious that
to dock a boat that size, in those conditions, a single-hander would have
to be
lucky as well as good.

In case you're wondering why the concern...I'm too old to jump a 4 or 5
foot gap
between the boat and dock, and know I'll need to sail smart.

Thanks for any advice/imputs.
Norm

Do I need a grapple?
 

engsol wrote in message . ..
This has been likely asked before.

I'll be retiring this spring, and buying a sailboat, 30-32 feet. I have limited experience,
mainly two J-World courses, plus ASA through Advanced Coastal Cruising,
plus a two week trip off the Calif coast, plus a bit of racing on a Santana 20.

In my daydreaming, I have most things figured out in the locale where I plan
to sail (San Juan and Gulf Islands), except for this....

I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and into another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do? Being single-handed and all. One thought occurs
to me...toss a grapple and snag the dock. But this raises more questions....will I need
to use a winch? How do I route the line? Do they even make grapples, or will I
have to make my own?

Is this idea even worth it? Last year, we (class of 4 students on a 37 foot J-Boat)
tried to dock on the lee side of a dock in 35+ knots. It took all hands ( 4 men and a teen)
on the dock waiting to catch lines to snug us up, and it was a bit of effort.
I was amazed at how much force the wind exerted on the boat. It was obvious that
to dock a boat that size, in those conditions, a single-hander would have to be
lucky as well as good.

In case you're wondering why the concern...I'm too old to jump a 4 or 5 foot gap
between the boat and dock, and know I'll need to sail smart.

Thanks for any advice/imputs.
Norm

Norm,I´ve been in that situation twice singlehanding on my 29 ft
Columbia 8.7. What I always do when entering a marina with the wind
blowing crosswise to the boats is to put my fendrs on the leeward side
of the boat. When I see a free pomoon that is going to be on the
windward side, I approach it as close as I can and then let the boat
drift onto the other boat which is to leward. I then tie my boat
temporarily to it, the then throw the bow and stern lines forward onto
the "end ponoon" and walk with them to the windward pontoo where is
make them fast to the cleats. Going back to my boat, I use the
windward winch to pull my boat to windward after having progressively
slackened the temporary lines holding me to the leeward boat so that
at no time is there a risk of the two hulls making contact. When the
boat is about 2 feet off the windward pontoon, I stop and transfer the
fenders to the windward side. May be a slow process but when you are
in a strange marina, always proceed SLOW...
john

Do I need a grapple?
 

engsol wrote in message . ..
This has been likely asked before.

I'll be retiring this spring, and buying a sailboat, 30-32 feet. I have limited experience,
mainly two J-World courses, plus ASA through Advanced Coastal Cruising,
plus a two week trip off the Calif coast, plus a bit of racing on a Santana 20.

In my daydreaming, I have most things figured out in the locale where I plan
to sail (San Juan and Gulf Islands), except for this....

I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and into another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do? Being single-handed and all. One thought occurs
to me...toss a grapple and snag the dock. But this raises more questions....will I need
to use a winch? How do I route the line? Do they even make grapples, or will I
have to make my own?

Is this idea even worth it? Last year, we (class of 4 students on a 37 foot J-Boat)
tried to dock on the lee side of a dock in 35+ knots. It took all hands ( 4 men and a teen)
on the dock waiting to catch lines to snug us up, and it was a bit of effort.
I was amazed at how much force the wind exerted on the boat. It was obvious that
to dock a boat that size, in those conditions, a single-hander would have to be
lucky as well as good.

In case you're wondering why the concern...I'm too old to jump a 4 or 5 foot gap
between the boat and dock, and know I'll need to sail smart.

Thanks for any advice/imputs.
Norm

Norm,I´ve been in that situation twice singlehanding on my 29 ft
Columbia 8.7. What I always do when entering a marina with the wind
blowing crosswise to the boats is to put my fendrs on the leeward side
of the boat. When I see a free pomoon that is going to be on the
windward side, I approach it as close as I can and then let the boat
drift onto the other boat which is to leward. I then tie my boat
temporarily to it, the then throw the bow and stern lines forward onto
the "end ponoon" and walk with them to the windward pontoo where is
make them fast to the cleats. Going back to my boat, I use the
windward winch to pull my boat to windward after having progressively
slackened the temporary lines holding me to the leeward boat so that
at no time is there a risk of the two hulls making contact. When the
boat is about 2 feet off the windward pontoon, I stop and transfer the
fenders to the windward side. May be a slow process but when you are
in a strange marina, always proceed SLOW...
john

Do I need a grapple?
 

On Fri, 06 Feb 2004 14:09:54 -0800, engsol
wrote:


This has been likely asked before.

I'll be retiring this spring, and buying a sailboat, 30-32 feet. I have limited experience,
mainly two J-World courses, plus ASA through Advanced Coastal Cruising,
plus a two week trip off the Calif coast, plus a bit of racing on a Santana 20.

In my daydreaming, I have most things figured out in the locale where I plan
to sail (San Juan and Gulf Islands), except for this....

I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and into another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do? Being single-handed and all. One thought occurs
to me...toss a grapple and snag the dock. But this raises more questions....will I need
to use a winch? How do I route the line? Do they even make grapples, or will I
have to make my own?

Is this idea even worth it? Last year, we (class of 4 students on a 37 foot J-Boat)
tried to dock on the lee side of a dock in 35+ knots. It took all hands ( 4 men and a teen)
on the dock waiting to catch lines to snug us up, and it was a bit of effort.
I was amazed at how much force the wind exerted on the boat. It was obvious that
to dock a boat that size, in those conditions, a single-hander would have to be
lucky as well as good.

I faced the same problem when I retired at 65 in 2001. For three
seasons now I have singlehanded out J36 back from Maine so my wife
could spend more of her vacation cruising than passaging.

She had always docked the boat and I handled lines, so I was
concerned. I practiced at the home marina, first to the T end and then
into our slip.

My suggestions:

1. Put fenders out on both sides. If you do miss you don't damage your
neighbor's boat, or your own..

2. Learn to bring the boat to a stop next to fixed objects where a
mistake doesn't matter, like next to a mooring ball. Get a feel for
how much wind you can do this in.

3. When you string your dock lines, tie their ends together so when
you step off you have both of them. Loop one of them around its cleat
and move smartly to the other end and cleat that. Then go back and
cleat the first one properly.

So far you are using normal cruising docklines, long enough to make
springs of the leftover length.

Here is one gizmo you can make, that might come in handy if the wind
does get bad. Take a pice of line, and make an eye splice with a piece
of hose or plastic tube on the loop part, so the loop stays open. Take
a broomstick and drill a hole across one end. Tie it to the eye splice
so you can reach the cleat and drop the eye splice over it from the
cockpit.

Now determine where it should belay on your boat. On ours it is the
primary winch. You want it such that when it is attached to the end
cleat on your slip, powering forward will hold the boat against the
dock.

Test while you are tied up.

I did all the above, and I carry the gizmo, but I haven't had to use
it.

HTH



Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a


"Be careful. The toe you stepped on yesterday may be connected to the ass you have to kiss today." --Former mayor Ciancia

Do I need a grapple?
 

On Fri, 06 Feb 2004 14:09:54 -0800, engsol
wrote:


This has been likely asked before.

I'll be retiring this spring, and buying a sailboat, 30-32 feet. I have limited experience,
mainly two J-World courses, plus ASA through Advanced Coastal Cruising,
plus a two week trip off the Calif coast, plus a bit of racing on a Santana 20.

In my daydreaming, I have most things figured out in the locale where I plan
to sail (San Juan and Gulf Islands), except for this....

I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and into another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do? Being single-handed and all. One thought occurs
to me...toss a grapple and snag the dock. But this raises more questions....will I need
to use a winch? How do I route the line? Do they even make grapples, or will I
have to make my own?

Is this idea even worth it? Last year, we (class of 4 students on a 37 foot J-Boat)
tried to dock on the lee side of a dock in 35+ knots. It took all hands ( 4 men and a teen)
on the dock waiting to catch lines to snug us up, and it was a bit of effort.
I was amazed at how much force the wind exerted on the boat. It was obvious that
to dock a boat that size, in those conditions, a single-hander would have to be
lucky as well as good.

I faced the same problem when I retired at 65 in 2001. For three
seasons now I have singlehanded out J36 back from Maine so my wife
could spend more of her vacation cruising than passaging.

She had always docked the boat and I handled lines, so I was
concerned. I practiced at the home marina, first to the T end and then
into our slip.

My suggestions:

1. Put fenders out on both sides. If you do miss you don't damage your
neighbor's boat, or your own..

2. Learn to bring the boat to a stop next to fixed objects where a
mistake doesn't matter, like next to a mooring ball. Get a feel for
how much wind you can do this in.

3. When you string your dock lines, tie their ends together so when
you step off you have both of them. Loop one of them around its cleat
and move smartly to the other end and cleat that. Then go back and
cleat the first one properly.

So far you are using normal cruising docklines, long enough to make
springs of the leftover length.

Here is one gizmo you can make, that might come in handy if the wind
does get bad. Take a pice of line, and make an eye splice with a piece
of hose or plastic tube on the loop part, so the loop stays open. Take
a broomstick and drill a hole across one end. Tie it to the eye splice
so you can reach the cleat and drop the eye splice over it from the
cockpit.

Now determine where it should belay on your boat. On ours it is the
primary winch. You want it such that when it is attached to the end
cleat on your slip, powering forward will hold the boat against the
dock.

Test while you are tied up.

I did all the above, and I carry the gizmo, but I haven't had to use
it.

HTH



Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a


"Be careful. The toe you stepped on yesterday may be connected to the ass you have to kiss today." --Former mayor Ciancia

Do I need a grapple?
 

In article ,
engsol wrote:

In my daydreaming, I have most things figured out in the locale where I plan
to sail (San Juan and Gulf Islands), except for this....

I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and into
another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do? Being single-handed and all. One thought
occurs
to me...toss a grapple and snag the dock. But this raises more
questions....will I need
to use a winch? How do I route the line? Do they even make grapples, or will
I
have to make my own?

In our home slip, the spring line on the outermost piling has a loop for
a no-thought drop onto the winch. Once that's secure, proper application
of power and rudder will put the bow anywhere I want. We've been asked
if we had a bow thruster.

At foreign docks, a line from that same winch to a dock cleat -- and
back to the winch if I don't have much time -- works well.

If the conditions warrant, the cleat at the shrouds will work better,
but I haven't needed that yet on this boat.

Personally, the toughest docking is against a current. THAT can be
interesting.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/

Do I need a grapple?
 

In article ,
engsol wrote:

In my daydreaming, I have most things figured out in the locale where I plan
to sail (San Juan and Gulf Islands), except for this....

I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and into
another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do? Being single-handed and all. One thought
occurs
to me...toss a grapple and snag the dock. But this raises more
questions....will I need
to use a winch? How do I route the line? Do they even make grapples, or will
I
have to make my own?

In our home slip, the spring line on the outermost piling has a loop for
a no-thought drop onto the winch. Once that's secure, proper application
of power and rudder will put the bow anywhere I want. We've been asked
if we had a bow thruster.

At foreign docks, a line from that same winch to a dock cleat -- and
back to the winch if I don't have much time -- works well.

If the conditions warrant, the cleat at the shrouds will work better,
but I haven't needed that yet on this boat.

Personally, the toughest docking is against a current. THAT can be
interesting.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/

Do I need a grapple?
 

Obviously the owners of the boats you let yours blow down onto were not
aboard!
Sounds like a good way to get you a@$ handed to you!
"john s." wrote in message
om...
engsol wrote in message
. ..
This has been likely asked before.

I'll be retiring this spring, and buying a sailboat, 30-32 feet. I have
limited experience,
mainly two J-World courses, plus ASA through Advanced Coastal Cruising,
plus a two week trip off the Calif coast, plus a bit of racing on a
Santana 20.

In my daydreaming, I have most things figured out in the locale where I
plan
to sail (San Juan and Gulf Islands), except for this....

I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and
into another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do? Being single-handed and all. One
thought occurs
to me...toss a grapple and snag the dock. But this raises more
questions....will I need
to use a winch? How do I route the line? Do they even make grapples, or
will I
have to make my own?

Is this idea even worth it? Last year, we (class of 4 students on a 37
foot J-Boat)
tried to dock on the lee side of a dock in 35+ knots. It took all hands
( 4 men and a teen)
on the dock waiting to catch lines to snug us up, and it was a bit of
effort.
I was amazed at how much force the wind exerted on the boat. It was
obvious that
to dock a boat that size, in those conditions, a single-hander would
have to be
lucky as well as good.

In case you're wondering why the concern...I'm too old to jump a 4 or 5
foot gap
between the boat and dock, and know I'll need to sail smart.

Thanks for any advice/imputs.
Norm

Norm,I´ve been in that situation twice singlehanding on my 29 ft
Columbia 8.7. What I always do when entering a marina with the wind
blowing crosswise to the boats is to put my fendrs on the leeward side
of the boat. When I see a free pomoon that is going to be on the
windward side, I approach it as close as I can and then let the boat
drift onto the other boat which is to leward. I then tie my boat
temporarily to it, the then throw the bow and stern lines forward onto
the "end ponoon" and walk with them to the windward pontoo where is
make them fast to the cleats. Going back to my boat, I use the
windward winch to pull my boat to windward after having progressively
slackened the temporary lines holding me to the leeward boat so that
at no time is there a risk of the two hulls making contact. When the
boat is about 2 feet off the windward pontoon, I stop and transfer the
fenders to the windward side. May be a slow process but when you are
in a strange marina, always proceed SLOW...
john

Do I need a grapple?
 

Obviously the owners of the boats you let yours blow down onto were not
aboard!
Sounds like a good way to get you a@$ handed to you!
"john s." wrote in message
om...
engsol wrote in message
. ..
This has been likely asked before.

I'll be retiring this spring, and buying a sailboat, 30-32 feet. I have
limited experience,
mainly two J-World courses, plus ASA through Advanced Coastal Cruising,
plus a two week trip off the Calif coast, plus a bit of racing on a
Santana 20.

In my daydreaming, I have most things figured out in the locale where I
plan
to sail (San Juan and Gulf Islands), except for this....

I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and
into another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do? Being single-handed and all. One
thought occurs
to me...toss a grapple and snag the dock. But this raises more
questions....will I need
to use a winch? How do I route the line? Do they even make grapples, or
will I
have to make my own?

Is this idea even worth it? Last year, we (class of 4 students on a 37
foot J-Boat)
tried to dock on the lee side of a dock in 35+ knots. It took all hands
( 4 men and a teen)
on the dock waiting to catch lines to snug us up, and it was a bit of
effort.
I was amazed at how much force the wind exerted on the boat. It was
obvious that
to dock a boat that size, in those conditions, a single-hander would
have to be
lucky as well as good.

In case you're wondering why the concern...I'm too old to jump a 4 or 5
foot gap
between the boat and dock, and know I'll need to sail smart.

Thanks for any advice/imputs.
Norm

Norm,I´ve been in that situation twice singlehanding on my 29 ft
Columbia 8.7. What I always do when entering a marina with the wind
blowing crosswise to the boats is to put my fendrs on the leeward side
of the boat. When I see a free pomoon that is going to be on the
windward side, I approach it as close as I can and then let the boat
drift onto the other boat which is to leward. I then tie my boat
temporarily to it, the then throw the bow and stern lines forward onto
the "end ponoon" and walk with them to the windward pontoo where is
make them fast to the cleats. Going back to my boat, I use the
windward winch to pull my boat to windward after having progressively
slackened the temporary lines holding me to the leeward boat so that
at no time is there a risk of the two hulls making contact. When the
boat is about 2 feet off the windward pontoon, I stop and transfer the
fenders to the windward side. May be a slow process but when you are
in a strange marina, always proceed SLOW...
john

Do I need a grapple?
 

On 6 Feb 2004 19:02:08 -0800, (john s.) wrote:

engsol wrote in message . ..
This has been likely asked before.

I'll be retiring this spring, and buying a sailboat, 30-32 feet. I have limited experience,
mainly two J-World courses, plus ASA through Advanced Coastal Cruising,
plus a two week trip off the Calif coast, plus a bit of racing on a Santana 20.

In my daydreaming, I have most things figured out in the locale where I plan
to sail (San Juan and Gulf Islands), except for this....

I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and into another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do? Being single-handed and all. One thought occurs
to me...toss a grapple and snag the dock. But this raises more questions....will I need
to use a winch? How do I route the line? Do they even make grapples, or will I
have to make my own?

Is this idea even worth it? Last year, we (class of 4 students on a 37 foot J-Boat)
tried to dock on the lee side of a dock in 35+ knots. It took all hands ( 4 men and a teen)
on the dock waiting to catch lines to snug us up, and it was a bit of effort.
I was amazed at how much force the wind exerted on the boat. It was obvious that
to dock a boat that size, in those conditions, a single-hander would have to be
lucky as well as good.

In case you're wondering why the concern...I'm too old to jump a 4 or 5 foot gap
between the boat and dock, and know I'll need to sail smart.

Thanks for any advice/imputs.
Norm

Norm,I´ve been in that situation twice singlehanding on my 29 ft
Columbia 8.7. What I always do when entering a marina with the wind
blowing crosswise to the boats is to put my fendrs on the leeward side
of the boat. When I see a free pomoon that is going to be on the
windward side, I approach it as close as I can and then let the boat
drift onto the other boat which is to leward. I then tie my boat
temporarily to it, the then throw the bow and stern lines forward onto
the "end ponoon" and walk with them to the windward pontoo where is
make them fast to the cleats. Going back to my boat, I use the
windward winch to pull my boat to windward after having progressively
slackened the temporary lines holding me to the leeward boat so that
at no time is there a risk of the two hulls making contact. When the
boat is about 2 feet off the windward pontoon, I stop and transfer the
fenders to the windward side. May be a slow process but when you are
in a strange marina, always proceed SLOW...
john

John,
Thanks for the input. I like it. Your method has the advantage of not
having to do something in haste, and possibly foobar'ing the whole process.
As aother poster mentioned though, the boat serving as a big fender
might object, and I'm there are some owners who will. But, by and large,
what I've seen in the San Juans is that when stuff happens, and one
boat is drifting down on another, the "target" boat just gets out some
more fenders, and prepares for contact. No evidence of hard feelings,
maybe because they'v been in that position themselves.
Norm

Do I need a grapple?
 

On 6 Feb 2004 19:02:08 -0800, (john s.) wrote:

engsol wrote in message . ..
This has been likely asked before.

I'll be retiring this spring, and buying a sailboat, 30-32 feet. I have limited experience,
mainly two J-World courses, plus ASA through Advanced Coastal Cruising,
plus a two week trip off the Calif coast, plus a bit of racing on a Santana 20.

In my daydreaming, I have most things figured out in the locale where I plan
to sail (San Juan and Gulf Islands), except for this....

I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and into another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do? Being single-handed and all. One thought occurs
to me...toss a grapple and snag the dock. But this raises more questions....will I need
to use a winch? How do I route the line? Do they even make grapples, or will I
have to make my own?

Is this idea even worth it? Last year, we (class of 4 students on a 37 foot J-Boat)
tried to dock on the lee side of a dock in 35+ knots. It took all hands ( 4 men and a teen)
on the dock waiting to catch lines to snug us up, and it was a bit of effort.
I was amazed at how much force the wind exerted on the boat. It was obvious that
to dock a boat that size, in those conditions, a single-hander would have to be
lucky as well as good.

In case you're wondering why the concern...I'm too old to jump a 4 or 5 foot gap
between the boat and dock, and know I'll need to sail smart.

Thanks for any advice/imputs.
Norm

Norm,I´ve been in that situation twice singlehanding on my 29 ft
Columbia 8.7. What I always do when entering a marina with the wind
blowing crosswise to the boats is to put my fendrs on the leeward side
of the boat. When I see a free pomoon that is going to be on the
windward side, I approach it as close as I can and then let the boat
drift onto the other boat which is to leward. I then tie my boat
temporarily to it, the then throw the bow and stern lines forward onto
the "end ponoon" and walk with them to the windward pontoo where is
make them fast to the cleats. Going back to my boat, I use the
windward winch to pull my boat to windward after having progressively
slackened the temporary lines holding me to the leeward boat so that
at no time is there a risk of the two hulls making contact. When the
boat is about 2 feet off the windward pontoon, I stop and transfer the
fenders to the windward side. May be a slow process but when you are
in a strange marina, always proceed SLOW...
john

John,
Thanks for the input. I like it. Your method has the advantage of not
having to do something in haste, and possibly foobar'ing the whole process.
As aother poster mentioned though, the boat serving as a big fender
might object, and I'm there are some owners who will. But, by and large,
what I've seen in the San Juans is that when stuff happens, and one
boat is drifting down on another, the "target" boat just gets out some
more fenders, and prepares for contact. No evidence of hard feelings,
maybe because they'v been in that position themselves.
Norm

Do I need a grapple?
 

On Sat, 07 Feb 2004 01:05:12 -0500, Rodney Myrvaagnes wrote:

On Fri, 06 Feb 2004 14:09:54 -0800, engsol
wrote:
snip
I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and into another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do? Being single-handed and all. One thought occurs
to me...toss a grapple and snag the dock. But this raises more questions....will I need
to use a winch? How do I route the line? Do they even make grapples, or will I
have to make my own?

snip
My suggestions:

1. Put fenders out on both sides. If you do miss you don't damage your
neighbor's boat, or your own..
I think that's an excellant idea.

2. Learn to bring the boat to a stop next to fixed objects where a
mistake doesn't matter, like next to a mooring ball. Get a feel for
how much wind you can do this in.
Actually, I'm pretty good at this. (crossed fingers)

3. When you string your dock lines, tie their ends together so when
you step off you have both of them. Loop one of them around its cleat
and move smartly to the other end and cleat that. Then go back and
cleat the first one properly.
Many of the docks in the smaller San Juan ports don't have cleats.
What is *very* common is a "cleat rail" (my term) consisting of a 4 x 4 raised
by 4 x 4 blocks spaced every 8 to 10 feet. This requires passing a
line through a 4 inch "gap", which is a real pain. Otherwise your method
would work fine.

Thanks for the input.
Norm

Do I need a grapple?
 

On Sat, 07 Feb 2004 01:05:12 -0500, Rodney Myrvaagnes wrote:

On Fri, 06 Feb 2004 14:09:54 -0800, engsol
wrote:
snip
I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and into another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do? Being single-handed and all. One thought occurs
to me...toss a grapple and snag the dock. But this raises more questions....will I need
to use a winch? How do I route the line? Do they even make grapples, or will I
have to make my own?

snip
My suggestions:

1. Put fenders out on both sides. If you do miss you don't damage your
neighbor's boat, or your own..
I think that's an excellant idea.

2. Learn to bring the boat to a stop next to fixed objects where a
mistake doesn't matter, like next to a mooring ball. Get a feel for
how much wind you can do this in.
Actually, I'm pretty good at this. (crossed fingers)

3. When you string your dock lines, tie their ends together so when
you step off you have both of them. Loop one of them around its cleat
and move smartly to the other end and cleat that. Then go back and
cleat the first one properly.
Many of the docks in the smaller San Juan ports don't have cleats.
What is *very* common is a "cleat rail" (my term) consisting of a 4 x 4 raised
by 4 x 4 blocks spaced every 8 to 10 feet. This requires passing a
line through a 4 inch "gap", which is a real pain. Otherwise your method
would work fine.

Thanks for the input.
Norm

Do I need a grapple?
 

On Sat, 07 Feb 2004 06:27:42 GMT, Jere Lull wrote:

In article ,
engsol wrote:

In my daydreaming, I have most things figured out in the locale where I plan
to sail (San Juan and Gulf Islands), except for this....

I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and into
another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do?

At foreign docks, a line from that same winch to a dock cleat -- and
back to the winch if I don't have much time -- works well.
As I mentioned in another reply, the area I plan to sail in uses
4 x 4 rails rather than proper cleats. That's why the idea of a grapple....
something I can deploy from the boat.

If the conditions warrant, the cleat at the shrouds will work better,
but I haven't needed that yet on this boat.
Good advice. I plan to spend a bit of time learning where the
"balance" point is on my boat...once I buy her.

Personally, the toughest docking is against a current. THAT can be
interesting.
LOL...well, I'd argue that "interesting" might be having the bow blow
off and leaving one with a 37 foot boat at right angles to, and between,
two finger docks separated by maybe 40 feet, and having a bit of
speed up. I've mentally replayed that one many times. My only defense
is that the instructor dictated the departure plan, but since I was on
the helm, the fault was mine.

Thanks...
Norm

Do I need a grapple?
 

On Sat, 07 Feb 2004 06:27:42 GMT, Jere Lull wrote:

In article ,
engsol wrote:

In my daydreaming, I have most things figured out in the locale where I plan
to sail (San Juan and Gulf Islands), except for this....

I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and into
another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do?

At foreign docks, a line from that same winch to a dock cleat -- and
back to the winch if I don't have much time -- works well.
As I mentioned in another reply, the area I plan to sail in uses
4 x 4 rails rather than proper cleats. That's why the idea of a grapple....
something I can deploy from the boat.

If the conditions warrant, the cleat at the shrouds will work better,
but I haven't needed that yet on this boat.
Good advice. I plan to spend a bit of time learning where the
"balance" point is on my boat...once I buy her.

Personally, the toughest docking is against a current. THAT can be
interesting.
LOL...well, I'd argue that "interesting" might be having the bow blow
off and leaving one with a 37 foot boat at right angles to, and between,
two finger docks separated by maybe 40 feet, and having a bit of
speed up. I've mentally replayed that one many times. My only defense
is that the instructor dictated the departure plan, but since I was on
the helm, the fault was mine.

Thanks...
Norm

Do I need a grapple?
 

I've been reading messages so far and hope I can add something. We actually
have a grapple, and have used it when docking at those piers where the only
tie-up is a 4"x4" wood.

We use it from the midship cleat of our 34' trawler. We bend a turn around the
cleat which can be tightened immediately. The grapple is tossed onto the dock
well behind the rail. In our experience it always has caught against the rail.
After that point it is necessary to keep tension on the grapple, thus the need
to be able to take up the slack quickly.

To picture this, one has to recall that the reason you used the grapple in the
first place was that you were being set off the pier. Therefore, once you have
taken the slack out of the line, that setting force should maintain tension for
you, and since the middle of your boat is tethered, the pointy and blunt ends
aren't going too far. There is time to do things deliberately.

Now if you are too far from the dock to get other lines across, you can try
something cautiously: Use the grapple line as a spring line. You put your boat
in gear and go forward. If you turn toward the dock, the bow will come in. If
you turn away from the dock, the stern will come in. Of the two, we have found
that getting a stern line over and secured is better, because then we can use
*that* as a spring to bring the boat alongside.

We bought the grapple from a store that sells supplies to commercial fishermen.
It's little and light, about 14" long and 8-10" wide. I'd be willing to bet
that they are still available.

The commonest mistake people make when just starting to use a grapple is not to
have enough free line to throw the grapple as far as needed. It's true that the
more 'free' line you have, the bigger the scramble to get the slack out when
you've thrown it. Experience teaches the happy medium.

Another subject: Coming to rest against another vessel. With enough fenders,
there should be no problem and as one reply said, it's pretty common in the San
Juans and Canadian Gulf Islands. But the operative word is "fenders" never,
NEVER "boat hook".

Finally: We are considering an "E-Z Docker". This is a special weighted hook
which is designed to grab and hold onto a 4x4, 2x4, etc. I've seen them at boat
shows, and believe they are superior to the grapple. I found an add in
"Yachting" and their info address is There's a website
about it at http://www.boatshowproducts.com/EZDocker.htm It's pretty pricey,
though - so we're still considering.

Do I need a grapple?
 

I've been reading messages so far and hope I can add something. We actually
have a grapple, and have used it when docking at those piers where the only
tie-up is a 4"x4" wood.

We use it from the midship cleat of our 34' trawler. We bend a turn around the
cleat which can be tightened immediately. The grapple is tossed onto the dock
well behind the rail. In our experience it always has caught against the rail.
After that point it is necessary to keep tension on the grapple, thus the need
to be able to take up the slack quickly.

To picture this, one has to recall that the reason you used the grapple in the
first place was that you were being set off the pier. Therefore, once you have
taken the slack out of the line, that setting force should maintain tension for
you, and since the middle of your boat is tethered, the pointy and blunt ends
aren't going too far. There is time to do things deliberately.

Now if you are too far from the dock to get other lines across, you can try
something cautiously: Use the grapple line as a spring line. You put your boat
in gear and go forward. If you turn toward the dock, the bow will come in. If
you turn away from the dock, the stern will come in. Of the two, we have found
that getting a stern line over and secured is better, because then we can use
*that* as a spring to bring the boat alongside.

We bought the grapple from a store that sells supplies to commercial fishermen.
It's little and light, about 14" long and 8-10" wide. I'd be willing to bet
that they are still available.

The commonest mistake people make when just starting to use a grapple is not to
have enough free line to throw the grapple as far as needed. It's true that the
more 'free' line you have, the bigger the scramble to get the slack out when
you've thrown it. Experience teaches the happy medium.

Another subject: Coming to rest against another vessel. With enough fenders,
there should be no problem and as one reply said, it's pretty common in the San
Juans and Canadian Gulf Islands. But the operative word is "fenders" never,
NEVER "boat hook".

Finally: We are considering an "E-Z Docker". This is a special weighted hook
which is designed to grab and hold onto a 4x4, 2x4, etc. I've seen them at boat
shows, and believe they are superior to the grapple. I found an add in
"Yachting" and their info address is There's a website
about it at http://www.boatshowproducts.com/EZDocker.htm It's pretty pricey,
though - so we're still considering.

Do I need a grapple?
 

Dave wrote:

On Sat, 07 Feb 2004 20:21:18 GMT, Chuck Bollinger said:


We are considering an "E-Z Docker".


Hmm. Interesting product, but how much confidence can you have in somebody
who doesn't know what a "bollard" is?


Yeah - That got me, too. I wasn't able to download the movie to see what
terminology they used in it. Gotta say, though, I've seen this at a boat show
where the customer is allowed to try it, and it was pretty awesome. Very heavy.
Don't know that I can come up with that much money for it, but we rarely have
cleats in the Pacific NW remoter areas.

Do I need a grapple?
 

Dave wrote:

On Sat, 07 Feb 2004 20:21:18 GMT, Chuck Bollinger said:


We are considering an "E-Z Docker".


Hmm. Interesting product, but how much confidence can you have in somebody
who doesn't know what a "bollard" is?


Yeah - That got me, too. I wasn't able to download the movie to see what
terminology they used in it. Gotta say, though, I've seen this at a boat show
where the customer is allowed to try it, and it was pretty awesome. Very heavy.
Don't know that I can come up with that much money for it, but we rarely have
cleats in the Pacific NW remoter areas.

Do I need a grapple?
 

On 7 Feb 2004 17:12:13 -0600, Dave wrote:

On Sat, 07 Feb 2004 20:21:18 GMT, Chuck Bollinger said:

We are considering an "E-Z Docker".

Hmm. Interesting product, but how much confidence can you have in somebody
who doesn't know what a "bollard" is?


I found E-Z Docker on the web. IMHO, a 20 foot rope tied to a hook for $118,
or a 35 foot rope tied to a hook for $226, is not realistic.

I also found a real live Mil-Spec folding grappling hook for ~$100,
and some "Ninja" grapples for $20.
Norm

Do I need a grapple?
 

On 7 Feb 2004 17:12:13 -0600, Dave wrote:

On Sat, 07 Feb 2004 20:21:18 GMT, Chuck Bollinger said:

We are considering an "E-Z Docker".

Hmm. Interesting product, but how much confidence can you have in somebody
who doesn't know what a "bollard" is?


I found E-Z Docker on the web. IMHO, a 20 foot rope tied to a hook for $118,
or a 35 foot rope tied to a hook for $226, is not realistic.

I also found a real live Mil-Spec folding grappling hook for ~$100,
and some "Ninja" grapples for $20.
Norm

Do I need a grapple?
 

engsol wrote:
This has been likely asked before.

I'll be retiring this spring, and buying a sailboat, 30-32 feet. I have limited experience,
mainly two J-World courses, plus ASA through Advanced Coastal Cruising,
plus a two week trip off the Calif coast, plus a bit of racing on a Santana 20.

In my daydreaming, I have most things figured out in the locale where I plan
to sail (San Juan and Gulf Islands), except for this....

I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and into another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do? Being single-handed and all. One thought occurs
to me...toss a grapple and snag the dock. But this raises more questions....will I need
to use a winch? How do I route the line? Do they even make grapples, or will I
have to make my own?

Is this idea even worth it? Last year, we (class of 4 students on a 37 foot J-Boat)
tried to dock on the lee side of a dock in 35+ knots. It took all hands ( 4 men and a teen)
on the dock waiting to catch lines to snug us up, and it was a bit of effort.
I was amazed at how much force the wind exerted on the boat. It was obvious that
to dock a boat that size, in those conditions, a single-hander would have to be
lucky as well as good.

In case you're wondering why the concern...I'm too old to jump a 4 or 5 foot gap
between the boat and dock, and know I'll need to sail smart.

Thanks for any advice/imputs.
Norm

Leave a loop of line from the dock cleats fore and aft, hanging down
close to the water. Grab it with a boathook as you approach. Come
in maybe a bit fast, bow first, fend off with the boat hook to stop
the boat, hook the loop and pull in to the dock. You might want to
try it in reverse, depending on your prop walk situation.

You should have a long stern line led outboard of shrouds and tucked
into your belt, or hitched to the bow pulpit. Drop the dock loop
over a bow cleat, go ashore and pull in the stern. This way, you can
keep clear of your niegbours, coming ashore in the centre of your
space, and you can let the bow slide under the loop as you control
the boat fore and aft as you swing the stern into the dock. The
right amount of slack in the loop, once found by trial and error,
will hold the bow at some useful distance. If you need a lot of
slack, use a floating line. I don't like poly rope for docklines,
unless it's replaced about every 6 months.

If you have a smooth, sloping stem with no bow eye, you won't do
much damage if you do slide it up on the dock a little bit,
aspecially with some old doormats, etc hung on the most desirable
landing zone. You may already have permanent dock pads.

Depending on conditions, this could enable you to handle the problem.

Good luck.

Terry K

Do I need a grapple?
 

engsol wrote:
This has been likely asked before.

I'll be retiring this spring, and buying a sailboat, 30-32 feet. I have limited experience,
mainly two J-World courses, plus ASA through Advanced Coastal Cruising,
plus a two week trip off the Calif coast, plus a bit of racing on a Santana 20.

In my daydreaming, I have most things figured out in the locale where I plan
to sail (San Juan and Gulf Islands), except for this....

I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and into another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do? Being single-handed and all. One thought occurs
to me...toss a grapple and snag the dock. But this raises more questions....will I need
to use a winch? How do I route the line? Do they even make grapples, or will I
have to make my own?

Is this idea even worth it? Last year, we (class of 4 students on a 37 foot J-Boat)
tried to dock on the lee side of a dock in 35+ knots. It took all hands ( 4 men and a teen)
on the dock waiting to catch lines to snug us up, and it was a bit of effort.
I was amazed at how much force the wind exerted on the boat. It was obvious that
to dock a boat that size, in those conditions, a single-hander would have to be
lucky as well as good.

In case you're wondering why the concern...I'm too old to jump a 4 or 5 foot gap
between the boat and dock, and know I'll need to sail smart.

Thanks for any advice/imputs.
Norm

Leave a loop of line from the dock cleats fore and aft, hanging down
close to the water. Grab it with a boathook as you approach. Come
in maybe a bit fast, bow first, fend off with the boat hook to stop
the boat, hook the loop and pull in to the dock. You might want to
try it in reverse, depending on your prop walk situation.

You should have a long stern line led outboard of shrouds and tucked
into your belt, or hitched to the bow pulpit. Drop the dock loop
over a bow cleat, go ashore and pull in the stern. This way, you can
keep clear of your niegbours, coming ashore in the centre of your
space, and you can let the bow slide under the loop as you control
the boat fore and aft as you swing the stern into the dock. The
right amount of slack in the loop, once found by trial and error,
will hold the bow at some useful distance. If you need a lot of
slack, use a floating line. I don't like poly rope for docklines,
unless it's replaced about every 6 months.

If you have a smooth, sloping stem with no bow eye, you won't do
much damage if you do slide it up on the dock a little bit,
aspecially with some old doormats, etc hung on the most desirable
landing zone. You may already have permanent dock pads.

Depending on conditions, this could enable you to handle the problem.

Good luck.

Terry K

Do I need a grapple?
 

On Sun, 08 Feb 2004 00:11:02 GMT, Terry Spragg wrote:

engsol wrote:
This has been likely asked before.

I'll be retiring this spring, and buying a sailboat, 30-32 feet. I have limited experience,
mainly two J-World courses, plus ASA through Advanced Coastal Cruising,
plus a two week trip off the Calif coast, plus a bit of racing on a Santana 20.

In my daydreaming, I have most things figured out in the locale where I plan
to sail (San Juan and Gulf Islands), except for this....

I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and into another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do? Being single-handed and all. One thought occurs
to me...toss a grapple and snag the dock. But this raises more questions....will I need
to use a winch? How do I route the line? Do they even make grapples, or will I
have to make my own?

Is this idea even worth it? Last year, we (class of 4 students on a 37 foot J-Boat)
tried to dock on the lee side of a dock in 35+ knots. It took all hands ( 4 men and a teen)
on the dock waiting to catch lines to snug us up, and it was a bit of effort.
I was amazed at how much force the wind exerted on the boat. It was obvious that
to dock a boat that size, in those conditions, a single-hander would have to be
lucky as well as good.

In case you're wondering why the concern...I'm too old to jump a 4 or 5 foot gap
between the boat and dock, and know I'll need to sail smart.

Thanks for any advice/imputs.
Norm

Leave a loop of line from the dock cleats fore and aft, hanging down
close to the water. Grab it with a boathook as you approach. Come
in maybe a bit fast, bow first, fend off with the boat hook to stop
the boat, hook the loop and pull in to the dock. You might want to
try it in reverse, depending on your prop walk situation.

You should have a long stern line led outboard of shrouds and tucked
into your belt, or hitched to the bow pulpit. Drop the dock loop
over a bow cleat, go ashore and pull in the stern. This way, you can
keep clear of your niegbours, coming ashore in the centre of your
space, and you can let the bow slide under the loop as you control
the boat fore and aft as you swing the stern into the dock. The
right amount of slack in the loop, once found by trial and error,
will hold the bow at some useful distance. If you need a lot of
slack, use a floating line. I don't like poly rope for docklines,
unless it's replaced about every 6 months.

If you have a smooth, sloping stem with no bow eye, you won't do
much damage if you do slide it up on the dock a little bit,
aspecially with some old doormats, etc hung on the most desirable
landing zone. You may already have permanent dock pads.

Depending on conditions, this could enable you to handle the problem.

Good luck.

Terry K

Terry,
Thanks for the advice. I agree your methods has merit for the home port,
where one may "rig" the slip. The rub lies in visiting other marinas.

Maybe the thing to do is announce on the VHF when approaching,
and say something like "I can't sail, I'm drunk as a skunk, and I think
the throttle is stuck...anyone handy to catch my lines?"
Norm

Do I need a grapple?
 

On Sun, 08 Feb 2004 00:11:02 GMT, Terry Spragg wrote:

engsol wrote:
This has been likely asked before.

I'll be retiring this spring, and buying a sailboat, 30-32 feet. I have limited experience,
mainly two J-World courses, plus ASA through Advanced Coastal Cruising,
plus a two week trip off the Calif coast, plus a bit of racing on a Santana 20.

In my daydreaming, I have most things figured out in the locale where I plan
to sail (San Juan and Gulf Islands), except for this....

I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and into another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do? Being single-handed and all. One thought occurs
to me...toss a grapple and snag the dock. But this raises more questions....will I need
to use a winch? How do I route the line? Do they even make grapples, or will I
have to make my own?

Is this idea even worth it? Last year, we (class of 4 students on a 37 foot J-Boat)
tried to dock on the lee side of a dock in 35+ knots. It took all hands ( 4 men and a teen)
on the dock waiting to catch lines to snug us up, and it was a bit of effort.
I was amazed at how much force the wind exerted on the boat. It was obvious that
to dock a boat that size, in those conditions, a single-hander would have to be
lucky as well as good.

In case you're wondering why the concern...I'm too old to jump a 4 or 5 foot gap
between the boat and dock, and know I'll need to sail smart.

Thanks for any advice/imputs.
Norm

Leave a loop of line from the dock cleats fore and aft, hanging down
close to the water. Grab it with a boathook as you approach. Come
in maybe a bit fast, bow first, fend off with the boat hook to stop
the boat, hook the loop and pull in to the dock. You might want to
try it in reverse, depending on your prop walk situation.

You should have a long stern line led outboard of shrouds and tucked
into your belt, or hitched to the bow pulpit. Drop the dock loop
over a bow cleat, go ashore and pull in the stern. This way, you can
keep clear of your niegbours, coming ashore in the centre of your
space, and you can let the bow slide under the loop as you control
the boat fore and aft as you swing the stern into the dock. The
right amount of slack in the loop, once found by trial and error,
will hold the bow at some useful distance. If you need a lot of
slack, use a floating line. I don't like poly rope for docklines,
unless it's replaced about every 6 months.

If you have a smooth, sloping stem with no bow eye, you won't do
much damage if you do slide it up on the dock a little bit,
aspecially with some old doormats, etc hung on the most desirable
landing zone. You may already have permanent dock pads.

Depending on conditions, this could enable you to handle the problem.

Good luck.

Terry K

Terry,
Thanks for the advice. I agree your methods has merit for the home port,
where one may "rig" the slip. The rub lies in visiting other marinas.

Maybe the thing to do is announce on the VHF when approaching,
and say something like "I can't sail, I'm drunk as a skunk, and I think
the throttle is stuck...anyone handy to catch my lines?"
Norm

Do I need a grapple?
 

engsol wrote:
On Sun, 08 Feb 2004 00:11:02 GMT, Terry Spragg wrote:


engsol wrote:

This has been likely asked before.

I'll be retiring this spring, and buying a sailboat, 30-32 feet. I have limited experience,
mainly two J-World courses, plus ASA through Advanced Coastal Cruising,
plus a two week trip off the Calif coast, plus a bit of racing on a Santana 20.

In my daydreaming, I have most things figured out in the locale where I plan
to sail (San Juan and Gulf Islands), except for this....

I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and into another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do? Being single-handed and all. One thought occurs
to me...toss a grapple and snag the dock. But this raises more questions....will I need
to use a winch? How do I route the line? Do they even make grapples, or will I
have to make my own?

Is this idea even worth it? Last year, we (class of 4 students on a 37 foot J-Boat)
tried to dock on the lee side of a dock in 35+ knots. It took all hands ( 4 men and a teen)
on the dock waiting to catch lines to snug us up, and it was a bit of effort.
I was amazed at how much force the wind exerted on the boat. It was obvious that
to dock a boat that size, in those conditions, a single-hander would have to be
lucky as well as good.

In case you're wondering why the concern...I'm too old to jump a 4 or 5 foot gap
between the boat and dock, and know I'll need to sail smart.

Thanks for any advice/imputs.
Norm

Leave a loop of line from the dock cleats fore and aft, hanging down
close to the water. Grab it with a boathook as you approach. Come
in maybe a bit fast, bow first, fend off with the boat hook to stop
the boat, hook the loop and pull in to the dock. You might want to
try it in reverse, depending on your prop walk situation.

You should have a long stern line led outboard of shrouds and tucked
into your belt, or hitched to the bow pulpit. Drop the dock loop
over a bow cleat, go ashore and pull in the stern. This way, you can
keep clear of your niegbours, coming ashore in the centre of your
space, and you can let the bow slide under the loop as you control
the boat fore and aft as you swing the stern into the dock. The
right amount of slack in the loop, once found by trial and error,
will hold the bow at some useful distance. If you need a lot of
slack, use a floating line. I don't like poly rope for docklines,
unless it's replaced about every 6 months.

If you have a smooth, sloping stem with no bow eye, you won't do
much damage if you do slide it up on the dock a little bit,
especially with some old doormats, etc hung on the most desirable
landing zone. You may already have permanent dock pads.

Depending on conditions, this could enable you to handle the problem.

Good luck.

Terry K


Terry,
Thanks for the advice. I agree your methods has merit for the home port,
where one may "rig" the slip. The rub lies in visiting other marinas.

Maybe the thing to do is announce on the VHF when approaching,
and say something like "I can't sail, I'm drunk as a skunk, and I think
the throttle is stuck...anyone handy to catch my lines?"
Norm


Well, as a variation on "How do you get to Carnagie hall from here?"
Your best answer is still going to be practice, practice, practice.

After a few near misses or so, your capabilities will improve. This
time next year, you will wonder what all the fuss was about.

Of course, if we see a drunk on a boat, we don't like it much.

I would jump to help if someone on the vhf or loud-mouth-o-phone
called for assistance docking. Anybody would. It's usually good for
a beer or two, and a laugh.

Terry K

Do I need a grapple?
 

engsol wrote:
On Sun, 08 Feb 2004 00:11:02 GMT, Terry Spragg wrote:


engsol wrote:

This has been likely asked before.

I'll be retiring this spring, and buying a sailboat, 30-32 feet. I have limited experience,
mainly two J-World courses, plus ASA through Advanced Coastal Cruising,
plus a two week trip off the Calif coast, plus a bit of racing on a Santana 20.

In my daydreaming, I have most things figured out in the locale where I plan
to sail (San Juan and Gulf Islands), except for this....

I'm approaching a slip with a cross-wind blowing me off the dock, and into another boat
sharing the slip. So what do I do? Being single-handed and all. One thought occurs
to me...toss a grapple and snag the dock. But this raises more questions....will I need
to use a winch? How do I route the line? Do they even make grapples, or will I
have to make my own?

Is this idea even worth it? Last year, we (class of 4 students on a 37 foot J-Boat)
tried to dock on the lee side of a dock in 35+ knots. It took all hands ( 4 men and a teen)
on the dock waiting to catch lines to snug us up, and it was a bit of effort.
I was amazed at how much force the wind exerted on the boat. It was obvious that
to dock a boat that size, in those conditions, a single-hander would have to be
lucky as well as good.

In case you're wondering why the concern...I'm too old to jump a 4 or 5 foot gap
between the boat and dock, and know I'll need to sail smart.

Thanks for any advice/imputs.
Norm

Leave a loop of line from the dock cleats fore and aft, hanging down
close to the water. Grab it with a boathook as you approach. Come
in maybe a bit fast, bow first, fend off with the boat hook to stop
the boat, hook the loop and pull in to the dock. You might want to
try it in reverse, depending on your prop walk situation.

You should have a long stern line led outboard of shrouds and tucked
into your belt, or hitched to the bow pulpit. Drop the dock loop
over a bow cleat, go ashore and pull in the stern. This way, you can
keep clear of your niegbours, coming ashore in the centre of your
space, and you can let the bow slide under the loop as you control
the boat fore and aft as you swing the stern into the dock. The
right amount of slack in the loop, once found by trial and error,
will hold the bow at some useful distance. If you need a lot of
slack, use a floating line. I don't like poly rope for docklines,
unless it's replaced about every 6 months.

If you have a smooth, sloping stem with no bow eye, you won't do
much damage if you do slide it up on the dock a little bit,
especially with some old doormats, etc hung on the most desirable
landing zone. You may already have permanent dock pads.

Depending on conditions, this could enable you to handle the problem.

Good luck.

Terry K


Terry,
Thanks for the advice. I agree your methods has merit for the home port,
where one may "rig" the slip. The rub lies in visiting other marinas.

Maybe the thing to do is announce on the VHF when approaching,
and say something like "I can't sail, I'm drunk as a skunk, and I think
the throttle is stuck...anyone handy to catch my lines?"
Norm


Well, as a variation on "How do you get to Carnagie hall from here?"
Your best answer is still going to be practice, practice, practice.

After a few near misses or so, your capabilities will improve. This
time next year, you will wonder what all the fuss was about.

Of course, if we see a drunk on a boat, we don't like it much.

I would jump to help if someone on the vhf or loud-mouth-o-phone
called for assistance docking. Anybody would. It's usually good for
a beer or two, and a laugh.

Terry K