Quote:
Originally Posted by Not to Worry
I always put more fenders on the side opposite the dock to try and protect my boat. I also suggest pulling as far in as possible to avoid as many people going in and out as possible.
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Yes, there are ways to limit one's exposure to damage—as you say.
1) The discussion starts with "Hit and Run"—which doesn't apply here—it's
not a criminal matter. I see it used with respect to struck pedestrians or disabling auto crashes, where the perpetrator flees the scene. Since the "offended" here have no damage that approaches "nine coats of varnish" (on a mahogany Laker), this doesn't rate serious discussion.
2) Years ago. somebody ran their boat into our piling dock—no damage to the dock, but they'd hit hard enough to leave their modern docking light behind.
Like our dock, Wolfeboro town docks are perched on long wooden pilings, which will "yield" a bit to limit boat damage. (Facing the end, try moving a town dock—by shifting your weight alternately to left and right—you'd be surprised!)
3) Britain (UK) requires very high standards when it comes to boating licenses: boat operators are required to demonstrate sailing, rowing, paddling and weather-determination skills. We don't have any of those skills demanded or tested here. The above skills
ease the transition to power boating, rather than beginning one's long boating adventure with an oversized boat.
Book title: "First, Row a Small Boat".
4) As to "weather skills", the below photo is a boater who is running from a recent thunderstorm. (Note the direction of the waves). He headed out of sight—to a dead end—then turned around to head directly back into the approaching storm.
Boaters should always have safety options ahead of time—and be aware of weather changes.
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