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camp guy · 07-04-2006, 09:51 AM

In reality, I don't think there is a formalized protocol, however, common sense says first come first served; but, in boating, there are other factors, most obvious, size. Clearly, a boat has to be the right size for an open space, but this should also include not putting a jet ski in the vacated space of a 38 footer. A healthy dose of common sense must prevail. Sometimes the circumstances occur wherein a space will become available, and a boat appropriate for that space will not take it, usually due to the operator's hesitancy to get into a tight space. Under these circumstances, the "next" boat in line should step up and use that space. Also, waiting boats need to be aware of other waiting boat's needs, particularly regarding the location of open spaces. In Wolfeboro, for instance, cruisers like to dock at the outboard ends of the docks, so, when one of these spaces opens up it is courteous to let a cruiser have it. Also, sailboats usually like to dock on the outboard ends because they don't back up very well when trying to leave.

So, in amongst all this rambling, the protocol is first come first serve, the application of common sense , and courteousness to all.

Have a great 4th of July, and boat safely, and dock courteously.

07-04-2006, 09:51 AM	#3
camp guy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: formerly Winter Harbor, still Wolfeboro Posts: 1,193 Thanks: 302 Thanked 528 Times in 295 Posts	Public dock protocal In reality, I don't think there is a formalized protocol, however, common sense says first come first served; but, in boating, there are other factors, most obvious, size. Clearly, a boat has to be the right size for an open space, but this should also include not putting a jet ski in the vacated space of a 38 footer. A healthy dose of common sense must prevail. Sometimes the circumstances occur wherein a space will become available, and a boat appropriate for that space will not take it, usually due to the operator's hesitancy to get into a tight space. Under these circumstances, the "next" boat in line should step up and use that space. Also, waiting boats need to be aware of other waiting boat's needs, particularly regarding the location of open spaces. In Wolfeboro, for instance, cruisers like to dock at the outboard ends of the docks, so, when one of these spaces opens up it is courteous to let a cruiser have it. Also, sailboats usually like to dock on the outboard ends because they don't back up very well when trying to leave. So, in amongst all this rambling, the protocol is first come first serve, the application of common sense , and courteousness to all. Have a great 4th of July, and boat safely, and dock courteously.