Not Delivery Captain..Practice Captain

[Rickysa]

I didn't want to hijack the other thread, but at 11 pages, maybe not a real concern.

I've been mulling this over for awhile, and even typed up a couple of posts only to delete them...as I wasn't really able to verbalize very well my question, so I'll try again...

Quick history: started power boating about 15 years with an outboard..several years later I rebuilt a 31 Bertram to go offshore...9 years ago got the Hatt as the short chop was beating the snot out of us on the Bertram. I've been off the boat for the last 5 years or so and am now getting her back in shape.

Pop's knees are going south on him, so it's now my wife and two kids (15 and 10). They are nervous about handling lines when docking and I don't want any negative experiences here at the start, so I've been trying to find somebody to spend a day or two on board with us to help them learn the lines, and quite frankly, I could use some freshening up as well.

US Powerboating has a number of their instructors here in NC, but I believe them to be mostly sailboat folks...While I realize it's all a matter of practice and time behind the wheel, I'd just like to start out on a good note for all concerned

Thoughts?

 

[dsharp]

I would imagine any of the charter boat captains in the area would be happy to give you a refresher course and help the kids with the lines. You could show the kids a lot about how to handle the lines at the dock. I grew up in a family boat yard/marina and the last thing you want to do is start yelling like Capt. Bligh. Most young line handlers just freeze when the skipper starts yelling. If you can dock a 31 Bertram you shouldn't have much trouble with Hat.

 

[Freeebird]

Most delivery captains offer instruction as well, but maybe there's an HOF'er close by who could spend a little time with you. Should be several in your area.

 

[Rickysa]

Yep, the Bertram handled like a sports car,,,no problems there, and plus I was running it most weekends...No real charter folks in this area (that I'm aware of). Mostly, sailboats in this marina...I've asked around but haven't had any luck.

When we are practicing, we go slooooow and keep our voices down...keep it fun for everybody.

 

[carolinacoast]

Crab pots, as long as you approach on the lee side, can make an easy practice target. That will keep the props clear. Once you and the crew graduate from that, a life jacket thrown overboard will help get the MOB skills sharp. After that, docking should be easier. Less current and wind. Just a thought.

 

[rsmith]

Stress safety!!! Make sure they keep their hands and feet inside the boat at all times. If it's going to hit the dock ,let it. Make sure they know the old adage "one hand for you one for the boat." Ditch the jewelry! Rings necklaces bracelets get snagged on strands of nylon from the ropes and can pull you over or tear off a finger at the knuckle.

 

[Boatsb]

Stress safety!!! Make sure they keep their hands and feet inside the boat at all times. If it's going to hit the dock ,let it. Make sure they know the old adage "one hand for you one for the boat." Ditch the jewelry! Rings necklaces bracelets get snagged on strands of nylon from the ropes and can pull you over or tear off a finger at the knuckle.

I sent my 15 year old to the power squadron course. The wife is next. I like the idea of the group taking them out and working with them separately. .

 

[saltshaker]

Bruce Morrison is in your area and would be a good instructor. Also try BT Woods at Ultimate Marine in Atlantic Beach. BT can is capable of doing it and if he's not available, he has a crew of captains and mates in the area. Great guy to get to know. He owns and runs a top notch detailing and yacht maintanance Co. PM me if you need numbers.

 

[bostonhatteras]

One gift I give to many new boat owners is a small pocket book by the name 'Dockmanship' by David Owen Bell. Its published by the cornell maritime press and has been around for some time.

https://shopping.search.yahoo.com/s...p=dockmanship+by+david+owen+bell&trbkt=VIP227

It will explain what all the lines do and how to rig the boat for warping into a dock or coming off with a wind, landing into a wind etc. you'll have a very concise and straight forward explanation with simple illustrations to look at. For 7 bucks it might preclude you hiring a captain but at any rate it will let you speak on the same level as him right out of the box. Good luck and remember the aft leading spring is forward on the boat and the forward leading spring is aft on the boat! make sure all hands understand the correct terms!!

 

[jim rosenthal]

I think the USPS course is a great idea. For a fact, you do not want to be the teacher- your idea of someone else doing it is a very good one. You might also ask Tom Slane if he knows anyone in your area- he knows a lot of good delivery captains and mates.

 

[bostonhatteras]

I think the USPS course is a great idea. For a fact, you do not want to be the teacher- your idea of someone else doing it is a very good one. You might also ask Tom Slane if he knows anyone in your area- he knows a lot of good delivery captains and mates.

Why not? When a newbie comes aboard, yet is intelligent enough, who is going to show him/her the ropes? The captain had better be able to! Sounds like the op has a few years on the water, it should come back to him pretty quickly.

 

[Rickysa]

Thanks for the feedback folks,

Ordered the book...back when I first got the Bertram, I bought something similar which was helpful...remembering an idea from a flight instructor way back when, "fly your desk" for practice, I did the same when first learning two-screws. The Bertram was just so more responsive..when I brought the Hatt up from Savannah where we purchased it, I had just sold the Bert and things went smoothly. At this point the Hatt is more "new to me" as I've been off of it for several years....kinda like riding a bike, but lacking the handling finesse I'd like.

I think any course is a great idea...I sat for my six-pack years ago and recently renewed...but as y'all know, that's just book work (good stuff tho!). In fact, I just finished US powerboating's small boat class in preparation for taking their Sailboat Instructor course.