Re: "A Bowline Knot" (chapter one of "WDMTGTS")


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Posted by Dan Lind on March 31, 2007 at 01:06:58 from 64.59.144.24 user captain.

In Reply to: Re: posted by Andrew Craig-Bennett on March 26, 2007 at 16:11:18:

In the British Columbia provincial, and Washington state, marine parks the mooring buoys don't have lines attached to them. They have a ring on top which attaches to the mooring chain which runs freely through the center of the buoy. Generally one ties a line to the bow, then runs it through the ring and back to the bow.

That is always the most interesting part and provides much entertainment for those already moored. Little boats don't have too much of a problem, but when the bow is, say, eight feet from the waterline it is well worth watching. First, the helmsperson can't see where the buoy is, and has to rely on directions from the person on the bow, who is usually equipped with a long boathook in one hand, and the end of the line in the other. When / if the person on the bow is able to pull up say eight feet of 3/8" chain with the boat hook, they haven't the strength to hold it with one hand and run the line through the ring with the other.
There are many variables to this scene, all which are complicated by winds and / or a bouncy ocean. The verbal exchange between captains and first mates during these procedures is especially interesting.

After about 22 years of connecting to these buoys, a useful procedure has been developed. With the 35'Taiwan cutter, I would run a line from the windlass through the anchor rollers on the bow platform and then all the way around, over the lifelines, to the gate admidship on the port side. Then, with luck come up to the buoy and often, on the first try, be able to run the line through the buoy's ring, then take the line and walk it forward and secure it.
With the MARGOLETTA, a similiar procedure seems to work, most of the time. The MARGO' is 46' LOA so a lot of line is needed to go from the windlass, over the anchor cable rollers, along the port side over the life lines, and all the way back to the swim grid on the stern. Then, one brings the boat alongside to the point where one can reach the ring from the swim grid, pass the line through it, and then run it back to the bow. Given that it is easier to run the boat from the bridge, this takes a lot of doing as it takes at least twelve seconds to run from the upper helm, crawl down the ladder, without beating ones shins to pieces, and get on the swim grid.

The MARGOLETTA's bow is six feet above the ocean, and it is a heavy boat. So, wear and tear on the mooring line is always a concern. My mooring system includes a long hunk of fire hose which is secured to the long mooring line at the most critical point. This has proven to provide excellent protection.

I'm sure the Collective Wisdom of TARBOARD will be pleased to provide comments and advice.


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