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BOATING TIPSAnchoring in Changing Wind and CurrentIt is recommended to use two anchors when anchoring in tidal areas or when there is a front approaching.In both cases the boat will be swinging on its anchor to a new direction. And when that happens the anchor will have to break loose. Some anchors can reset quickly and safely, but many do not. And even the good ones may cause some problems. The best bet for these conditions is to set double anchors. There are two ways to use double anchors. If the change of direction is not too radical, you can place two anchors ahead of the boat. It is important that you lay the anchors out at an angle.., not in line. To do so, lower the anchor and allow the boat to drift back slowly applying more and more resistance on the cleat until you have the minimum 7:1 anchor rode (length of anchor rode let out is seven times the depth of the water) and then some. Now, go forward at a 45-degree angle to the present anchor until you are abeam of it, lower the second anchor and drift back to where the anchor is set at 7:1 ratio. Secure them both and you are safe. Dead Reckoning NavigationEven though you may be an inland lake sailor, it is still a good idea to learn about dead reckoning.It is a way to have knowledge of where you are on a chart. In order to calculate where you are, you must first have the definite knowledge of where you were. So, before you start on a journey, determine where you are on the chart. To calculate you must use the following three equations: (D = Distance in miles, T = Time in hours and S = Speed in knots or mph) D=ST or S=D/T or T=D/S If you want to calculate in minutes instead of hours, the formulas are: D=ST/60 or S=60D/T or T=60D/S Some examples:
Tip on Docking Your BoatHope you don't think just because the left side of your boat is called the "Port Side" that you always should dock with that side toward the pier.There are several reasons why you should dock on one side or the other, but here is the most important: Almost always and almost without fail you should first determine the direction of the wind and/or current before deciding which side should go to the pier. Whichever is the strongest determines the direction into which your bow should be pointing. For example, if the wind is blowing lightly from left to right across the dock, but the current is roaring from right to left, you would want to approach with your bow into the current and dock to the port side. That is because the current is stronger than the wind. To determine which is strongest just park in idle off the dock and see which way the boat wants to go. If you see that the forces of wind and current push you from right to left across a dock, plan your approach from left to right, with your bow into the strongest force. Getting Your Boat Off a DockIf the wind or current is moving parallel to the dock, this is a pretty easy scenario.Then you simply need to use a spring line and good fendering. The spring line should be used on the opposite end of the oncoming current or wind. For example, if your bow is into the wind/current, then you would put a spring line from your aft cleat and go forward on the dock. Just release the bow line and hit reverse a bit and the bow will swing out. Once clear, motor forward and retrieve your aft spring line. If the wind is perpendicular to the dock and blowing on to the dock, this is a much more difficult situation. You best bet is to spring your bow line. Use hard rudder in the direction that will kick your stern out and away from the dock. Once the stern is out far enough to clear, reverse rudder and engines and retrieve your bow spring line. Line HandlingEver watch a new boater approach a dock and try to throw a line to someone on land. Usually they bunch up the line and try throwing it. And usually it is a disaster. Funny, but line is hard to push.So, you need to know how to coil line properly. Laid Line This type of line has a natural twist built into it. Consequently, you should always coil this line clockwise, the way it was laid. Otherwise it will kink, buckle and tangle. Always start with the secured end and work toward the free end of the line. This will ascertain that any twists will go out the end. Start by holding the line in your left hand and with an even sweep with your right hand feed the line to your left and hold the coil with your left. If you use an even sweep of the same length the coil will be nice and even. Braided Line Unlike Laid Line there is no built in twist, so you must add a twist when you do your sweep. With your fingers you simply add a clockwise twist to the braided line. Do not let the coil start to develop a figure 8. Don't try to wind up the line over your elbow.., unless you are rolling up a clothesline. For both types of line get in the habit of coiling clockwise, no matter what type of line you are using. Stowing Lines that are Coiled The most universal way to stow a coiled line is to take an arm's length of the end and wrap it around the coil with four or five wraps. Using the rest of the free end of the line, make a loop, pass it through the entire length of the coil, and then take the loop up and over the entire end of the coil. This will lock the coil tightly. Now it can be hung up and allowed to dry. Quick Tips For Reducing Fuel Usage
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