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The "Unwritten Rules" of Rafting Finally Down on Paper
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
The Kenny Chesney Concert is the Super Bowl of Pittsburgh boating. Hundreds of boats from all over head to the North Shore to enjoy the show and the party that precedes it. Some of the big boat even go a week ahead of time to get a prime spot on "the wall." Over the years a code of conduct has been developed but it is sometimes forgotten.
So for both new boaters and old salts, here is the list of do’s and dont’s in no particular order:
- Always ask permission before rafting off to another boat. This may take awhile so be patient until the captain of the end boat is found. In addition, the person with the boat tied to the wall always has veto power and determines how many can safely tie to the string.
- Try and find a like sized boat to raft off. If you have a 20’ boat try to find another similar sized boat to tie to and if you have a 30’ crusier don’t expect someone with a small open bow to let you on the string.
- Have oversized fenders and at least three docklines (bow, stern, and spring) ready to go when you ask permission to tie up. It doesn’t matter if you own a $3000 open bow or a $300,000 yacht – you must have big fenders so you do not damage the boat you are rafting to.
- If you have a smaller boat and you are allowed to tie up to a larger boat, be prepared to bump out when a larger boat wants to come in. This is common courtesy. If you plan on leaving the vicinity of your boat, be sure that you leave contact information in case you need to move your boat. In addition, let the person you are rafting to know if you plan on staying over night or will be leaving.
- If you get permission to raft off to a string of boats, don’t assume that your two buddies with boats can tie off of you. Ask first if you want other boats to tie up with you.
- Prepare to either hang out on your boat or on shore. Try to limit trips across other people’s boats.
- Please take your shoes off when crossing over or through someone else’s boat and if they are on board ask them where you may step. Also, try not to tug or pull on bimini tops or antennae. These are not made to be grab handles. Whenvever possible, avoid stepping on vinyl seats or sunpads even with bare feet.
- Smokers need to show the utmost courtesy. Any non-smoking boaters will be offended if they let you tie up and then you puff smoke at them and flick ashes onto their side decks.
- Many boaters are at the North Shore to have a good time. Sometimes the atmosphere is not an acceptable place to bring kids or even a dog. If you brought the family and/or your pet, be aware that some may be a little leery of letting you tie up.
- If you are lucky enough to have a spot on the wall or near the inside of the string, please let other boaters tie up if they meet the above criteria. You often meet some great people when rafting off. In addition, you never know when you might want to tie up with them.
- As the night gets late, some people will turn in for some sleep on their boats. Show some courtesy when playing your stereo late at night.
- The captain of the boat on the wall determines how many boats can tie up. Keep in mind all of the weight of the boats on the string are hanging on that boat’s cleats. Some captains don’t mind 10 or 12 boats and others only want 5 or 6.
The bottom line is to show courtesy and respect for all of the boats that are down at the wall and communicate with others around you. If you can follow these simple rules, everyone can have a great time and maybe get to meet some new boating friends along the way.
Submitted by:
Terry Grantz
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