Having overcome all difficulties arising from my maiden launch (not without much hilarity) I finally arrived on my new mooring; albeit thoroughly soaked:)
Being very tired from my exertions and very wet, I was looking forward to going home for a warm bath.
However, looking down at my tender (which I remembered to bring) I started to wonder how to get into it without puncturing it on the prop or doing the splits and ending in the drink.
I did just manage it BUT I wonder what other folk do in this regard.
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MacGregor 26M 2009 - Sky's the Limit - Suzuki DF50
Walk ashore ;-)
HardHatAvitar
Dave Newton Sailbadthesinner
Haha, if you'd seen me you'd think I had!
She seemed to have a mind of her own:)
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MacGregor 26M 2009 - Sky's the Limit - Suzuki DF50
Pull your dinghy alongside the Mac. Tie a line to the rear port side of the dinghy, loop it round the rear starboard pushpit rail and cleat it off or tie it on the dinghy.Take the painter around the centre rear stanchion and tie it off back on the dinghy or if you can't reach, simply take it with you, keeping it tight. You can now drop the side rail and gently lower yourself into the dinghy which ain't going nowhere if it's tied properly. Put the side rail back up and when the engine or oars are all prepped, simply slip your lines and away. J
Thanks James, I guess the secret is in having secured the tender firmly to the Mac to ensure a stable platform to drop into/climb out of.
Maybe taking my wife Liz for a look see today so don't want her to be put off Macs for life:)
MacGregor 26M 2009 - Sky's the Limit - Suzuki DF50
I think you have to accept that with it's high freeboard clambering aboard from a dinghy is not an elegant pass time. You may need to work out if it is best for you to climb aboard first and then help your wife or stay in te dinghy and help keep it stable and help her that way. Personal preferences and what works for you both.
Lots of regattas in your part of the world over the next few weeks so enjoy.
Thanks Simon, yes Falmouth week sounds like a riot.
Liz suggested we go to the Pandora first and have a couple of Rattlers - before boarding (as a solution to the boarding issue:))
Not sure that would help with boarding but at least we'd be happy swimmers.
Just ordered his/hers neoprene wet shoes...
MacGregor 26M 2009 - Sky's the Limit - Suzuki DF50
hi Mike,
I have seen others talking about a hook-on boarding ladder hung over the side. I use my boat on the river Ouse and have an 8ft aluminium folding ladder (similar to the work platforms you can buy for DIY) which also has a light weight steel panel insert to use as a gangplank. I have used that lashed to the rear corner rails to climb down but find the simplest way is to:-
put down the built-in boarding ladder and rudder on that side,
put down the motor and prop,
pull the tender prow tight into the angle between the motor and boarding ladder,
turn the painter around the nearest rear rail stanchion and climb down backwards into the tender holding onto the painter to keep it pulled tight into the boat.
You get in first, steady the tender and help the wife in.
regards
Colin
Thanks Colin that's so spot on, I now do much the same but the problem is that I can't have the prop/motor down as I'm on a tidal mooring and it would foul the bottom.
I just have to be careful not to slash the tender tubes with the prop:)
MacGregor 26M 2009 - Sky's the Limit - Suzuki DF50
Harry Childs suggestion re a bucket over the prop is a good one for safety/protection reasons as well. Also consider lashing the motor up and centered to give you space to get beside the motor and on to the boarding ladder. Make sure you clip the seat/engine cover up as it hurts if it blows down on your head!
I love your posts Mike. I have enough trouble getting on my old 26c... I also have a fat chocolate Lab that comes with us if you can picture the scene. I'm also in fear of the prop and have thought about hooking a bucket over it... might look quite professional if you found a red one.
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