Running a ship is a lot more difficult than we realized, it requires really good communication and calm and steady hand. Each day brings with it new challenges to overcome and new test to be had.
Anchoring for instance: where to anchor? Do we anchor in close to the shore to be in calm water but then have to worry about hitting the shore and rocks when we swing or drift. Do we go where all the other boats are and be in the middle of that mess of anchoring lines. How much line to put out? 5:1 or 7:1, do you count the bridle or not. Do you back down on the anchor with a lot of force or just enough to get in dug in? What to do, what to do?
And then there is Mooring. Get the hook ready to grab the line. Is the line really there? Is the line in good shape? Is the mooring attached to a stable device? Does the mooring have one or two lines? Is it a private mooring or does it belong to the Marina? Is the mooring big enough to hold our size boat? How long can we stay on the mooring? How much does it cost? Is there even a mooring available or do we have to go back to anchoring?
Docking is another challenge: How to approach the dock. Do you approach the dock from an angle or run along the side and hope to drift into it? Do you approach the dock with the stern first or bow? How fast do you approach the dock? Do you gun the engine to get away from the dock or hope to slowly drift away? Of course it depends on the wind. Is the wind strong or light? Is the wind side on or pushing off the dock? All of these things need to be evaluated within minutes of approaching a dock, mooring or anchoring situation.
Communication is the name of the game here with all of these challenges. Agreeing on a plan of action is sometimes the hardest part. Experience is a plus, have you done this before. Was the situation the same or similar? Did the wind change? Do you have help available from the docks? Or are you alone in this adventure? What to do? What to do? How is your communication with your partner? Are you on the same wave length? Are you even talking to your partner? Can your partner here you in the wind. We have gotten headsets to use while anchoring and mooring and it has helped tremendously, not a lot of yelling happening around here during those times.
Dock is still a bit of an issue, we are still learning how to dock the catamaran without rubbing the dock in someway.
Batteries are another issue on the boat that when you are home you don't think about at all. If you don't manage your batteries here on the boat, you will not be going
anywhere because your engine won't start, just a minor detail.
And speaking of managing the boat, repairs and maintenance is the game. If you are not repairing the boat, then you are maintaining the boat. Does the boat have oil or need oil? Does the generator need anything?
Do we have grass in the filters?
Cooking is another challenge on a boat. Do we have propane? Does your stove light? Do you have any matches or lighters?
Oh and let's not forget about the Water. Rationing water, you only have so much water on the boat and when you use it up, you'd better get more or take showers in the ocean. When getting more water, is it R/O or reverse osmosis which is suppose to be cleaner then town or well water? Have you treated your water by adding some bleach?
And let's not forget about the Dinghy. It needs attention as well. Do you have gas for the dinghy? Is the battery connected well so it starts? Since the dinghy is our lifeboat right now, we had better maintain it as best as possible.
Provisioning is another challenge on the boat. If you did not buy it an put it on the boat, then you will not be eating it for dinner. Fresh fruit is a luxury as is salad, milk and cream. Beans are good for every dinner.
Anchoring for instance: where to anchor? Do we anchor in close to the shore to be in calm water but then have to worry about hitting the shore and rocks when we swing or drift. Do we go where all the other boats are and be in the middle of that mess of anchoring lines. How much line to put out? 5:1 or 7:1, do you count the bridle or not. Do you back down on the anchor with a lot of force or just enough to get in dug in? What to do, what to do?
And then there is Mooring. Get the hook ready to grab the line. Is the line really there? Is the line in good shape? Is the mooring attached to a stable device? Does the mooring have one or two lines? Is it a private mooring or does it belong to the Marina? Is the mooring big enough to hold our size boat? How long can we stay on the mooring? How much does it cost? Is there even a mooring available or do we have to go back to anchoring?
Docking is another challenge: How to approach the dock. Do you approach the dock from an angle or run along the side and hope to drift into it? Do you approach the dock with the stern first or bow? How fast do you approach the dock? Do you gun the engine to get away from the dock or hope to slowly drift away? Of course it depends on the wind. Is the wind strong or light? Is the wind side on or pushing off the dock? All of these things need to be evaluated within minutes of approaching a dock, mooring or anchoring situation.
Communication is the name of the game here with all of these challenges. Agreeing on a plan of action is sometimes the hardest part. Experience is a plus, have you done this before. Was the situation the same or similar? Did the wind change? Do you have help available from the docks? Or are you alone in this adventure? What to do? What to do? How is your communication with your partner? Are you on the same wave length? Are you even talking to your partner? Can your partner here you in the wind. We have gotten headsets to use while anchoring and mooring and it has helped tremendously, not a lot of yelling happening around here during those times.
Dock is still a bit of an issue, we are still learning how to dock the catamaran without rubbing the dock in someway.
Batteries are another issue on the boat that when you are home you don't think about at all. If you don't manage your batteries here on the boat, you will not be going
And speaking of managing the boat, repairs and maintenance is the game. If you are not repairing the boat, then you are maintaining the boat. Does the boat have oil or need oil? Does the generator need anything?
Do we have grass in the filters?
Cooking is another challenge on a boat. Do we have propane? Does your stove light? Do you have any matches or lighters?
Oh and let's not forget about the Water. Rationing water, you only have so much water on the boat and when you use it up, you'd better get more or take showers in the ocean. When getting more water, is it R/O or reverse osmosis which is suppose to be cleaner then town or well water? Have you treated your water by adding some bleach?
And let's not forget about the Dinghy. It needs attention as well. Do you have gas for the dinghy? Is the battery connected well so it starts? Since the dinghy is our lifeboat right now, we had better maintain it as best as possible.
Provisioning is another challenge on the boat. If you did not buy it an put it on the boat, then you will not be eating it for dinner. Fresh fruit is a luxury as is salad, milk and cream. Beans are good for every dinner.
So that my friend is a brief list of the challenges on a boat. I had better go now, I have work to do. Checking the oil levels in the sail drives needs to be done....
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