Next message: Ron Rogers: "Re: lv-ab: Dog unfriendly countries"
(SNIP) But I'm curious to hear from others who stay at anchor most of the
time... how often do you go aboard? I wonder if the "dinghy process"
(lowering it, loading into it, traveling, finding a place to beach/dock it,
etc...) is cumbersome to the point that it prevents most people from going
ashore any more than necessary for supplies, washing, etc..?
After living aboard the last 5 years and 15,000 miles my advice would be:
- Get yourself a strong set of davits and make it easy to raise and lower
the dinghy with the motor attached. Either 6 part winch or electric winch.
- Make sure the davits are as high as you can get them to keep following
seas away.
-. Buy the biggest dinghy you can afford with the biggest motor. I've got a
Carolina Skiff 12 1/2 and a Yamaha 15 and if I had to do it over again I'd
get a Yamaha 25.
- Hard dinghies cost way less, you can beach them easily and lobsters won't
poke holes in them.
- Doggie friendly places are becoming easier to find, but the best bet is to
train the dog to go on the foredeck. I had dachshunds that loved to pee on
seaweed. Some times you just can't get to shore easily.
- Get bikes and put a large milk crate on one of them. Mine holds 2 large
grocery bags or one 20 lb tank of propane. Bikes extend your reach to
markets and supplies significantly. We're comfortable doing long rides to
access best prices.
- Make yourself go ashore and walk or ride each day when possible. Exercise
is essential.
- Get the biggest ground tackle you can fit on your boat and use 100% chain.
I've got 220' of chain in the starboard bow locker connected to a 60 CQR and
150' of chain in the port bow locker connected to a 45 CQR. A 60 HT
Danforth is on the afterdeck and another 75' of chain in the lazarette. A 22
Danforth and a 13 Danforth complete the package. Remember it's your "house"
and keeping it where it belongs is important.
- Cruisers and cruising guides are your best source of information. We all
know where the supermarkets, dinghy docks, and good anchorages are. Don't be
afraid to stop by boats in an anchorage and say hello. You'll learn
something new from each boat you meet.
- Stay "legal". Some areas of the country are picky and you are in their
back yard.. Carry all the required stuff in your dinghy like anchor,
lights, whistle, PFDs etc
Lastly, remember the most dangerous thing on a boat is a schedule. Rules
for visiting guests are they either get to pick the time or the place, but
not both!
Regards....
Phil Rosch
Old Harbor Consulting
M/V Curmudgeon MT-44TC
Currently moored in Vineyard Haven, MA
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