Dinghy Dock Etiquette

[Hudson Force]

When I decide that it's best to tilt my outboard up at a dinghy dock because of shallow water, I place a plastic bucket over the prop and foot that is held snug in place with a line. I have also "booted" my prop with half of an old fender pulled on like a sock. You can choose the best of both worlds. Take care and joy, Aythya crew

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by CaptForce

When I decide that it's best to tilt my outboard up at a dinghy dock because of shallow water, I place a plastic bucket over the prop and foot that is held snug in place with a line...

You're still taking up "extra" real estate, which may, or may not, be an issue at any given dock.
I'd expect that, if the boot is justified, the dock is crowded.

[dacust]

Originally Posted by GordMay

You're still taking up "extra" real estate, which may, or may not, be an issue at any given dock.
I'd expect that, if the boot is justified, the dock is crowded.

BUT, I'd bet no one would slash a dinghy that was booted like that.

-dan

[shrew462]

Originally Posted by rwidman

I'm probably older than you.

I've read dozens of boating books and I have participated in several boating forums. Nowhere have I seen this posted except here.

When considered in the context of possibly damaging another boat, it makes sense, but when considered in the context of keeping the motor out of the water when not in use to prevent marine growth, leaving it up makes sense. That is what many boaters have learned from reading their motor's owners manuals or listening to advice from other boaters.

I just think you're going to have a very difficult time convincing strangers that you know best and that they should follow your rules. I am not saying that you are wrong, just that if you expect everyone you meet in life to see things your way, you are going to be very disappointed.

Perhaps signs should be posted.

There has been a sign at every single dinghy dock I've ever been too:

* Leave motors down while tied to dinghy dock

* Use at least an 8ft. painter

* Place garbage in designated recepticles.

Maybe the dinghy docks you've visited also assume this is common sense and don't bother posting this. Every dinghy I frequent has a similar sign.

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by GordMay

You're still taking up "extra" real estate, which may, or may not, be an issue at any given dock.
I'd expect that, if the boot is justified, the dock is crowded.

'good point; however, many RIB's like my Caribe have the transom well forward of the ends of the bladders and the extent that my 5hp outboard prop sicks out beyond the dinghy when tilted enough to avoid the bottom is about 5 inches. 'hardly a "real estate" issue, but worth considering. Take care and joy, Aythya crew

[foggysail]

Originally Posted by shrew462

There has been a sign at every single dinghy dock I've ever been too:

* Leave motors down while tied to dinghy dock

* Use at least an 8ft. painter

* Place garbage in designated recepticles.

Maybe the dinghy docks you've visited also assume this is common sense and don't bother posting this. Every dinghy I frequent has a similar sign.

OH REALLY????? I started sailing way back in 1979 and every year since. I HAVE NEVER, NEVER SEEN SUCH SIGNS. Warnings about garbage, yes. But maybe because here in New England so called cruisers just don't give a damn!

OK, OK............. I happen to agree that engines should be left down at dinghy docks AND I also agree that anybody acting as a self appointed dinghy dock master could well have his hands (fists) full.

But getting back to engine up vs down, there are times when I found it necessary to keep the engine up, but never at a dinghy dock; I keep mine down. Several times in crowded mooring fields I had my dinghy engine down only to have engine's shaft and prop catch in another's mooring tackle. Over the years I attempt to minimize such a mess by raising the engine and tieing the dinghy's bow and stern to the back of my boat as tightly as reasonably possible.

I fully agree with Gord May about locking at most dinghy docks. Even an old discolored dinghy along with a battered old engine is sometimes the only thing someone can afford. The unscrupulous thief cares not what he steals nor from whom.

Foggy

[senormechanico]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

In my view, the worst breach of etiquette at the dinghy dock is tying up beam-wise, so that you take up space that could fit 3-4 other dinghys.

That's what happens all the time in the San Juan Islands.
I've even seen a dinghy dock where a full size boat was tied up all day long, making it totally unusable for anyone.

[iwsteel]

Originally Posted by sarafina

ok, I have to say that while I would NEVER slash someone's inflatable.... They *might* find that one or two of the air valves mysteriously opened and let out all the air... leaving them to think about their docking habits while they arranged to get air pressure into the voided chambers...

This works for cars that are parked rudely as well....

I too saw the sea otter playing with his dinghy thingy...And i Also saw the ground squirrel remove his valvestem cap and take the core out.....lol