In this blog, you will read the best Dinghy Tips. The high seas may seem like a rough place, but rules still apply, especially when it comes to your dinghy. Whether you are on a snorkelling adventure in Croatia, going ashore for an evening meal or visiting another yacht in the anchorage, here are a few tips to have a hassle-free time away from the mother ship.
Anchorage for dinghies
Dinghy docks are busy places, sometimes it can be very difficult to get close enough and get the crew ashore. To avoid chaos at the dock, we have put the following tips below.
The simplest solution for a busy dock is for the skipper to land everyone further away from the dock and then tie up the boat in the designated area. Make smart use of the bowline so that the dinghy floats far from the dock. This gives other boats easy access to the dock when they come ashore.
Most dinghy docks provide cleats for tying, but there is rarely enough room for everyone. If all cleats are used, the option is always to tie the dinghy to the dock itself, just make sure you tie the dinghy to something sturdy. If it is necessary to move or disconnect someone else's line when you leave, always make sure the ropes are securely reconnected.
It is rude to crawl over another dinghy to reach shore, but at very busy docks, it sometimes cannot be avoided. If you have to crawl over someone else's dinghy, take off your shoes and wash your feet. And always leave your outboard so that your propeller does not damage or puncture another dinghy.
Lost dinghies
Many dinghies have drifted away during dinner because they were not tied properly, which is why many sailors like to tie up their dinghy themselves. If this is your preference, just explain to your hosts that you will be more relaxed if you tie up your dinghy yourself.
The dinghy is your ticket to adventure, the family car and escape pod folded into one. It is important to familiarise yourself with local regulations at sea. Many countries require you to wear a life jacket, basic safety and medical equipment and keep oars in the dinghy. It is also mandatory to carry a good light for night excursions.
There are no guidelines for staying on the ocean, so many of us forget that a dinghy with an outboard motor is considered a motorised vehicle and must be driven responsibly. In most countries, permissible limits on alcohol that apply to drivers on land also apply to boaters. Do not let anyone sail drunk, if you do want to drink, sail with an experienced skipper.
DO's & Don'ts on a dinghy
√ Always carry a deadman's handle.
√ Protect the tender's engine with a UV-resistant hood.
√ Don't forget to carry the paddles if your outboard motor fails for a while.
√ Before departure, check that there is sufficient fuel.
√ During check-in, ask the rental company clearly which fuel is suitable for the outboard motor.
√ Make a test run with your dinghy in the harbour before departure.
√ Lock the dinghy, engine and fuel tank at night on the boat, or at the dinghy on shore.
√ If available, use a small anchor to keep the dinghy off the docks where there is a swell.
√ Make sure the crew has waterproof bags for personal items that should not get wet. Or buy fresh food bags from the supermarket.
Don'ts:
x Don't overload your dinghy with too many people.
x Don't set off without the paddles on board!
x Don't leave at night without a torch! A driver wearing a headlamp, for example, is also effective.