Someone asked me once where I get the ideas for the skipper’s tips. \u00a0My answer was, “watching the docks.” \u00a0If you watch, it doesn’t take long to see something tip worthy. \u00a0On\u00a0any\u00a0Saturday you will see at least one instance were someone has to fend of from the dock, another boat, or a concrete post. \u00a0Generally body parts are used for the purpose. \u00a0Once in awhile a boat hook will be placed into service. \u00a0Neither is a good idea. \u00a0Body parts break and boat hooks are not at all secure. \u00a0Here is a better way!<\/p>\n
Part of the Tradewinds pre-cruise\u00a0check list is to verify the location and number of fenders. \u00a0Don’t check that item off the list until you have placed one fender “at the ready.” \u00a0What’s that mean? \u00a0Remove it from the lazarette or untie it from the stern pulpit so that it can be placed into service as a roving fender without delay. \u00a0Never depart a slip, begin a docking, or operate in close quarters without having a fender ready to fend off in the event of a mishap. \u00a0I assure you, sooner of later you are going to need it!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Someone asked me once where I get the ideas for the skipper’s tips. \u00a0My answer was, “watching the docks.” \u00a0If you watch, it doesn’t take long to see something tip worthy. \u00a0On\u00a0any\u00a0Saturday you will see at least one instance were … Continue reading