Boarding and rafting to stranger's boats.

[chrisncate]

Originally Posted by JonEisberg

No doubt the irony of your post is not lost on some of our international friends... It's no secret that we Americans are often perceived as "know-it-alls", but now the argument is being put forth that we might be granted some sort of exemption from the practice of rafting, largely due to our widespread and fundamental INCOMPETENCE as sailors and boat handlers?

Once again, I'm guessing some of those abroad who might be reading this have gotten another chuckle at our own expense... (grin)

Frankly, I could care less what my foreign friends here think about any perceived American arrogance (haughty arrogance is certainly not localized to only the USA). Rafting is not customary as the default on the Chesapeake Bay at public docks (like it or not, I do speak the truth on that), and I stand by my statement 100% about how common it is here to have incompetents behind the tiller/wheel.

Tell me this Jon - is there any difference for the individual in what's involved with legally operating a sailboat in other countries as compared to the USA? In Germany (for example) regarding motor vehicle licensing and operating requirements, you are far better trained and competent there than here. I wonder if there is more regulation and training for those who wish to operate a vessel outside of the USA, and if so - does this perhaps make the whole concept of rafting and boarding unannounced an easier pill to swallow for those who would worry about the safety of their vessel?

[Faster]

Originally Posted by L124C

I was in the area, so I took pictures of the signs

The interesting thing about that is a) rafting clearly is not permitted at that location... and b) who makes the 'too rough' call? Does the dockmaster chase people off at some point? Put out spikes to discourage docking at some point?

A water taxi only zone is another common feature in our area, or at least a 'loading/drop off only zone'... something which would/should have avoided your initial issue, I'd think....

[casey1999]

[QUOTE=JonEisberg;937879]
One other reason I think Americans might be more resistant to rafting, is the comparatively high percentage of those doing their cruising in true "Yacht Style", aboard new boats with flawless, Awlgripped topsides, and often unsuited to rafting, lacking rubrails or suitable attachment points for fenders, and whatnot... At the opposite end of the spectrum, we have those like the French, who favor more rugged, utilitarian boats of bare aluminum, on which any cosmetic damage from rafting will likely go unnoticed...

QUOTE]

Thanks for the comment. Makes me feel better about my beat up, but strong boat.

[L124C]

Here is a prime example of America's willingness to share and the "Ugly American" in one shot. McCovey Cove before last nights opener of the World Series. This was early...many more boats would pack in before the game started (mine certainly not being one of them!)
Apparently, the cat owner wanted there to be no doubt about his nationality, at an American ball park where the game is played almost exclusively by American teams! The flag is about as long as his boat! We've got the biggest flag so...We're #1...We're #1! I'd like to see what would happen if it started blowing 30 knots!
Anyway, I digress. I'm off to open a fender concession at the ball park!

[casey1999]

No one country in perfect.

As far as Euros putting the United States down because we don't want to raft. Give me a break- would you all rather be speaking German?

[L124C]

Originally Posted by Faster

The interesting thing about that is a) rafting clearly is not permitted at that location... and b) who makes the 'too rough' call? Does the dockmaster chase people off at some point? Put out spikes to discourage docking at some point? A water taxi only zone is another common feature in our area, or at least a 'loading/drop off only zone'... something which would/should have avoided your initial issue, I'd think....

There is no Dockmaster. Only a security guard you see walking around occasionally (I've never seen him on the dock, and doubt he would know Port from Starboard). The big power yacht I referred to in post 24 was parked overnight in the Water Taxi zone, and was certainly much longer than 40 feet, so it seems enforcement is nil. For the Port Authority, probably the most important line on the sign is the one that releases them from liability!