Rafting Up - A Guide

Do you like to gather with a bunch of boating buds on the Bay or the Potomac River (or wherever else your boat calls home) during the summer? We love hanging out, boat hopping and swimming in a group, activities that lend themselves well to rafting up. But if not done correctly, rafting can be dangerous and not exactly secure for your group of boats. So here are our tips for safely rafting up so you can spend some worry-free hours with your friends on the water.

1. The heaviest boat goes first. Keep in mind that longer does not necessarily equal heavier. Here's an easy indicator: the heaviest boat will have the biggest, heaviest anchor (or at least should!). When tying up to other boats, use dock lines rated for the biggest boat in the gathering. This boat serves as the anchor for the raft. After the first boat is set, try to go in order from next heaviest to least heaviest. Keep the weight centered in the middle of the raft so it doesn't pull on the edges.
2. Ease in. Once the first boat is in position, put out fenders and come abeam (from the stern or rear) of it. Heave the bow and stern lines to the other crew. If you can’t do this, approach the bow at a 45-degree angle and toss the bowline, and allow your boat to settle gently back and beside the first boat by using the wind or current.
3. Alternate sides. The next boats should tie up alternating from the left and the right sides of the first big boat. Attempt to keep the same number of boats on each side of the first boat. Every third boat should anchor and back down the raft. Line up the sterns, not the bows - that way, you can tie lines in a manner that allows people to move from boat to boat on the swim platforms. This is safer and more practical than climbing across gunwales or over bow rails. Use spring lines to adjust.
4. Use fenders. And don't be afraid to use them liberally! Fenders are easier to use/tie when boats of a similar height are next to one another, so consider this when organizing your raft.
5. See the swing circle. Be aware of the swinging room your raft would need should the wind or current change. Make sure you raft up in a manner that will accommodate that movement.

Once your raft is tied up, enjoy! Remember that raft etiquette dictates you bring your own food and drinks, have snacks to share with others in the raft, keep your own music level down so only those on your boat can hear it and have a general willingness to help other boats tie up or leave. 

See more tips on the rafting up process here.

How often do you raft up on the water? Who are your favorite people to raft up with?

Photo from continuouswave.com.