Hunter 27 the EDGE, Operator'S Manual

Page: 37 / 91

13. DOCKING AND ANCHORING
33
DOCKING
Docking the boat should be handled carefully to avoid
damage. Under normal wind and water conditions, the
following considerations should be made:
1.
Maintain a full ballast tank to provide greater
stability.
2.
Whenever possible, approach the dock against
the prevailing wind and current to assist in
stopping the boat. Where these conditions are
contrary, the stronger of the two should be used
to determine approach.
3.
When approaching the dock, dock lines should be
at the ready, loose gear stowed and decks
cleared. Determine the direction of the wind and
current and when you decide which side of the
boat will be against the dock, rig dock lines and
fenders on the appropriate side.
4.
To tie up, attach bow and stern lines to dock with
the fenders between the dock and boat. Rig
crossing spring lines to limit motion forward and
aft. Be sure to allow some slack in all lines to
compensate for tidal activity if present. Never use
bow rail, stern rail, or stanchions to secure a
vessel, even for brief periods.
Consult an
approved boating guide if you are new to
docking or mooring
ANCHORING
Your Hunter comes with an on-deck anchor well and
optional anchor. The optional anchor is selected to
suit the size and weight of your boat under normal
anchoring conditions, and provides its best holding
characteristic in muddy or sandy bottoms. When
anchoring, the following should be considered:
1.
Pay particular attention to the slope of your
anchor rode (i.e., the relationship between the
depth of the water and the length of the rode). A
good rule of thumb is to allow a scope of about
7:1 (a rode seven times as long as the vertical
distance from the bow to the bottom). A helpful
aid is to mark the rode every 20 feet or so with
knots or other types of indicators. Before dropping
anchor, make sure the bitter end is secured to the
cleat in the anchor well.
2.
Consider wind direction, currents, mean low tide
depths, local conditions and the position of any
anchored boats nearby when anchoring.
3.
To raise anchor, motor or sail (under main only)
forward slowly. When at the point directly above
the anchor, a tug should free it from the bottom.
Consult an approved boating guide for
additional information.
SAFETY HAZARD
Anchoring in unusual water and/or weather
conditions will require additional precautions.
Consult an approved guide for suggestions
.