Raft-up 101

The following is a short list of items to remember when rafting two or more boats.

What to bring: 

1. Plenty of fenders for both sides of your boat. Fenders can never be too big, and you can never have too many.
2. Plenty of dock and spring lines. At a minimum bring as many as you would need to tie up at a dock.
3. A good anchor. If the raft has to break up unexpectedly, make sure you are ready to deploy your anchor.

Selecting the Right Spot:

1. When choosing a spot to raft up, pay attention to the wind, current, tide, and high traffic areas that may cause disturbance from other boats’ wakes.
2. When approaching the raft up spot, remember to go very slow to avoid a collision with the other stationary boats.

How To Set up the Raft-Up and Raft to Other Boats: 

1. The largest boat is generally the anchor boat. Usually, only one anchor is set as multiple anchors can get tangled. The captain of the anchor boat should have enough experience with his anchor and should also remember to let out plenty of rode with a minimum scope of 7:1, meaning that for every foot of water depth, you should use seven feet of rode.
2. Use your VHF radio to communicate with the raft-up boat and ask which side the captain wants you to raft to. Typically, the largest boats will be in the middle with the smaller boats on either side so that the height of the boats’ gunwales are nearly the same.
3. Have your fenders deployed on the proper side at the beamiest part of your boat and lines ready to hand to someone on the boat you will be coming up alongside. Normally, the boat that is already tied up should deploy its fenders for the next boat joining the raft.
4. Set your stern and bow lines so that the boat is straight and even alongside the boat next to you. You want to balance the distance of your stern and bow with the boat next to you, allowing the beamiest part of your boat (usually amidships) to touch with the boat next to you (this is where the fenders come in handy). Make sure these lines are tied tightly.
5. You need to tie your boat as tightly as possible to the others as slack will allow excessive movement in a wake. Tie your lines to cleats, not handrails.
6. Repeat these steps if someone is rafting up on the other side of you.

Raft-up Etiquette: 

1. Be respectful of the boats next to you.
2. If you are in a large raft-up, getting from boat to boat can be cumbersome. Take your time.
3. Normally the party or gathering is on the larger boat(s) in the center of the raft. Please be considerate when crossing other boats and ask permission. Boat shoes are a must.
4. Make sure you have plenty of lines and fenders! A captain should always come prepared.
5. Loud noise or music may offend other boaters nearby.