Learning how to Raft Up



If you’re a first time boater on Lake Cumberland, everyone has to learn the ropes sometime. Every year young and old alike begin their first love affair with boats and lakes and want to learn the basic rules and etiquette. Even if you’re a seasoned boating veteran, below are the general rules everyone should know to raft up with other boaters:

Rule 1 – Relax.

Many arrive hot-rodding up to other
boaters and try to tie up next to a boat that just pulled in. Take it slow,
going too fast can cause damage or hurt someone. If you want to raft up to aboat that just pulled in, give them a chance to get their lines and bumpers set before approaching. Take a look around to see if someone else was waiting to tie up before you. Wait your turn, because if someone has friends waiting, let them tie up first. Many people like to tie up next to the well go home because it will ruin the day for everyone. Most of the raft up crowd is back and there for the same purpose – to kick back, relax and hang out with friends. The line won’t go anywhere so relax.

Rule 2 – Know How to Drive a Boat.



If you just rented a pontoon or runabout from the marina and you’ve never driven a boat, you need to practice first driving up to the marina or docks. Learn that boats don’t have brakes and slower is always better. Take into consideration wind direction because the wind can create havoc when trying to maneuver a boat even slow speed. Rental boats from the marinas rarely have the correct equipment for rafting up. If you intend to raft up, be sure to ask for sufficient equipment to join the fun. The next rule explains the gear required.

Rule 3 – Rafting Gear.

Buying a boat is not all that’s
required to have fun on the lake. You need the necessary equipment. On average, 4 fenders (bumpers) and 4 dock lines are required. In order to protect your boat, and other boats next to yours, place 2 fenders on each side along the widest section of the boat. Your fenders will most likely require lines attached in order to attach onto a cleat on the boat. For the safety of your boat and others, the bumpers should have a diameter of at least 5 ½ inches. The 4 dock lines should be 15 feet in length, braided and ½ inch in diameter. The additional length of line will help if a boat next to yours pulls out early and you must throw one end of your line to another boat.

Rule 4 – Anchoring.

Anchoring is sometimes thought of as optional – it is NOT. Usually the first boat to arrive will throw out an anchor and at least every other boat rafted together will do the same. Most anchors are thrown from the front of the boat because the anchor hatches are located there. Some boaters carry an extra anchor to throw off the rear of the boat in order to keep the wind from blowing the boats around in a circular motion.

Rule 5 – Play Music at a Reasonable Level.

If people 5 boats away ask you to
turn your tunes down, they are probably too loud. Every individual has the
right to enjoy the lake the way they want. The same goes for music. Everyone should have the right to enjoy their day in the raft up chilling to the tunes of their choice. Just be respectful of everyone and have FUN.

Rule6 – Trash.

NO trash in the water, period! This includes cigarette butts! If you smoke, please keep an ashtray on your boat or use an empty can or bottle for ashes and butts. We don’t care what you do with your trash or butts, but don’t throw them in the water – be respectful of the lake and other boaters.

Rule 7 – Shoes.

No shoes when walking from boat to boat – unless boat shoes. Yes, this includes women. Safety is the number one issue, but heels and fiberglass or vinyl don’t mix. Regular shoes leave marks and should be cross someone’s boat – it’s like you just got into their car or their house.

Rule 8 – Leaving.

It’s common courtesy to notify the boats on either side of yours before you leave. If the owners of the boats are not there, make a serious effort to find them. Give 15 minutes notification prior to leaving, which allows others to help untie dock lines, adjust fenders and make arrangements for other boats to come together, replacing yours. When leaving only use idle speed until your wake will not damage the other boats. Someone may be cooking and dangerous wake can cause serious bodily harm or damage. Follow these basic rules and you’ll have a great day rafting, meeting new people, creating memories and feeling comfortable knowing the proper etiquette.