Rafting up is most common among the sailboat crowd, but very popular with smaller motor boats and yachts, as well.   A raft up  is a terrific way to create socializing opportunities as they most often consists of between two and twelve yachts or boats.

The well-prepared rafter is recommeneded to have at least the following items available. Two adequately sized fenders, which are most commonly sized at 8″ by 20″  for 25 ft. to 40 ft. boats, and 10″ by 26″ for 40 ft. to 60 ft. boats. Also needed are four lines including, a bow line, stern line and two spring lines. The lines should be the same diameter as the boat’s regular docking or anchor lines. The spring lines should be at least 80% the length of the boat. Lastly, an adequate anchor and ground tackle are not only recommended, but vital if you want to avoid the inherent chaos and danger of using  inferior supplies.

One boat, preferably the largest, will be the anchor boat. The anchor and tackle of the anchor boat should be of adequate capacity to hold a raft of several boats in normal conditions. When joining  with an anchored boat or existing raft, approach slowly, with fenders deployed on the approach side. When you are almost to the side, bring your boat to a stop. Both boats should have someone towards the front to handle the bow line from the approaching yacht. The bow line is secured first, then the stern line, then two spring lines. Lines should be tight enough to hold the boats close, but not compressing the fenders. The spring lines should be absorbing most of the stress. Spring lines control the relative fore and aft movement of the connected boats.

Rafting up is a social event and joining a raft is an automatic invitation for other raftees to come visit. Rafting tends to be a sharing of food, drink and conversation. A few common courtesies apply when rafting. First, get approval from your neighbors before cranking up the tunes. Second, when crossing one yacht to get to another, go over the bow, not through the cockpit. Third, step lightly trying not to rock the boat. In addition, if you have gone ashore, make sure your feet or deck shoes are free of sand before stepping on a boat’s finish. Lastly, charge up batteries right after joining up, then keep the generator off, especially through the night.

Departing a raft up is a reverse order of the joining process. If possible the outside yachts should leave first. The spring lines are slipped first, then the stern and finally the bow line. If the raft is breaking up completely, ask the anchor boat if they need any assistance to lift the anchor.

There are several things to keep in mind when rafting up. It is accepted practice to either ask first or be invited to join a raft. Lines should be made fast only to cleats with the ability to slip if it is necessary in case of emergency. Fenders and lines should be regularly checked for position and tension. Boats should be lined up so mast and rigging offset if the boats are rocked.

Good seamanship, common sense and common courtesy will making rafting up a pleasure for you and your raft-mates.

Sources: World Wide Web Yacht Club, MYC Cruisers