Taking a trip solo

J

jmicklov

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Dec 23, 2004
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I may have to take my boat from Haverhill MA to Salem MA, about a 3 hour trip. Logistics with some boating friends may make me have to make one of these legs solo.

I've never taken this boat out by myself and wonder what pitfalls to look for. My marina is on a river and I have constant winds and/or currents to deal with to get off the dock. My destination would have people available to get me into the dock. Other than that, what other things do I need to consider. I've been boating for close to 20+ years, belong to the local Power Squadron, and teach local boating courses. Probably a little paranoid in my 'years' as well.

The overall trip is probably about 3 hours, which I can do going around Cape Ann or through the Annesquam through Gloucester into Salem.

Any 'solo' people who have taken similar trips?
 
I've done a couple of 60-100 mile runs solo. For me it takes a lot of the fun out of boating, but like you, it was necessary.

Wear a PFD when you are on deck.
Do not leave the helm unless the gears are in neutral.
Don't fall asleep.
Don't be tempted to pee off the swim platform.
Check in with someone ashore every hour or so.
Have snacks and water nearby at the helm station.
When you get near your destination, set docking lines and fenders where you have some sea room.

Be safe.
 
Over that last couple of weeks I have for the first time single handed our boat. I moved the boat up to door county WI, worked from the boat there and moved it to different harbors for the weekend where the wife met me. It was a little daunting at first but after the first time I almost enjoyed it. Good advice above with regard to not leaving the helm unless you have to and giving yourself plenty of space to rig the boat for landing (wearing a PFD). Before you approach the dock be sure to have your lines etc set so that the dock hands can easily identify which lines are which and grab them as you come in (just be sure that they aren't going to fall overboard and possibly foul your prop etc).

Good Luck!

max
 
That should be a fun ride. Go inside Cape Ann and you will never be far from a usable shore. Do you have an EPIRB or PLB? Good to have regardless, but not absolutely necessary on this trip, especially if you have a DSC radio hooked up properly with an MMSI. You will always be in cell phone range on that route, inside or out; ditto VHF range to the CG and various towing services. File a float plan with your destination marina and next of kin. Have an empty gallon jug at the helm and wear your PFD all the time. If your boat is ready, you will have a great time. We miss cruising around up there in the summertime...

We are going to be in Marblehead for a wedding over Labor Day weekend.
 
I've made solo trips many times. Just this weekend I ran my boat home from Montauk, about a 95 nm run. In the spring I ran it to Montauk from Somerset Mass. Originally my girlfriend was going to come with me but the logistics of getting back to pick up the car didn't make sense when I'm comfortable running the boat alone. As others have said, don't leave the helm when in gear, get everything you need (lines, fenders, etc) ahead of time or in a spot where you have plenty of room to drift, and make sure you're familiar with the route, have charts nearby if needed, etc, so you're not trying to figure out where you're going without a second set of eyes keeping a lookout for floating debris, buoys, etc.

Haven't been up to Gloucester in a while but used to fish up on there, nice area and you should have a great trip!

John
 
I've made this trip several times in the past, both through the Annesquam as well as around Cape Ann. Don't have an EPIRB, but do have DSC/MMSI on my VHF and tied into my GPS.

Weather usually dictates which route to take. In fact they both are about the same, timewise.

It's always trying to anticipate, but sh** happens.

In fact earlier this season, we ferried my friends boat from my marina (where he stored it for the winter), to his mooring in Salem harbor. We left in bright sun and by the time we got to Newburyport, total fog. We decided to go around to stay in deeper water and didn't see land until Rockport/Gloucester. Radar and chartplotter was invaluable.

Thanks again for the great comments & suggestions.
 
Running solo is nombig deal, been doing fir maybe 30 years now

Good advice above, especially not leaving the helm unless you re in neutral and rigging the boat before getting into tight quarters

Year ago when i had a 37 express, i would bring the end on both the bow and spring back into the cockpit songhat once i had the boat alongside I could step off holding the lines and cleat them right away. Ideally i prefer to secure lines from the boat and not get off till the boat is tied but with an express it takestoo long to go around the cockpit and side deck.
 
Thanks Pascal. Because I'm constantly dealing with currents in the river, I've always gotten into the habit of having permanently rigged bow, spring and stern lines from both sides back into the cockpit. You need to tie up quickly when it's running, but I've usually had another person in the boat to handle the dock lines.

I guess there's a first time for everything though.

Jack
 
In my old 37 I could dock solo if the winds were light as I could quickly get down from the bridge and onto the dock with lines in hand. I'm going to solo my boat home tomorrow night but will require dock hands to get her tied up. I can't (won't) leave the bridge and risk losing control of the boat.

Good advice above, another consideration is being extra aware of other wakes and waves when your out rigging the lines/fenders for the landing -- I've been rocked pretty good drifting in front of the entrance channel. I also clip a submersible VHF to my person when moving around the boat.
 
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