Stern Tie - Again

[DBBRanger]

I've posted before about my apprehension in using a stern tie - I'm still not convinced that is as easy as purported. Since I'm going to Desolation sound this summer, it would be nice if I was at ease with it - but I'm not. In all the pics I've seen of stern tying, the weather conditions are always serene, no wind. My major concern with stern tying is what happens when there is wind or current broadside. I think the attitude is 'hope for the best' and I understand that even if I don't subscribe to it. What I don't understand is how does one install the stern tie when there is wind or current? Let's say you need a stern tie in order to not drift abeam. After dropping the hook, how does one keep from drifting abeam until the stern tie is attached? Thrusters may help but not really. If it really is a fair weather technique, and there is no place for swinging on a hook, what then?

I can't see that I'll ever be convinced, but I'm trying!

 

[knotflying]

Practice make perfect. You may be over thinking this. If someone is on the boat they can always fend off. Once you have decided on the point to tie the stern on land then when you get back to the boat you will re-position the stern where you want it by pulling all the slack from the line. Once you have done it you will kick yourself for being so apprehensive about it.

 

[pleeson]

These sheltered anchorages are just that - sheltered, and they tend to get very crowded in cruising season - partly for their shelter, and partly due to their scenic popularity. They fill and empty slowly with the tide, no heavy currents, and they are tucked well away from all but the worst windstorms. Due to the crowding, there is no option to swing on the hook with what wind and current may be present. In the event of a disaster out wind event it will be all hands on deck to make any adjustments in the anchorage arrangements but this is NOT a big risk in these anchorages hence the cooperative arrangements to maximize capacity during the cruising season - which is also the time of fairly stable weather other than thunderstorm type events. Options are to find your own tiny hidey hole with careful reference to charts for depth and hazards, but you will likely still need a stern line to limit swing, or opt for a larger more open anchorage where you will be more exposed to overnight willywaws, but can swing to better align with the resulting wind, wave, and current conditions. When using the stern tie system, I would say that conditions are normally pretty benign, so you have time to get a line to shore before your bat has to deal with any catastrophic changes in position relative to other boats already in position. To help yourself along, get to your first few anchorages in the early afternoon, and ask for counsel and assistance from those already present. We've all done it for the first time at some point.

 

[baz]

I agree with knotflying that practice makes perfect or at least close to being perfect.

The real question IMO is how to practice and actually doing this stern tying when solo. I can see that to be a challenge. For those who have mastered doing this solo, what is your advice ?

 

[harry ames]

Stern tying solo? Is their such a thing. Takes a lot of faith to get off the boat, get to shore and do the tie and get back to the boat with nothing happening bad. But I've never had to do it solo, so someone will have the expertise or advice.

 

[DBBRanger]

Thank for all your comments. I'll have to try it and see what happens!

 

[Spinner]

Re the question of stern tieing solo: My brother, who single hands his (sail) boat most of the time recently shared his technique with me.

You will need a spare anchor and rode .... Set your normal bow anchor. Attach the spare rode to a stern cleat and drop anchor and chain to the bottom off of the stern. The idea is NOT to set the spare anchor but just to use the weight to temporarily limit movement of the boat. Hop in your dinghy and take your stern tie to shore and back and tie it off. Retrieve your spare anchor set-up.