On 10/18/07, Will Chapman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I'm not so sure I agree with that. At the winding hole at our > moorings (Wychnor) we have a current the results from the Trent > crossing a few hundred yards away. > > In my case - we are moored downstream of the winding hole so if > my last trip left me pointing downstream it is necessary to > reverse past the winding hole so that I can put the stern in the > hole and use the stream to push me around.
Do you mean putting your bow into the bank? This then uses the current to pull your back end around so you end up pointing upstream. > However, there are times when there is a wind that makes the > reversing-stern in process so difficult that it is easier (and > MUCH less embarrassing) to go down Wychnor Lock, turn at the > official Wychnor Winding hole and come back up through the lock. Not wanting to sound too preachy, this is how I would deal with your mooring situation: It may be prudent to turn your boat before you moor - assuming you are coming from upstream: The river current will (mostly) exert a great physical force over the wind, so even if it is wind against "tide" it would be easier to let your bow onto the bank, and let the engine just help the movement round. Reversing with the flow is much easier than against as you can even go forwards (very slowly) and still be going backwards over the land. If you then want to go downstream after mooring pointing upstream, you can drive normally to the winding hole, going just past it turning to the right before reversing back into the hole letting the current pull your bow back downstream, and your stern into the hole. Of course you may end up turning your boat more often, but it will be easier. If there is a strong side wind for example you can still go straight into your mooring as it might be better weather next time you move. Either way, it would give you more options to think about turning before mooring up - this is assuming you aren't going to continue downstream of course! :-) BTW, sometimes I find it quicker to turn if I don't beach one end, but it does mean that you have to turn at the right place to stop the bow (and stern) swinging in the wrong places. Have fun, Mike -- Michael Askin http://shoestring_DOT_zapto_DOT_org/
