A Raft-Up Is One of Summer’s Great Pleasures
Rafting up is one of the most popular social activities in the world of recreational boating. Why? A raft-up allows you to gather with family and friends to create what is essentially your own private, albeit temporary, island.
You might choose a secluded cove for an afternoon of picnicking, swimming, sunbathing, and fun with water toys. You also might choose to join throngs of other boats at a summertime hotspot awash in music, revelry, and delicious smells emanating from countless hot grills.
No matter what, you’ll make unforgettable memories rafting up—and gain valuable experience for the next raft-up. Interested? Here is what you need to know.
What Is a Raft-up?
A raft-up is exactly what it sounds like. Multiple boats anchor together, tying up side by side to form a floating party.
Typically, the largest boat or the vessel with the most experienced crew will anchor first, and the others will tie up alongside. The resulting raft-up might be as small as a group of friends aboard two or three boats, and it could be as large as a flotilla with dozens of boats.
Or more. Some raft-ups are highly organized events held in conjunction with holiday celebrations, music festivals, races, and poker runs. Some can draw hundreds of boats.
Do I Need Special Gear to Raft-up?
When one boat rafts up to another, the crew ties their boat’s lines to their neighbor’s cleats as if they are docking. The boats will move due to wind and sea conditions, so to prevent damage, crew members also place fenders between the boats—at least two per boat at key contact points.
So do you need special gear? No, but you do need extra gear. Each boat should carry at least two fenders and four lines: bow and stern lines, and then two spring lines to prevent forward and backward movement.
It’s never a bad idea to bring extra lines and fenders in case someone else comes up short. In that case, your preparedness will help protect everyone involved in the raft-up.
What if My Boat Is the Anchor Boat?
If your boat is going to be the anchor boat, you need to have the right anchor and tackle. What’s “right” depends on the size of your boat, the bottom conditions at the raft-up location, and the number of boats expected to join you.
If the bottom is sand or mud, a Danforth or Fortress anchor will be a good choice. They are both lightweight anchors with good holding power. If the mud is very soft, you might want to try a claw-style or mushroom anchor instead. For a rocky or weedy bottom, select a plow anchor.
The anchor size should suit your boat, and it isn’t overkill to go with an oversized model. It will provide better security, especially if your raft-up will be large.
For the anchor rode, use a combination of rope and chain. Scope with a 5:1 ratio is appropriate for calm conditions. Is there a chance the winds and/or waves will pick up? Increase the scope to a 7:1 ratio. (You can use 10:1 for maximum holding. Honestly, though, if a storm threatens, head for the dock or a launch ramp instead.)
Scope determines how well the anchor will hold. It is the ratio of the anchor rode’s length, let out to the depth of the water, plus the height of the bow above the waterline.
Boat-Handling Tips
Arrange the raft-up in such a way that the larger boats are in the middle and the smaller ones are at the outer edges. A large, heavy boat can inadvertently damage a smaller, lighter one if wind, sea conditions, or larger wakes cause movement.
If yours is the anchor boat, confirm you have a firm bite before allowing other boats to raft up to you. Pay attention to space, too. Make sure you have plenty of room to swing with the wind if it shifts. Which it will, especially if you’re not prepared.
Are you planning to raft up to the anchor boat? Approach it slowly and have fenders deployed on the side that will be secured. Tie off the bowline first, then the stern, and finally the spring lines.
Make sure the lines are tight, but not so tight that the fenders are compressed. If you are compressing the fenders, you are also at risk of putting too much stress on the cleats.
Periodically check the lines and fenders to ensure that all is well. If there is a problem, you want to detect it early.
Other boaters might approach and ask to join you. The more, the merrier, so get ready to share beverages, snacks, music, and conversation. Good etiquette is key for a successful raft-up.
To that end: When the raft-up is ready to break, outside boats should leave first. Slip the spring lines and then the stern. Leave the bowline for last.
What Are Some Common Raft-up Pitfalls to Avoid?
If the crew aboard the anchor boat does not set the anchor properly, it could drag. The whole raft-up might drift into shallow water or collide with neighboring boats and other hazards.
If multiple boats in your raft-up drop their anchors, the anchor lines might start to pull in different directions. Worse, they might get crossed and tangled. The first (and largest) boat should set the anchor, and if needed, a boat at the opposite end of the raft-up may set a stern anchor.
A poor exit strategy can ruin an otherwise perfect day of rafting up. All captains should discuss the group’s departure plan in advance. The last thing you need is everyone trying to leave at the same time.
There’s always that one guy. The one who doesn’t make a contribution, leaves trash on others’ boats or in the water, gets “overserved,” and is far too loud. Don’t be that guy. Share your food, drinks, supplies, and expertise. Clean up your mess. Keep noise to reasonable levels. Do all of that and you’ll be invited to the next raft-up.
Heather Steinberger