When do you know you're a captain?

[Emily Rose]

How do you quantify the word/meaning of,Captain...

I know some who think that they can buy a boat and become a captain, some get a "proper" license and some get caught in 10ft seas only to deliver themselves and their crew home safely. So, how do you, or did you determine that you were a captain??

Just stirring the pot and looking for motivation to take the boat out again with all this bs weather..

PD

Been boating for 20+ years and am on my 4th boat. Someone bot me a hat 10 yrs ago with my boat name on the front and "Captain" on the back, I wont wear it. This fall I plan on spending 2 weeks at the Mass Maritime Accedemy getting my captains license. When I pass the test, I'll wear the hat.

Regards,

Dave

[Intuition Gloucester]

The first time you dock the boat without your heart racing.

[Monza]

I was coming in very slowly head on to a concrete dock because there was limited space at a marina. A dock hand comes out to help and gets right on the edge of the dock kind of sideways or straddled. As my boat approached real slow, I expected him to stop the bow with his foot, instead he does nothing and says, "whoa Captain" just as my boat hits the dock and chips the gel coat.

I know what your thinking, never stop a boat with your foot. I agree, but he could have easily put his foot on top of the boat instead of between the dock and the boat. That way it is safe and they way I always do it. Now I tell dock hands to stay away until I am tied up and then they can collect their fees.

[Have Knots]

Monza, I dont know your experience or background. But I have learned, never approach anything faster in a boat, than you want to hit it. Sometimes current,wave action also comes into play. Before I get ready to dock, I deploy fenders. There is a way to rig three for the bow of your boat. Never trust someone to guide YOUR boat to dock.

[Monza]

Have Knots, I am no expert but I have common sense. When the dock hand gets right on the edge of the dock and gets straddled, I assumed he was going to stop the boat. It is normally not an issue, but it was that day. I usually just use a touch of reverse but since he was there and I didn't want my boat to be blown into another boat I let it have forward but very slow momentum. Now, I assume that I am not going to get any help and it makes things easier.

However, your advice is right on and I will think about it next time I am sure.

[Have Knots]

Monza, thanks. Im no expert either. I hope you rig a fender for your bow. It takes three fenders. It will look like an upside down yeild sign. Depending on dock/seawall hight, your mate can adjust playout on rope. About $90 bucks. I keep one rigged at all times.

[Capt Rick Hiott]

This one here tugged on my hart string guys, and Im sure you will understand when you read this letter from this six year old little girl,,,,

[Have Knots]

Hiott, you created a monster!

[Capt Rick Hiott]

,,,,,,,Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha. Thanks

[crash1371]

Thats just awesome Rick