GL: Buddy boats

[Randy Pickelmann]

>From time to time, on this and other lists, I see requests for a buddy boat to
do a certain passage, i.e. Palm Beach to West End in the Bahamas.  I often
wonder what the motivation is for that post.  Companionship?  Safety?  Learned
council?  Is this person a newbie seeking all of the above?  All of these are
valid reason for finding a buddy boat and buddy boating might just be the
perfect solution in your situation.

If you are new to boating, or to cruising, think this through.  Do you want to
be "joined at the hip" to a total stranger?  Do you travel at the same speed
or will one of you have to slow down?  If so, will the faster boat leave the
"buddy " behind if the weather starts to kick up? (Some buddy!)  Are you going
to defer your judgment to someone else, a total stranger, just because they
claim to have experience and you don't.  Are you willing to leave at night if
he says that's the right combination of tide, wind and meteorology?
Suddenly, the buddy boat idea might no look so inviting.

Finally, remember that finding a buddy boat means that you are taking on added
responsibility too.  For example, you found a buddy boat for that Gulf Stream
crossing.  This guy's got more experience than you so if you suffer some kind
of breakdown you won't be stranded "out there", right?  Now here you are, half
way across the Gulf Stream in deteriorating weather.  You thought the forecast
looked less than ideal but this guy says he's done it plenty of times and the
weather always improves 10 miles out.  Then suddenly HE breaks down!  You have
just discovered that the buddy boat door swings both ways.  Now YOU have a
responsibility to him.  Are you going to attempt to tow him?  Are you going to
stand by until a commercial tow boat arrives?  Are you willing to roll around
and wallow in the building seas?  Did you really improve your safety and your
situation when you agreed to be a buddy boat?

If you still think the buddy boat concept is right for you remember one thing.
NEVER give up the command of your own vessel.  Its YOUR boat, and YOUR crew,
family or friends are aboard.  YOU need to feel right about what is about to
happen.  If the weather looks a little hinky, don't go.  Wait it out.  If YOU
are not comfortable with the idea of traveling at night, don't go.  At the end
of the day, YOU are the only one responsible for the safety and comfort of the
crew and vessel...not this stranger.  If it doesn't feel right to YOU,  say
so.

Think the buddy boat idea through very carefully.  I tell my wife "be careful
what you wish for!"  Personally, although we enjoy cruising in company with
other vessels, the buddy boat idea doesn't work FOR ME.  I will sit and wait
impatiently for the right forecast and when that window opens, I will take it.
Some times that window is at 4 AM.  Some times that window never really opened
and we  have to turn back.  Or we might make the decision to sit there and
take our lumps for the next two or three hours.  But what ever the situation
is, I'm the one who is responsible and I don't want to be responsible for
someone else too.

One final thought.  Someone once said that the hardest maneuver for a many
pilots to make is the 180 degree turn.  That's true of many boaters also.
Sometimes you just need to turn around and try it again later.

Regards,
Randy Pickelmann
hard aground in Clearwater
MORNING STAR
lying in Chestertown, MD
www.morningstar.talkspot.com