[PUP] Tendering in remote locations, was Dingy Wheels

[Scott Bulger]

Robby really got me thinking so let's phrase this discussion in the context
of Passagemaking, so it's topical to the list.  There you are, anchored in a
remote cove, miles and miles from other people (if such a place still
exists?).  What kind of assessments to you make when considering tendering
ashore?  Certainly wave height must be one of the most important issues, as
well topography of the shore (sand vs rock).  I also imagine you concern
yourself with the weather outlook for the duration of the stay, will you be
returning after dark or in a possible thunderstorm.  Some other questions

a.  do you lock the boat?  Do you leave the main engine keys in the console?
b.  How far are you willing to stray from your tender on the beach?
c.  We all know a tender needs to be locked up at a tender dock, how about
on a remote beach?
d.  What makes Mexico and C.A. any different than other places that justify
the large wheels?  I can only assume it's the composition of the sand,
although it's hard to imagine it's any different than Florida?
e.  Do you limit yourself to distances traveled from the ship?  I hear
stories of people taking the tenders 20 miles or more from the boat.  I can
only assume this is after building a great deal of trust in the tender.  At
what point do you become nervous about being so far away?

I'm sure like everything else, experience breeds comfort and while I have a
fair amount of experience in small boats in coastal environments, I'm sure
the first 10 or 20 times we head away from Alanui at anchor we will be very,
very nervous. As a matter of fact, I remember the first time we did that
last year, it was harrowing, and this was simply to visit Butchart Gardens
in Canada  :)

Less than 3 weeks from departure and really getting excited!

Scott Bulger, Alanui, N40II, Seattle WA