Need tips for overnighting on a boat
TheDude727
Posts: 81 Greenhorn
Finally purchased a boat with a cabin that I want to do some overnight trips on. Having never done this before, I'm a little bit nervous about what I need to do to avoid trouble. About all I know is that I need to anchor up away from any shipping channel and make sure that I have 360 degree lights on. Is there anything else I can do to allow me to sleep soundly? Should I be saving my money for a radar that would sound an alarm when a vessel gets close? Any and all tips are appreciated for a rookie overnighter. Thank you!
0
Replies
Remember to get Two cannons, I like redundant safety equipment.:grin
FSD
What kind of waters are you planning to anchor in? I honestly don't know if anyone actually sleeps soundly on a small boat.
We've done many overnighters in our 24' w/a cuddy. The only nights I slept somewhat soundly we were tied to a dock - and even then in some cases mr gl got up periodically to check the lines, even when using spring lines. The hull slap while at anchor kept me from sleeping. So unless you're in flat calm water...or have a rear cabin, I would avoid anchoring overnight for that reason alone.
With that said - choose your spot carefully. The wake from larger ships, passing boats aren't contained just within the shipping channel.
Good luck and enjoy!
ps - if you haven't already, I would invest in a covered grill that fits in a rod holder. We did most of our cooking on that.
yes, i have seen catamaran sail boats anchored up there on the east side, current isn't terribly strong the closer you get to the key and it gets shallow there too, 10-15'. I don't think I'd anchor on the west side for an overnight, i'd want to be protected and be in the bay.
But it might not be a bad first time overnight there. Definitely worth internet scouting. That is what I would do. Get on Googlemaps and start looking up and down the coastline for a spot you would feel secure overnight as a start.
It's also important that you be seen - and sometimes it takes more than a white anchor light. You might want to look into installing a radar reflector as well as an anchor alarm. Egmont is close to a shipping lane, and even the bayside is exposed to fairly 'big' water. There are numerous areas not far off, like Terra Ceia Bay that might offer better choices of protected anchorages.
We've done some fishing, boating and sailing in that area - sad to say, we once sank a boat just off the beach on
Egmont...due to poor anchoring practices...but that's a story for another day. Long ago Egmont Key was a cool place to spend the day and explore the forts. There were some creepy 'bunkers' inland a little - though it's been years since we've been there.
Personally, I would look for a more protected, secure anchorage nearby.
I would not go offshore with the intention of overnighting without an anchor alarm, flares, air horn, high intensity lights, a PLB and radar.
I also would not go without the ability to have a deck watch. That is, we would all not be sleeping at the same time.
I’ve been overnighting for more than 40 years and not once without what I have mentioned above.
It’s not absolutely necessary to drop anchor depending on where you are - you can drift with or without sea anchor(s).
Depending on the time of year DEEP WOODS OFF! The no-see-ums will eat you up.:hairraiser
If you have a generator make sure you have a co2 monitor.
If you want a good nights sleep drink Rum.
don't worry too much....you'l be safe the 1 time you do it:wink
Having your wide stand watch will solve the problem for future nights.
MY WORST FEAR......THAT WHEN I DIE MY WIFE WILL SELL ALL MY BOATS & FISHING GEAR FOR WHAT I TOLD HER I PAID FOR IT.......
I may not always agree with what you say,
but I will always respect your right to be wrong!
I agree with this. I wouldn't want to be in a boat offshore with everybody asleep.
Many years ago we lost some friends who did not have a carbon monoxide detector on their boat. Husband and wife who left 3 kids orphaned. I installed two CO detectors on my cabin boat, but my wife would not spend a single night on our boat after that.
:Sinking
I spent the night in my front yard once. Too much rum. woke up the next morning when the newspaper hit right next to me.
That gives me peace on anchor or at dock with my Pursuit..
I also have the reflector tape that trucks use on the rear and sides of my outboard. But that's just me
Also, anchor where the wind is blowing towards shore if possible, this GREATLY reduces the amount of bugs.
My posts are my opinion only.
One person on here wants a watch at all times even when not underway and another sank a boat from bad anchoring practices.
Soda fell asleep in his yard from rum, and I have crossed the gulf stream at night in a 40 foot catamaran sailboat with no life raft or Epirb or radar and was actually using a map, a pencil, and GPS numbers to plot my course.
I feel like we are all winners here haha
I've got a solution for the OP though. Honeymoon island. You can rent a slip overnight and sleep right there tied up to the dock.
Here is my advice anchor out one night (safely as possibly) and check in at a marina the next. Repeat as often as possible