Really stupid question (why I like this site, I can ask all the dumb questions I want!). I do not have my full enclosure done yet ($$$) but do have the front have done on our 270. Now, at the marina/dock it's very nice, and I know once I get the back half done we will be snug as a bug in a rug.....how the heck do you navigate with the darn thing on? I suppose you have access to the bow of the boat through the window and certainly out the back with the swim platform- if you have a crew aboard to deal with the lines. I do not.....and I'm throwing out lines from the helm to snag a cleat when I'm docking and slipping the boat. So, I'm unsnapping the sides to make sure I have access in a hurry if I need it. Not having been around these larger boats I'm a little concerned to even really travel with the enclosure on..what does everyone else do or am I unique as a one man band of sorts when docking?

I never ever run my boat with the side curtains up. I will leave the top on however...

I often run with the full enclosure up. Before arriving at a dock or canal lock I just loosen an opening and I can throw lines or use a boat hook no problem. BTW I made a modification to one of my old boat hooks that always draws a lot of attention at the docks. I have a boat hook that extends to about 10 feet. I have crimped a two foot loop of that plastic covered wire to the end. When I am approaching a dock and no one is around, I can just snag a cleat with it until the Admiral steps off to fasten lines. Once when alone I "looped" a cleat myself, tied the boat hook pole to a rail with a short piece of mooring line and stepped-off myself. I have seen poles like this for sale for $$$$$ but it cost me about $2.50 and took about 10 minutes to modify an old boat hook pole with the loop.

I leave the top,front and sides on all the time. I usually leave the center front rolled up when running/docking. I only use the back for overnights and when were finished for the day.

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Boating with enclosure

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bella-vita Member Posts: 411 ✭✭✭

December 2015

I'm gonna have to get a co for the cockpit!

2002 Rinker FV 342
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Boating with enclosure

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