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Author Topic:   22-footer: One-person Manageability

Mike Kub posted 08-16-2013 11:52 AM ET (US)
I am in my mid 60's and have an [OUTRAGE 18] that I do okay with by myself. Looking at a 22-footer, I wonder if I could deal with the bigger boat alone. Any advice would be helpful before I buy it.
jimh posted 08-16-2013 12:12 PM ET (US)
I don't think there is too much to manage on a 22-footer compared to an 18-footer, once the boat is in the water. The biggest difference will be in launching from a trailer. Do you need to launch and load with a trailer often?
Also, the ease of launching or loading is often affected by the type of launch ramp being used. If the ramp has a courtesy dock and it is a long dock, I don't see launching a 22-footer from a trailer as being too hard that one person could not do it alone.
kwik_wurk posted 08-16-2013 03:33 PM ET (US)
I would say you are fine up to any size range. Functionally there will be no difference once underway. The biggest challenges are docking and/or trailering. -- I used to take a 27' out all the time solo, no problems unless there was a very strong cross wind back at the dock (as in 25 knots on the water). I even take our 43' out solo, and tow a Montauk as well, granted I do like to have a hand if I am docking in tight quarters or slip.
However trailering a larger boat can be difficult. You didn't mention what type 22' you are looking at, but the outrage 22' is a narrow boat, and easy to handle at the ramp. (If you had something with a larger cabin and such that may a bit different.) -- Trailer guides will make the world of difference at the ramp.
home Aside posted 08-16-2013 06:00 PM ET (US)
Mike, Like Jimh, I too have a Revenge 22 WT, I think the main ingredient in launching and retrieving solo is the length of the courtesy dock. Our state ramp docks here in Michigan are all far too short and when launching the boat it can get far past the end of the dock, and retrieving has the same dilemma. Not such a problem at a lot of the private, municipal, and marina ramps.
I also recently put on trailer guides and they have made the boat up for the solo retrieval much easier.
I'm now 63 years old and have had some issues with my back that I don't want to deal with anymore if I don't have to. So the next thing on my agenda is a power winch for my trailer........Good luck to you.
Pat
home Aside posted 08-16-2013 06:02 PM ET (US)
That should have said "Made lining the boat up for solo retrieval"
boatdryver posted 08-16-2013 11:36 PM ET (US)
I'm 75 and launch and retrieve a 20 1/2 ft Dauntless alone without any dock alongside and with no trailer guides. What permits this is absence of a bow rail and climbing down on the trailer tongue. Often a crosswind but thankfully no chop.
I agree with others that you shouldn't have much trouble working out a routine assuming there's a dock alongside.
jimL
David Pendleton posted 08-17-2013 12:27 AM ET (US)
I say if geezers like home aside and jimh can handle it, you should be fine.
lakeman posted 08-17-2013 06:33 AM ET (US)
I'm a old guy as well, boating most of my life with many size boats and trailer styles. depending on the ramp, as others have said, with or without docks etc. is the issue. IMHO the great equalizer, to help you load your boat in all cases, will be a good power wench. i do not know your trapeze capability, but as i have aged, climbing over the bow or into the boat is well, more difficult.
Why have 4 ft itis if you do not need it for your boating needs?
Buckda posted 08-17-2013 08:33 AM ET (US)
Heck, I'm still younger than 40 and I look at most of the ramps in Alabama and wonder how I'm going to single-hand my 25' Outrage Cuddy once the restoration/refit is finished.
A good trailer is first and foremost - set up correctly, as mentioned. Keel rollers and bunks ONLY for lateral support...the boat should slide off the trailer at the ramp under it's own weight and pull easily up the ramp. If you have no access/courtesy docks alongside the ramp, you will appreciate this since the boat will still be in shallow water once off the trailer. Bottom line is that without a buddy, you're going to get wet if there's no courtesy dock. How wet will depend on the ramp and your trailer.
IMO, when launching and operating solo, you may be much better suited to use a marina facility (if they'll let you) or paying them to lift launch the boat - if they'll do that. It's a pain for after-hours boating, but that too can often be overcome by renting a transient slip overnight, if needed - and ramp fees are often waived if you're renting a transient slip for a day or two. Transient slips without power, if available, are often offered at more reasonable rates, too.
flippa posted 08-17-2013 10:04 AM ET (US)
If you are OK with handling the Outrage 18, you should be fine with the Outrage 22 as long as you have a decent trailer setup.
I found a trailer for my Revenge 22 on this site in the classified section that one of our members had built specifically for an Outrage 22. It had extra cross members, tons of Stoltz centering keel rolls, bunks and trailer guides; it is real nice & properly set up. I trailer my boat alot, and it is as easy to load & offload my 22 with this trailer as it was to handle my old Montauk. The boat just slides off the trailer, and it is easy to load it back on at the end of the day by myself. It is a heavy. It would be effortless if I had an electric winch.
Get a boat with a good trailer and I imagine that you should be just fine.
Whalrman posted 08-17-2013 12:00 PM ET (US)
Good advise as always. Just take your time and don't be in a hurry- things happen when rushed. If someone at the ramp complains, just tell them that "OLD GUYS RULE" and to buzz off.
whalerdude posted 08-18-2013 10:40 PM ET (US)
I had the long boat guides on my trailer that helped a lot. These guides run lengthwise and are carpeted and come up about halfway up the sides.
It's a cinch [to load a Boston Whaler OUTRAGE 22 onto the trailer] with these.
bluewaterpirate posted 08-19-2013 08:44 AM ET (US)
I have a 210 Ventura that has a 8' 4" beam and weighs in around 4500 lbs. I'm 68 load and off load it all the time by myself.
Video ....
http://bluewaterpirate.phanfare.com/5106277_5887960
Little steeper ramp.
http://bluewaterpirate.phanfare.com/5106277_5976739
I know some states do not permit power loading but just put the trailer deeper in the water.
Tom
pete r posted 08-19-2013 09:09 AM ET (US)
I have a 21' Conquest. It's an easy boat to launch now I have put Teflon strips over the carpeted bunks.
However, I still have problems when pulling the boat out of the water on a cross wind or when the tide is moving across the ramp.

In my opinion,I find my Conquest has little control at slow speed. I find the side ways slip is significant, and feel it's akin to driving a hovercraft.
With the bigger boat there is a sense of realisation at that point when your about to get your one ton plus pride and joy whaler promptly onto a trailer at a busy ramp.

There are a lot of things that can go wrong, for example. Your mate could have reversed the trailer down the ramp and left it on an angle at the water.
There is also the possible last minute wind change, wave action or some turkey on a jet ski cutting across your approach.
In close quarters you are restricted, It's a bit like steering a ship compared to a nimble 18 footer of 1/2 the weight.
Driving a large boat you are always mindful of the added damage you will incur a if you don't get it right.
Once on the open water..... Pure joy !!!!
andygere posted 08-20-2013 11:45 AM ET (US)
I have been single handing my Outrage 22 Cuddy for a while now, but I worked out the routine with help first. Trailer set up is key, as others have mentioned. I think both bunk and keel roller trailers can work quite well, as long as they are properly adjusted to the boat. I am a big fan of side guides, either the bunk style or vertical pvc poles. One of the keys for me is how deep to put the trailer, both for launch and retrieve. For retrieving, I find that if I drive the boat about 3/4 of the way on, I can get it centered on the bunks the first time, and then it's a simple matter of climbing over the bow and cranking it the rest of the way up with the 2-speed winch. I have been using the winch stand as a step, but plan to have a custom ladder attached to it to make the climb up and down the bow safer and easier. For lauching, the procedure is reversed, but I back in further in order to float the boat off the trailer. I always use a chock behind the front tire of the tow vehicle for safety. and I tie a bow painter to the winch stand to secure the boat once she's floating and off the winch strap. I prefer to launch and load solo when the ramp isn't busy, which for me is weekday evenings. Since I have a wet slip, it's easy to pick the time. Using a ramp that has a courtesy dock next to the ramp is critical, since you need to tie the boat off after launch or before retrieval while handling the truck.
In terms of handling the boat, I have no problems single handing in that regard, and frequently troll for salmon or drift for rockfish alone.
whaler131 posted 08-20-2013 06:04 PM ET (US)
I am 61 and have a 22 1988 outrage with a 200 evinrude. I go out all the time alone and trailer from Ohio to fl ect. Load and launch also. I have been doing this for over 30 years. Enjoy the new 22.
russellbailey posted 08-20-2013 06:21 PM ET (US)
I bought some really heavy-duty trailer guides from Ve-Ve that I use with my Outrage 25. I only occasionally have anyone to help me with loading/unloading, and I solely trailer boat.
The heavy-duty ones are in the same size range as trailer axles. It is about $400 delivered, but they are incredible for loading the boat - they barely flex at all. They work so well that my wife (who does not like to drive the boat) can nose the Outrage 25 between the guides and get it most of the way up on the trailer, which speeds launching when she comes. Once fitted, you nose the boat between them, it forces it into the right spot, aim the boat roughly straight up and power up to the post.
I recommend them highly.
http://www.veveinc.com/shop/Post-Guide-Ons-T-967-7-1/2-ft.-model.html
russellbailey posted 08-20-2013 06:26 PM ET (US)
I meant to say
"which speeds retrieval when she comes"
Also, I was off on the price. Looks like $385 plus $80 shipping, so $465 total. They've made retrieval easy for me.
Jefecinco posted 08-20-2013 08:23 PM ET (US)
I suggest you think ahead a bit. A 22 foot boat that is fairly easy to manage today may be another story in a decade or less.
I'm 73 and have a 190 Montauk. I'm in good condition and try to run three days a week with at least one run of a bit over six miles. I try, with fairly good success, to run not less than four miles on the other two days a week. The question of is the 190 manageable for me on my own depends entirely upon the state of the wind and tide and, most important, the launch ramp I'm using and the availability of piers near or next to the ramp.
There are things one can do to make the single handed process easier or simpler but that's a subject for another discussion.
You'll find as you age a bit that fractures are slower to heal and more difficult to deal with. Scratches and bruises take longer to get over. If my case is any example balance becomes more and more of a problem and I'm very glad of the convenient grab rails on my Montauk. I use them more and more.
If I had a 22 foot Whaler I would find it more difficult to manage than my 19 footer. I doubt I will ever move to a larger boat.
Butch
Ferdinando posted 08-20-2013 09:17 PM ET (US)
Butch:
I am pretty glad that my wife does not read these posts, I'm 62 and she has been all over me for years to run and exercise. Had she read your post on being 73 and doing all that running I would never hear the end of it......And by the way I'm not fat nor am I a couch potato.
Now on the 190, I do find it trying to get into the water by myself and as you mentioned the wind and tide can make or break me. The only thing that I miss about my 17 was that I could handle it by myself with ease. Not so for big brother.
I just hope I can still be as agile as you when I get to be 73, and again please don't tell my wife your age and that you run a couple of times a week!!!!!
Fred

SpongeBob posted 08-21-2013 11:44 AM ET (US)
I've got a 22' Outrage and I can only think of a couple of times I've ever had help launching and retrieving the boat. I knew it was probably going to be that way when I bought the boat. Set the trailer up and take your time and it won't be long before your a pro. In and out is not the problem with a bigger boat its really the clean up that takes me more time.
Jeff
Tohsgib posted 08-29-2013 01:46 PM ET (US)
13 days later with no reply, I guess he changed his mind. in case he does return, I launch and retrieve a 22' Donzi that outweighs a 22 Outrage by roughly 700lbs by myself. Oh...the wife holds the bow line if that helps.
pete r posted 08-29-2013 07:10 PM ET (US)
I don't find weight and size of boat a problem at all.
It's the condition of the ramp and how busy it may be.
If you are pressured to get you boat out of water quickly then things can go wrong, not to mention the impact of wind and current.
With the smaller boat you can easily push off or defend with an arm or a foot to help keep your boat on course.
On large boats you almost avoid using your limbs incase they get crushed.
The use of fenders and a boat hook becomes the sensible method to control a large boat, however I find relying on appendages can be tricky. For example a last minute wind shift can push you off course and deem your fenders to be out of position.
I think alot of you are familiar with that out of control situation when you decide to commit to a desperate landing and you are forced to throw a line to someone onshore you hope is reliable. If not, your left to the mercy of your flimsy boat hook.
Hopefully all goes well but there are times when all you can do on a big boat is wait for the crunch !!!.
Tohsgib posted 08-30-2013 02:09 PM ET (US)
Boat hook? We don't need no stinkin boat hook!
My father always swore by them and always questioned me not using one. My reply was pretty much standard "I dock better than you." Although we call him Mr Coast Guard...he agrees.
pete r posted 08-30-2013 07:10 PM ET (US)
Ha Ha, boat hooks.... I was taught by my old man to use them too. I guess we can get too traditional.
I find they can stuff you up when they slip off your target and because I use the telescopic type to save space on the boat, I find you can't use too much force before they fold on you.
They good for lifting mooring lines out of the water or great when it comes retrieving your favourite hat when it blows off into the water.

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Author	Topic: 22-footer: One-person Manageability
Mike Kub	posted 08-16-2013 11:52 AM ET (US) I am in my mid 60's and have an [OUTRAGE 18] that I do okay with by myself. Looking at a 22-footer, I wonder if I could deal with the bigger boat alone. Any advice would be helpful before I buy it.
jimh	posted 08-16-2013 12:12 PM ET (US) I don't think there is too much to manage on a 22-footer compared to an 18-footer, once the boat is in the water. The biggest difference will be in launching from a trailer. Do you need to launch and load with a trailer often? Also, the ease of launching or loading is often affected by the type of launch ramp being used. If the ramp has a courtesy dock and it is a long dock, I don't see launching a 22-footer from a trailer as being too hard that one person could not do it alone.
kwik_wurk	posted 08-16-2013 03:33 PM ET (US) I would say you are fine up to any size range. Functionally there will be no difference once underway. The biggest challenges are docking and/or trailering. -- I used to take a 27' out all the time solo, no problems unless there was a very strong cross wind back at the dock (as in 25 knots on the water). I even take our 43' out solo, and tow a Montauk as well, granted I do like to have a hand if I am docking in tight quarters or slip. However trailering a larger boat can be difficult. You didn't mention what type 22' you are looking at, but the outrage 22' is a narrow boat, and easy to handle at the ramp. (If you had something with a larger cabin and such that may a bit different.) -- Trailer guides will make the world of difference at the ramp.
home Aside	posted 08-16-2013 06:00 PM ET (US) Mike, Like Jimh, I too have a Revenge 22 WT, I think the main ingredient in launching and retrieving solo is the length of the courtesy dock. Our state ramp docks here in Michigan are all far too short and when launching the boat it can get far past the end of the dock, and retrieving has the same dilemma. Not such a problem at a lot of the private, municipal, and marina ramps. I also recently put on trailer guides and they have made the boat up for the solo retrieval much easier. I'm now 63 years old and have had some issues with my back that I don't want to deal with anymore if I don't have to. So the next thing on my agenda is a power winch for my trailer........Good luck to you. Pat
home Aside	posted 08-16-2013 06:02 PM ET (US) That should have said "Made lining the boat up for solo retrieval"
boatdryver	posted 08-16-2013 11:36 PM ET (US) I'm 75 and launch and retrieve a 20 1/2 ft Dauntless alone without any dock alongside and with no trailer guides. What permits this is absence of a bow rail and climbing down on the trailer tongue. Often a crosswind but thankfully no chop. I agree with others that you shouldn't have much trouble working out a routine assuming there's a dock alongside. jimL
David Pendleton	posted 08-17-2013 12:27 AM ET (US) I say if geezers like home aside and jimh can handle it, you should be fine.
lakeman	posted 08-17-2013 06:33 AM ET (US) I'm a old guy as well, boating most of my life with many size boats and trailer styles. depending on the ramp, as others have said, with or without docks etc. is the issue. IMHO the great equalizer, to help you load your boat in all cases, will be a good power wench. i do not know your trapeze capability, but as i have aged, climbing over the bow or into the boat is well, more difficult. Why have 4 ft itis if you do not need it for your boating needs?
Buckda	posted 08-17-2013 08:33 AM ET (US) Heck, I'm still younger than 40 and I look at most of the ramps in Alabama and wonder how I'm going to single-hand my 25' Outrage Cuddy once the restoration/refit is finished. A good trailer is first and foremost - set up correctly, as mentioned. Keel rollers and bunks ONLY for lateral support...the boat should slide off the trailer at the ramp under it's own weight and pull easily up the ramp. If you have no access/courtesy docks alongside the ramp, you will appreciate this since the boat will still be in shallow water once off the trailer. Bottom line is that without a buddy, you're going to get wet if there's no courtesy dock. How wet will depend on the ramp and your trailer. IMO, when launching and operating solo, you may be much better suited to use a marina facility (if they'll let you) or paying them to lift launch the boat - if they'll do that. It's a pain for after-hours boating, but that too can often be overcome by renting a transient slip overnight, if needed - and ramp fees are often waived if you're renting a transient slip for a day or two. Transient slips without power, if available, are often offered at more reasonable rates, too.
flippa	posted 08-17-2013 10:04 AM ET (US) If you are OK with handling the Outrage 18, you should be fine with the Outrage 22 as long as you have a decent trailer setup. I found a trailer for my Revenge 22 on this site in the classified section that one of our members had built specifically for an Outrage 22. It had extra cross members, tons of Stoltz centering keel rolls, bunks and trailer guides; it is real nice & properly set up. I trailer my boat alot, and it is as easy to load & offload my 22 with this trailer as it was to handle my old Montauk. The boat just slides off the trailer, and it is easy to load it back on at the end of the day by myself. It is a heavy. It would be effortless if I had an electric winch. Get a boat with a good trailer and I imagine that you should be just fine.
Whalrman	posted 08-17-2013 12:00 PM ET (US) Good advise as always. Just take your time and don't be in a hurry- things happen when rushed. If someone at the ramp complains, just tell them that "OLD GUYS RULE" and to buzz off.
whalerdude	posted 08-18-2013 10:40 PM ET (US) I had the long boat guides on my trailer that helped a lot. These guides run lengthwise and are carpeted and come up about halfway up the sides. It's a cinch [to load a Boston Whaler OUTRAGE 22 onto the trailer] with these.
bluewaterpirate	posted 08-19-2013 08:44 AM ET (US) I have a 210 Ventura that has a 8' 4" beam and weighs in around 4500 lbs. I'm 68 load and off load it all the time by myself. Video .... http://bluewaterpirate.phanfare.com/5106277_5887960 Little steeper ramp. http://bluewaterpirate.phanfare.com/5106277_5976739 I know some states do not permit power loading but just put the trailer deeper in the water. Tom
pete r	posted 08-19-2013 09:09 AM ET (US) I have a 21' Conquest. It's an easy boat to launch now I have put Teflon strips over the carpeted bunks. However, I still have problems when pulling the boat out of the water on a cross wind or when the tide is moving across the ramp. In my opinion,I find my Conquest has little control at slow speed. I find the side ways slip is significant, and feel it's akin to driving a hovercraft. With the bigger boat there is a sense of realisation at that point when your about to get your one ton plus pride and joy whaler promptly onto a trailer at a busy ramp. There are a lot of things that can go wrong, for example. Your mate could have reversed the trailer down the ramp and left it on an angle at the water. There is also the possible last minute wind change, wave action or some turkey on a jet ski cutting across your approach. In close quarters you are restricted, It's a bit like steering a ship compared to a nimble 18 footer of 1/2 the weight. Driving a large boat you are always mindful of the added damage you will incur a if you don't get it right. Once on the open water..... Pure joy !!!!
andygere	posted 08-20-2013 11:45 AM ET (US) I have been single handing my Outrage 22 Cuddy for a while now, but I worked out the routine with help first. Trailer set up is key, as others have mentioned. I think both bunk and keel roller trailers can work quite well, as long as they are properly adjusted to the boat. I am a big fan of side guides, either the bunk style or vertical pvc poles. One of the keys for me is how deep to put the trailer, both for launch and retrieve. For retrieving, I find that if I drive the boat about 3/4 of the way on, I can get it centered on the bunks the first time, and then it's a simple matter of climbing over the bow and cranking it the rest of the way up with the 2-speed winch. I have been using the winch stand as a step, but plan to have a custom ladder attached to it to make the climb up and down the bow safer and easier. For lauching, the procedure is reversed, but I back in further in order to float the boat off the trailer. I always use a chock behind the front tire of the tow vehicle for safety. and I tie a bow painter to the winch stand to secure the boat once she's floating and off the winch strap. I prefer to launch and load solo when the ramp isn't busy, which for me is weekday evenings. Since I have a wet slip, it's easy to pick the time. Using a ramp that has a courtesy dock next to the ramp is critical, since you need to tie the boat off after launch or before retrieval while handling the truck. In terms of handling the boat, I have no problems single handing in that regard, and frequently troll for salmon or drift for rockfish alone.
whaler131	posted 08-20-2013 06:04 PM ET (US) I am 61 and have a 22 1988 outrage with a 200 evinrude. I go out all the time alone and trailer from Ohio to fl ect. Load and launch also. I have been doing this for over 30 years. Enjoy the new 22.
russellbailey	posted 08-20-2013 06:21 PM ET (US) I bought some really heavy-duty trailer guides from Ve-Ve that I use with my Outrage 25. I only occasionally have anyone to help me with loading/unloading, and I solely trailer boat. The heavy-duty ones are in the same size range as trailer axles. It is about $400 delivered, but they are incredible for loading the boat - they barely flex at all. They work so well that my wife (who does not like to drive the boat) can nose the Outrage 25 between the guides and get it most of the way up on the trailer, which speeds launching when she comes. Once fitted, you nose the boat between them, it forces it into the right spot, aim the boat roughly straight up and power up to the post. I recommend them highly. http://www.veveinc.com/shop/Post-Guide-Ons-T-967-7-1/2-ft.-model.html
russellbailey	posted 08-20-2013 06:26 PM ET (US) I meant to say "which speeds retrieval when she comes" Also, I was off on the price. Looks like $385 plus $80 shipping, so $465 total. They've made retrieval easy for me.
Jefecinco	posted 08-20-2013 08:23 PM ET (US) I suggest you think ahead a bit. A 22 foot boat that is fairly easy to manage today may be another story in a decade or less. I'm 73 and have a 190 Montauk. I'm in good condition and try to run three days a week with at least one run of a bit over six miles. I try, with fairly good success, to run not less than four miles on the other two days a week. The question of is the 190 manageable for me on my own depends entirely upon the state of the wind and tide and, most important, the launch ramp I'm using and the availability of piers near or next to the ramp. There are things one can do to make the single handed process easier or simpler but that's a subject for another discussion. You'll find as you age a bit that fractures are slower to heal and more difficult to deal with. Scratches and bruises take longer to get over. If my case is any example balance becomes more and more of a problem and I'm very glad of the convenient grab rails on my Montauk. I use them more and more. If I had a 22 foot Whaler I would find it more difficult to manage than my 19 footer. I doubt I will ever move to a larger boat. Butch
Ferdinando	posted 08-20-2013 09:17 PM ET (US) Butch: I am pretty glad that my wife does not read these posts, I'm 62 and she has been all over me for years to run and exercise. Had she read your post on being 73 and doing all that running I would never hear the end of it......And by the way I'm not fat nor am I a couch potato. Now on the 190, I do find it trying to get into the water by myself and as you mentioned the wind and tide can make or break me. The only thing that I miss about my 17 was that I could handle it by myself with ease. Not so for big brother. I just hope I can still be as agile as you when I get to be 73, and again please don't tell my wife your age and that you run a couple of times a week!!!!! Fred
SpongeBob	posted 08-21-2013 11:44 AM ET (US) I've got a 22' Outrage and I can only think of a couple of times I've ever had help launching and retrieving the boat. I knew it was probably going to be that way when I bought the boat. Set the trailer up and take your time and it won't be long before your a pro. In and out is not the problem with a bigger boat its really the clean up that takes me more time. Jeff
Tohsgib	posted 08-29-2013 01:46 PM ET (US) 13 days later with no reply, I guess he changed his mind. in case he does return, I launch and retrieve a 22' Donzi that outweighs a 22 Outrage by roughly 700lbs by myself. Oh...the wife holds the bow line if that helps.
pete r	posted 08-29-2013 07:10 PM ET (US) I don't find weight and size of boat a problem at all. It's the condition of the ramp and how busy it may be. If you are pressured to get you boat out of water quickly then things can go wrong, not to mention the impact of wind and current. With the smaller boat you can easily push off or defend with an arm or a foot to help keep your boat on course. On large boats you almost avoid using your limbs incase they get crushed. The use of fenders and a boat hook becomes the sensible method to control a large boat, however I find relying on appendages can be tricky. For example a last minute wind shift can push you off course and deem your fenders to be out of position. I think alot of you are familiar with that out of control situation when you decide to commit to a desperate landing and you are forced to throw a line to someone onshore you hope is reliable. If not, your left to the mercy of your flimsy boat hook. Hopefully all goes well but there are times when all you can do on a big boat is wait for the crunch !!!.
Tohsgib	posted 08-30-2013 02:09 PM ET (US) Boat hook? We don't need no stinkin boat hook! My father always swore by them and always questioned me not using one. My reply was pretty much standard "I dock better than you." Although we call him Mr Coast Guard...he agrees.
pete r	posted 08-30-2013 07:10 PM ET (US) Ha Ha, boat hooks.... I was taught by my old man to use them too. I guess we can get too traditional. I find they can stuff you up when they slip off your target and because I use the telescopic type to save space on the boat, I find you can't use too much force before they fold on you. They good for lifting mooring lines out of the water or great when it comes retrieving your favourite hat when it blows off into the water.