Learning through Failure - East Coast Cruising day 10

We made it to Double Digits!
And I'd be lying if I said we weren't all very tired by this point.
All the days are starting to blend together and this video series has honestly been a powerful tool to keep things sorted in our minds - a solid record of what happened which day, as described on that day.
I guess its kind of a video journal.
Anyway, Rob and Sarah jumped into the deep end today and put their boat-handling skills to the test.
Will there be disaster when the current goes off-script?

[@sonarangler]

FYI, In the situation where you were overtaking the sailboat, the sailboat only had the right of way because your vessel was overtaking it. The sailboat was operating under mechanical propulsion, and that makes it a power-driven vessel, same as you. If you weren’t the overtaking vessel, the sailboat operating under power has the same rules as you, and normal rules of the road apply. You may want to recommend the US Coast Guard app, and a review of the “Rules of the Road” section… You guys are doing great!!!

[@andrewkast4087]

Great day, awesome instructions and everyone kept their self control! Cullen, you are a very good instructor, you have learned well from your own experiences! Great cruising tomorrow!

[@kevinmartin3859]

Well done captain Cullen instructions were very clear

[@ironichumorist]

my brother has a beach house on edisto island. its one of the few places left in sc that is not yet commercialized. great place to unwind when im back in the US.

[@mikeg0802]

Owner’s going to have to learn to keep his hands off the wheel in close quarters maneuvering and be a little easier on the shifters…Just takes practice and I’m sure he’ll get it in time!

[@dh3277]

Agreed, slower smoother shifting.

[@GregStark381CC]

I apologize for being one of those armchair quarterbacks that thinks he knows it all but Rob really needs to quit going crazy with the steering wheel while docking the boat. If he would maybe think of his boat as a big bulldozer that does not have a steering wheel and is turned by using the dozer’s tracks. He would understand that the boat can also be moved and positioned by just using the boat’s gears. Or if he has a neighbor or friend that has a zero turn riding lawn mower he could volunteer to cut some grass and learn the concept of steering and turning without the use of a steering wheel.

[@franciscorondoletti9980]

Captain should not touch the steer at all. He looks nervious. First thing is to be calm.

[@CullenCraft]

We're all nervous the first time we do anything with serious consequences. Calmness is certainly helpful, and can make things easier.

[@sethbarnes7608]

I would recommend the book Chapman's book of Seamanship and piloting. That is the book on which a captain's license is based on

[@CullenCraft]

Good recc

[@artlife6210]

definitely a must read for all large boat owners

[@Donald_Shaw]

Great job Cullen... you're a good captain and admirable for passing knowledge down to others.

[@dianemacfie-loucks6392]

That boat is kinda big for newbies. I thought they hadn’t owned a boat before. You never know what a normal day on a boat will be. My husband took a captains course before we went anywhere!

[@peterinsyracuse7056]

How do we teach Rob not to use the steering wheel when docking?

[@CullenCraft]

I'm not telling him "there's only one way to do this" because steering can actually be helpful when docking in certain situations, but I'm hoping to keep his hands busy enough to learn that he only needs throttle and shifters. Learn through doing.

[@peterinsyracuse7056]

@@CullenCraft When I was learning to dock a twin engine boat, I would literally just keep my hands on the shifters. Left hand on port shifter, right hand on stb shifter. Then there is no fumbling to find the levers, or instinctive reaction to turn the wheel. You could do a lesson away from the dock... try turning the wheel when the engines are in neutral... won't have much impact😁.

[@MyTube4Utoo]

I've owned several boats, although I'm not an experienced yachtsman, but I'm pretty sure you never wanna hear - *"WE'RE GONNA HIT!"* 😆

[@chrisstratton987]

Cullen, You are patient teacher! Great day on the water!

[@GormanRepairs]

Looks like Rob is alittle steering wheel happy while docking haha. I always tell people, leave the dock with the wheel straight and drive down the river for a while with no steering wheel, tranny controls only. There should be ZERO steering wheel movement during docking, but everyone who is new wants to turn the wheel all over the place and really have no clue where it is pointed. But yea, that's my captain teaching tip haha, have them drive the boat for while down the river and get used to steering the boat without the wheel, then they will be more confident docking without it!

[@bertrambertram9173]

We have all done this. One of the basic things to be checked before leaving on a trip is to make those fuel vents are not clogged. It is not uncommon for them to be clogged. Also, when the tank is full you will begin to see fuel beginning to flow out of the vent at which point you top filling immediately. When getting close to a dock or backing into a slip, it is best to use shifts only. The best way to learn how to do this is with practice. Theoretically you only use the throttles with shifts as a last resort. There is little point in turning the wheel because there is not enough water passing over the rudder to make much of a difference. One more tip, if there is a strong wind or tide, it is best to back in against them instead of going into them bow first .....unless you have a bow thruster, a great thing to have by the way. All this said, with some experience you will learn the nuances and quirks your boat has. By way of example, you may have your engines completely in sync, the rudder exactly straight and when backing up your boat may still start to turn slightly to the port or starboa Also, you just learned the same way I experienced the same thing. Your ground tackle is vital. Make sure you have sufficient chain length and check your anchor rope by laying it out on a dock and running your hand over it. . Also, keep in mind the chain and rope will need to match your windlass. Lastly, the standard practice when leaving or approaching a dock is to evaluate wind/tide and have a plan in mind before you start the process. You should also let your crew know your plan. Sorry I don’t mean to be preaching, Just trying to be helpful and learn from my mistakes.

[@mvhassallfree1031]

Hey Cullen, you need to have your hands completely off the steering wheel with your rudders straight, and use the gears and throttles only, Rob should have left the rudders straight while in the channel before making any turn, it's like driving a skid steer and you will have more control, keep up the good work

[@CullenCraft]

Good sentiment, and the info is appreciated, but steering can be very useful while docking a twin engine boat I'm not telling Rob to never use steering while docking because I don't think prescriptive teaching is a good technique. Instead I'm emphasizing that he needs to focus on the throttles and shifter, and should always keep his steering centered when not using it. He will learn through doing and if his personal technique involves some steering it might be the best method for him personally.

[@RuneDShyznit]

It is so enjoyable watching you go from your first time taking your boat out, to now watching you help teach others.

[@nashguy207]

They are doing a good job for just starting out boating but I think it would be wise for the to first have the boat gone over with a fine tooth comb before they set out on the GL. Second I think they need to stay local and practice a lot more for a few months before they set off on their journey.

[@grantpeachey6908]

another not using throttles and the gears ships wheel should not be touched it offers no response .a habit to get into docking or un docking shifters only

[@ericfontana2092]

spiders get in the fuel vents

[@YomamaPVT]

No wheel… drive it like a tank.

[@barrylambert8572]

Diapers actually work very well to catch fuel overflows.

[@kentsyverson8826]

The fuel vents have screens in them to keep mud wasps out. It is very common to get a wax build up on the screens and that will cause your problem filling. Check the screen on the outside. Clean very carefully with a tooth pick or tooth brush. This may help with your fill problem. The 3750 and other boats do seem to have diesel fill problems over gas as most diesel pumps are sometimes almost twice the flow of gas pumps.

[@dannycaldwell2597]

Great job on how to show them to handle the boat Cullen, you do and show them a few times, then have them do it ,that's the only way you learn 👍👍👍😊

[@jenniferhardage1604]

Y’all are awesome but I need Xanax! 😂

[@ramoncramon8827]

Just curious if if Rob and Sara were able to get insurance for the boat having never owned a boat before? When I bought my 40’ Carver, I was turned down.

[@CullenCraft]

You just have to call as many local offices as you can. Independent brokers will be a good option, sometimes they just need more clients and will sign anybody who walks through the door

[@lesterwicklein717]

thanks for vids

[@CullenCraft]

Glad you like them!

[@SavorTheJourneyDave]

OhhhMiiiiiiGosh!!!!! 🛥️ Ya'll docked for fuel 0.7miles from me!!!! 🚢 Ahoy!!!

[@CullenCraft]

Ahoy 🫡

[@ADayInTheLifeOfAnADHDer]

Release the Spring Rolls!!!!! 🥠🥡🥟🍣 Wouldn't that be awesome!!!! A catered boat departure! ⚓ Happy Cruisin'

[@CullenCraft]

Lol that line has been rattling around in my salt-soaked brain all day like the metal ball in an empty spray paint can