--- In [email protected], Ian Mac <idm.ya...@...> wrote: > > Ray Butler wrote: > > Have yet to find an equivalent for the idiots who stand beside the tiller on > > the counter rather than in front of it on the steering step (or equivalent > > on a semi- or cruiser). And as for those who SIT beside the tiller on those > > tractor seats. > > > Well someone has to ask the question, why are they idiots? >#### If your reversing the boat yes, you stand well behind, looking where > your going, #### but when in forwards? > When steering a proper boats such as a short boat for example one always > stands along side the tiller, > that way you can keep your hands in your pockets and keep them vaguely > warm, most of the time. > maybe I'm missing something, but I've never had any problems. > > Now windlass left unattended, use to be a sackable offense with instant > dismissal if you worked for the board. This became so after Harry the > lockkeeper on the Ashton lost his eye, in the early seventies (before > restoration). > -- > cheers Ian Mac >
I question your wisdom here, (regarding going astern). A retired ex. working boatman once told me that if you wish to steer a nb going astern, "You don't look where yoom going - you look where you been!". He explained that if you look astern, you cannot see how the boat is lining up in relation with the canal bank and small deviations are not seen before it is too late. He said that there is usually about 3% of steerage available , going astern, so it is important to see the line the boat is taking to keep it as near perfectly parallel with the bank (Line being being taken). During the procedure one should only glance astern occasionally, to make sure everything is clear and that the centre line of the canal is being taken and no one is coming the other way. I have fond, with practice, this advice valuable. Other readers may like to experiment and see just how much their "reversing" improves. ~Allan~
