Short Answer
Safety Note
Digital reference tools and printed guidelines are valuable, but they complement—never replace—proper training, physical checks, and human judgment. Before any raft-up, cross-check critical data such as weather, tides, and currents with official sources like the national weather service, coast guard, or local harbor authority. Never use a phone or tablet as your only navigation or weather tool; keep paper charts and a handheld VHF radio as backups. Inspect the anchor boat’s ground tackle physically: look for worn shackles, chafed rode, and a properly sized anchor. Ensure every boat has a sharp knife accessible to cut a line in an emergency. Follow the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and all local maritime regulations, including anchoring restrictions and right-of-way rules. Finally, take a certified safety and seamanship course—such as those offered by national sailing federations or recognized schools—before attempting to organize or join a raft-up. The anchor boat and raft captain carry the primary responsibility, but every skipper in the raft shares the duty to act safely.
FAQ
Who is legally responsible if the anchor drags and the raft hits another boat?
Legal responsibility depends on local maritime law and the specific circumstances, but in practice the anchor boat skipper, as raft captain, bears primary responsibility for the ground tackle and the decision to anchor. However, every skipper in the raft has a duty to maintain a proper lookout and to act to avoid collision. Always check your insurance policy and local regulations before joining a raft-up.
Can a smaller boat be the anchor boat if it has a very large anchor?
Yes, if the ground tackle is genuinely sized for the total load of the raft and the boat can handle the forces involved. The key is not boat length alone but the holding power of the anchor, the strength of the cleats, and the skipper's ability to manage the raft. The Pentagon Sailing Club guideline says the largest boat should be the anchor boat given that its ground tackle is appropriately sized, so size is a proxy, not an absolute rule.
How much scope should I use for a raft-up compared to anchoring alone?
Use more scope than you would for a single boat. A common recommendation is 5:1 to 7:1 or more, depending on wind, current, and bottom type. The extra scope compensates for the increased load and yawing of multiple boats. Always calculate scope using the depth at high tide plus the height of the bow roller.
What should I do if I am asked to join a raft but I am not comfortable with the anchor boat's ground tackle?
Politely decline or anchor separately nearby. You are never obligated to join a raft. If you have doubts about the anchor, the rode, the weather, or the raft captain's experience, trust your judgment. You can still socialize by dinghy without sharing the risk.
Is rafting up allowed everywhere?
No. Some harbors, anchorages, and marinas prohibit or restrict rafting. Always check local notices, harbor regulations, and any private marina rules before anchoring or tying up alongside another boat. In some places, rafting is mandatory at crowded mooring fields, but the rules still apply.
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