My Boat Works

Why friction on woodworking surfaces is not only a drag but dangerous, as well as how to prevent working surface friction, increase your confidence in your woodworking safety and bring a ton of fun back to your woodworking.

Here are two video excerpts from a dock safety video I am filming and will have for sale in December, showing some of the common problems in tying boats in their slips.

I will post more dock-related videos soon. Hope you enjoy them! If you’re using my stepping technique for hardening docklines, remember to hold onto the boat and keep your weight over the dock and not over the foot that is over the water – That way, if you slip, you won’t fall in. If you’re nervous, don’t try it: This is a technique for the agile and fairly strong. This gets into another subject: You ought to have a proven method to easily get out of the water by yourself, at anchor or at the dock. Yes, that’s another post coming up!

Come Join The Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade!  It’s a great, social way to start off the holiday season and here’s a glimpse of what it is and how to prepare and participate.  It is on on Saturday, December 12, from 6-8pm, after the fireworks, in the main channel of Marina del Rey Harbor.  It’s scheduled to be in advance of the holidays, so it won’t interfere with your plans.  Traffic and parking are usually completely gridlocked by 4pm, so come early, tell your friends and plan ahead!

In a real blow, only commercial fishermen and highly experienced, well-equipped sailors stay put.  Why do so many – Perhaps 90% – Not know how to anchor safely?

In this series of brief articles, I’ll show you how anchors work, why it’s important to make good choices, how to select them and what nonsense to avoid.