Raft

Two or more vessels secured alongside each other.

This arrangement is common in crowded harbours, at busy pontoons, on visitor moorings or when vessels are waiting to enter a lock or marina. Lines are used to hold the boats together, and fenders should be placed carefully to protect hulls and fittings. Crew may need to cross other vessels to reach the pontoon, so permission, footwear and courtesy matter. The outside vessel should consider wind, tide, wash and the ability of inner vessels to leave.