Grounding, People or damage the boat

Grounding (continued)

Basic Guidelines

•Inspect damage to hull, propulsion and steering systems.

•Check for leaks. If water is coming in, stopping the flow takes priority over getting free.

•Determine water depth all around the boat and type of bottom (sand, mud, rocks, etc.). This will help you decide which way to move the boat.

•Determine if tide, wind or current will drive the boat harder aground or will help free it.

Leaks

•Immediately switch on bilge pumps.

•Assign crew to operate manual pumps, if needed.

•If boat is taking on water, have someone take the helm while you manage damage control.

•Slow or stop to minimize inflow. However, if you can keep a hole above water by maintaining speed, do so.

•If possible, patch the outside with whatever material is available.

Towing

PERSONAL INJURY HAZARD

Towing or being towed stresses the boats, hardware and lines. Failure of any part can seriously injure

people or damage the boat.

A recreational boat towing another is usually a last resort because of possible damage to one or both boats. The Coast Guard or a private salvage company is better equipped. A recreational boat may assist by standing by, and possibly keeping the disabled boat’s bow at a proper angle until help arrives. Only when conditions are ideal— that is, waters are calm, disabled boat is small, and one or both skippers know correct technique—should a recreational boat tow another.

Towing Vessel

•Be sure your boat will not run aground too.

•Because you are maneuverable and the grounded boat is not, you should pass the towline to the grounded boat.

Towing Vessel (continued)

•Use double-braided or braid-on-braid line. Never use three-strand twisted nylon; it has too much elasticity and can snap back dangerously.

•Fasten the towline as far forward as possible on the upwind or up-current side of the towing boat. Fastening it to the stern will restrict maneuverability of the towing boat.

•If possible, use a bridle.

•Move slowly to prevent sudden strain on slack line.

•Be ready to cast loose or cut the line if the towing situation becomes hazardous.

Vessel Being Towed

•Attach the towline to the bow eye, forward bitt or cleats if the fitting can take the load.

•If the boat has eyebolts in the transom for pulling skiers, a towline may be attached to a small bridle hooked to both eyebolts.

•If it is necessary to be towed after being freed, keep someone at the wheel to steer.

Both Vessels

•If you attach the towline to a fitting, be sure the fitting is fastened with a through bolt and is reinforced on the underside.

•Creating a bridle with a line around the hull or superstructure will distribute the load over a wide area; pad pressure points. This technique can be used on both the towing and towed boat.

•Keep lines clear of propellers on both boats.

•Keep hands and feet clear of the other boat.

•Never hold a towline after it is pulled taut.

Person Overboard

•Immediately sound an alarm and keep pointing to the person overboard.

•Throw a life preserver even if the person is wearing a PFD. It will serve as a marker.

•Immediately stop or slow the boat, then circle toward the victim.

— 12	© 2006 Skier’s Choice, Inc.