NJ Saltwater Fisherman Forums
Boating => Mechanical Forum => Topic started by: Reckless on March 21, 2008, 04:56:45 PM
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Whats the right thing to do? You loose power going in or out of the inlet. Jump ship, drop anchor ? I guess if you are in no danger of drifting into something just call for help. But what if you are drifting into rocks or whatever?
Might seem like a strange question but some input here could save someone butt.
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Drop anchor.
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take your boaters safety course TT^DOPE YOU ANCHOR AS SOON AS YOU CAN GET OUT OF THE LINE OF FIRE slt
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I agree with the drop anchor. Very first thing to do, then try to figure out what the problem is with the motor and call for a tow.
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similar situation happened to me years ago on a friends boat.on the way around the hook and just out of the rip the motor died,me with some mechanical experience had cover off engine a 4 cyl. grey marine inboard and checking and not paying attention my friend without telling me is putting on life jacket because we were drifting into breakers,yelled for him to throw out the anchor which he did but had us anchored off the stern.we were able to flag down help and the coast guard gave us a tow in.this was back in the early 70's.at least we got anchored before we hit the breakers.
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always drop anchor, call for help and give your gps number of your location
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I agree! drop Anchor first! Then analayze the situation. The rest has been said already. chrz
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Drop anchor first, payout more line then you need try for better then a 7:1 scope, you want your anchor to stick. You do not want your anchor to pop free until you are able to get underway safely. Also in the inlet adjust the line in sync with the waves, you can payout until the boat rises and falls with more finesse. The longer the scope if conditions permit without creating a navigation problem for other boaters the better off you are.
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Good hypothetical question lets keep it going.
What if you are motoring against the current in a river and you have to go under a bridge that has a narrow span between the abutments. You make your approach and notice that there is a Yahoo coming full boar the other way trying to beat you through the opening what should you do?
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Going against the current you have the best stearage, if you have time swing off cut the thrustdown and the current will carry you back and to the side....if commited to the bridge zone try to go as close to starboard as possble without any danger.........
Oh yeah, quickley grab a couple 10 oz pieces of lead to let fly.........worth the loss TT^
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Thanks Capt. Bob,
If anyone has any more hypothetical situations please post them as boating season is about to start why not give us somethings that you saw over the years or just last year that we can either discuss or correct.
Remember this is a discussion.
Paul
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Saw a similar event this past summer....a sailboat was coming up to the Highlands Bridge going with the current which was ripping. The sailboat was under power but lost the transmission......there were two on the boat an elderly gentleman and a young boy 10-12....
The sailboats mast hit the bridge, she hung there for a moment and then worked free and the sailboat was now coming down the channel sideways.......it was pretty much a high traffic time and al the boats were buzzing around him yelling.....the man on the sailboat froze and the young boy was screaming......
Fortunately a boat pulled up to them and threw the boy a rope, this stopped their drift and straightened the boat out.....how ever the elderly gentleman was still froze and had the helm had over so the boat could not be towed without major problems......another small boat pulled up and a man jumped onto the sailboat, taking the helm from the sailboater......they were then towed to a nearby dock and sea tow called.......
Happy to say boy and everybody else were OK, and especiaaly due to the two boaters who recognised the distress and piched in and not the 10 or so others who just rode by yelling.
Cannot stress enough that we aare in it together on the water, just slow down and stop for a moment to see if your fellow boater needs help, I'm sure that one day if you need help you will be repaid. As they said "Pay it Forward"
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Great advise... t^
This happened a number of years ago in Barnegat Bay when I had my boat. It was a 19' Winner.
It was just getting dark and I had the family on board to do some leisurely cruising on the bay and up the Toms River.
We were heading north and in the channel north of the Rt. 37 bridges, off to my port side I noticed a light flashing on and off and it did not stop. I knew that was a shallow area and upon further investigation realized it was a sail boat that did not follow the channel and got stuck up in the flats about a good 100 yards in.
I circled slowly to figure how to help. At first I tried to pull him straight out stern first in other words just reverse of the way he went in. No luck he was too far in. He kept blinking his mast head light and recruited another boater that was able to make his way out to us.
We tried to rock him loose with the two boats pulling in the same direction but that did not work either.
This guy was really stuck. I asked if it was possible to loosen one if the mast stays, attach a line to it and one of us would have to keel him over just enough to get his keel loose while the other boat pulled him free.
It was a slow process but it worked. We made sure all had their pfd on at all times. You never know what could happen.
This process took over an hour to free the boat but it was a big sigh of relief to be able to see everyone safe and continue on our way.
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Ok I have a question.
You are out fishing, drifting in the bay. The bite is on, fish on every cast. You see a guy with engine trouble. He did throw the anchor no danger. What do you do, tell him pull anchor and tow he in now or stay here and I will tow you in when I am done fishing?
I would tow in now, weather can change quick or other things can happen. I can go back out and fish or call it a day. There is always another day to fish.
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Stay with the person until tow boat come, make sure he is safe, don't tow him in yourself for liabilitie reasons... UNLESS ITS A BOAT FULL OF WOMEN IN BIKINIS, then make an acception..
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I didn’t think about the liabilities and I should, my wife works for a lawyer and he is always on my case for doing deals on a handshake.
A BOAT FULL OF WOMEN IN BIKINIS, I’m getting on board!
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Last year twice I stopped to tow people in the Barnegat Bay. The first time was right in front of the Toms River Bridge. The engine had died and the boat was partially blocking the channel under the bridge. I stopped and told them I would assist them to pull them away from the bridge. They didn't have an anchor, a VHF, a cell phone or anything else. They were out on a sea trial. They asked that I bring them to their father in laws dock about 1 mile away. The water was very low and I explained I might not be able to get there. One guy sat on the bow of the boat and the other in the cockpit. I had to explained to them I needed them to steer the boat as I was towing it as they just sat there. They seemed very aggravated and not very appreciative. Sure enough I couldn't gt them to their dock so I had to swing them off and aim them at a dock down the way from them. Again they were aggravated with me for not taking them home like I was Sea Tow... Made sure they reached a dock and left swearing not to do that again.
Another time we were running towards Windward Beach in Brick to see fireworks. As we were going there dusk was falling fast. As we passed this small bow rider way off to the side I got the impression they were in trouble. At first I didn't slow down as I had about 10 people on board. I thought better of it and swung around to see if they were in trouble. As I said it was getting dark fast, the bay had a nice 2 foot chop and I saw about 8 kids in life jackets on board. As I pulled up I saw the boat was just drifting and getting killed by the boats wake. They had been stuck for abut an hour and the adult was getting ready to swim and pull the boat as he had no lights and was afraid he was going to get hit. He had no cell phone, no radio, no rope to get towed, but at least all the kids had life jackets and on.
We towed him back o his dock and as we rounded the corner another boat passed us and came to a dead stop. Friends had finally gotten nervous and were out looking for them. His engine problem was due to a lack of gas... They were very grateful and I was glad I ignored the first tow situation and turned around to assist. As was said, pay it forward you never know when you will need the assistance, and you'll feel pretty good when it goes right. Being an insurance agent I have plenty of limits so I wasn't concerned there..
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I spend alot of time at my ramp and even w/ a saftey course some people dont belong on the water
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I just felt the reply was directed at the topic starter. be it the reply true or false. It almost came off as a reply I see on other boards which makes new members afraid to post questions.
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This is a very important topic! No such thing as stupid questions, just stupid answers!!!
If we were born a 100% genius we would not be here. So ask awa,y your life or some one else’s could depend on the knowledge you gain here. There will be zero tolerance for wise cracks or ignorant know it alls!!!
Capt. Mike
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This is a very important topic! No such thing as stupid questions, just stupid answers!!!
If we were born a 100% genius we would not be here. So ask away,y your life or some one Else's could depend on the knowledge you gain here. There will be zero tolerance for wise cracks or ignorant know it alls!!!
Capt. Mike
Thank you for your response. Everyones abilities increase with positive post. I dont need to be condemned for asking a question. I want to and I am sure others want to be able to ask questions and get positive answers.
Thanks Again!! slt
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Keep asking Frankue, the only stupid question is the one not asked. TT^
No one knows everything, we can all learn from others. I have been boating for almost 40 years and am still learning. The day I stop learning is when I am in my grave.
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Good hypothetical question lets keep it going.
What if you are motoring against the current in a river and you have to go under a bridge that has a narrow span between the abutments. You make your approach and notice that there is a Yahoo coming full boar the other way trying to beat you through the opening what should you do?
This comes into play in the Manasquan River more than anywhere else. The Railroad bridge as you approach the inlet gets some nasty currents and can barely fit a party boat through it. Many people believe the rule is that whoever is going with the current has the right of way, since they have less control over their vessel. Coincidentally, I was speaking with a USCG guy last week who told me how untrue this is. That rule only applies in western rivers, not coastal waterways.
Additionally, he said that the proper way to approach a small opening is to motor directly in sight of the opening and proceed straight through, keeping to the right. Many people try to cut diagonally to the opening to save time and cannot see if any larger boats are coming through.
My personal tip: If you hear a whistle, stay the F outta there. The Bogans plow through the RR bridge opening and you better be out of their way. Don't blame them for doing it this way, as it's probably the safest approach instead of stopping a large vessel and risking losing control and knocking into the bridge structure.
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Dan, you are absolutely correct on the issue of the vessel going with the current does not having the right of way in our boating area.
This is the rule that Dan is referring to;
Notwithstanding paragraph (a)(i) and Rule 14(a), a power-driven vessel operating in narrow channels or fairways on the Great Lakes, Western Rivers, or waters specified by the Secretary , and proceeding downbound with a following current shall have the right-of-way over an upbound vessel, shall propose the manner and place of passage, and shall initiate the maneuvering signals prescribed by Rule 34(a)(i), as appropriate. The vessel proceeding upbound against the current shall hold as necessary to permit safe passing.
I put the areas where this is applicable in bold print. This is not the rule in any area but the above bold print areas.
Every day in the Shark River inlet you hear the bridge tenders telling the guys that the incoming or outbound have the right of way because of the direction of the tide. THIS IS FALSE. This is only a courtesy, not a rule. Do not get caught up in thinking that you have the right of way. If you are involved in a collision, you will find out very quickly how wrong the bridge tender was.
When you make an approach to a bridge or an obstructed area, perhaps a turn in the channel or such, it is always best to give a prolong blast on you horn. If you do not get an answer, then you can assume the area is clear to pass and proceed with caution. If you get an answer, assume that the other vessel is already into the area and allow him to pass thru.
Safety on the water is made, it is not a given.
Just a note...I know for a fact that there was a person who teaches classes for the Captain License course teaching this wrong. When given the proper information, he acknowledged his error and corrected his teaching.
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Keep asking Frankue, the only stupid question is the one not asked. TT^
No one knows everything, we can all learn from others. I have been boating for almost 40 years and am still learning. The day I stop learning is when I am in my grave.
Well Said Capt.!!! chrz
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we are always here to help... there is no such thing as a stupid question.
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we are always here to help... there is no such thing as a stupid question.
WELL SAID t^ t^ t^ t^
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OK guys here is another one. How do you determine how much of an anchor line is needed? You can pick the depth and other variables...
Plus how much line should the average boat carry in its locker as backup?
And what is the best way to attach the line together to add to the rode?
I like playing Mr. Question...Sorry, if I become boring let me know, and I will stop.
Thanks
Paul
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Hi Paul,
At the minimum you should have on average a 5:1 scope, a 7:1 is better and a 10:1 is the best. Connection: anchor, shackle, chain, shackle, thimble, rope. Length of chain 7-15' on average should be fine, unless you are into wreck and reef anchoring.
Mike
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OK guys here is another one. How do you determine how much of an anchor line is needed? You can pick the depth and other variables...
Plus how much line should the average boat carry in its locker as backup?
And what is the best way to attach the line together to add to the rode?
I like playing Mr. Question...Sorry, if I become boring let me know, and I will stop.
Thanks
Paul
Good question. Woke up this morning with that question on my mind. grtn
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Dan, you are absolutely correct on the issue of the vessel going with the current does not having the right of way in our boating area.
This is the rule that Dan is referring to;
Notwithstanding paragraph (a)(i) and Rule 14(a), a power-driven vessel operating in narrow channels or fairways on the Great Lakes, Western Rivers, or waters specified by the Secretary , and proceeding downbound with a following current shall have the right-of-way over an upbound vessel, shall propose the manner and place of passage, and shall initiate the maneuvering signals prescribed by Rule 34(a)(i), as appropriate. The vessel proceeding upbound against the current shall hold as necessary to permit safe passing.
I put the areas where this is applicable in bold print. This is not the rule in any area but the above bold print areas.
Every day in the Shark River inlet you hear the bridge tenders telling the guys that the incoming or outbound have the right of way because of the direction of the tide. THIS IS FALSE. This is only a courtesy, not a rule. Do not get caught up in thinking that you have the right of way. If you are involved in a collision, you will find out very quickly how wrong the bridge tender was.
When you make an approach to a bridge or an obstructed area, perhaps a turn in the channel or such, it is always best to give a prolong blast on you horn. If you do not get an answer, then you can assume the area is clear to pass and proceed with caution. If you get an answer, assume that the other vessel is already into the area and allow him to pass thru.
Safety on the water is made, it is not a given.
Just a note...I know for a fact that there was a person who teaches classes for the Captain License course teaching this wrong. When given the proper information, he acknowledged his error and corrected his teaching.
I have to admit that is news to me. I was taught that the vessel with the current has the right of way.
My signature on another site that I live by is...
Many a ship at the bottom of the sea; had the right of way....and took it...
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Ken, there are many boaters out there that believe the same. As I said, there was an instructor for a Captain License school who was teaching this! It does make sense that it should be the rule, but it is not.
Paul, for your anchor question. Capt Mike is correct in his ratios. Conditions and your objective also come into play with this. If you are out on a calm day and want to do some wreck fishing, you can get away with a 3:1 ratio without questions. Use a grappling hook and you can be straight up and down on the line. Overnight anchoring, you may need to adjust the lenght of line in the water to maintain your scope because of the tide drop/rise. You may have to increase or decrease the scope because of the changing current also.
What all this means is; go with the rule of thumb and adjust accordingly.
Happy boating. t^
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Also best to remember no amount of scope will make up for failing to keep a proper watch...even at anchor things can and do change.