90 BASIC POWERBOATING. SAFETY & RESCUE FOR SAILING INSTRUCTORS


If picking up a second boat, speed is critical. If it is too fast, there won’t be enough time to tie off the towline and pay out the line. If too slow, maintaining course and control of the tow may be a problem.


1 Slowly approach the second boat headed on a course parallel to the second boat.


2 A towline is passed from the second boat to the first boat.


3 As the towline is being tied, the tow slowly moves ahead while maintaining its course.


Note: During the pick up, the crew member in the towboat should tend the towline of the first boat, taking up slack as needed and keeping it clear of the propeller. If a third boat is picked up, the same procedure would be followed.


Towing a Swamped Boat If a swamped boat cannot be bailed or pumped, it will need to be towed to shore.


1 Lower and secure all sails on a sailboat.


2 Attach a towline to a strong point on the boat, leading it through a fairlead on the bow. If a sailboat has no fairlead, use a short piece of looped line around the forestay.


3 Trim the boat bow up with flotation or crew weight to align the boat during the tow and allow the water to drain out.


4 Tow at a safe speed to keep the boat under control.


4 When the towline is secured, wait until excess slack in both towlines is removed before slowly increasing to towing speed.


MANEUVERING WITH A TOW Key Points E Keep a lookout posted in the towboat to watch the tow. E Be aware of the possibility of fouling the towline in the propeller. E Changes in speed, stopping, and starting should be done slowly.


E Don’t tow at excessive speeds. Best to keep the towing speed low.


E If wakes from passing boats are adversely affecting the tow, slow down until the wakes have passed.


E Avoid tight or abrupt turns. E If conditions are rough, lengthen the towline or slow the speed to reduce the shock of sudden loadings.


E When towing multiple boats, make sure all boats on the tow are under control before maneuvering.


E If a boat in a multiple tow breaks loose, keep the tow moving slowly – don’t stop. Maneuver the tow to make a pass to pick up the loose boat.


E Discourage horseplay on the tow. Table of Contents


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