30
Operation
Leaving a Mooring
Start the engine and let it up for several minutes
before releasing the mooring line. The boat will
already be headed into the wind, so move it for-
ward enough to loosen the line and untie it. Back
the boat away from the mooring until you can see
the buoy. Move the boat slowly away from the
mooring.
Anchoring
Make sure the bitter end of the anchor line is
attached to boat before dropping the anchor.
Bring the bow into the wind or current and put
the engine in neutral. When the vessel comes to
a stop, lower the anchor over the bow. Pay out
anchor line so that it is at least 5 to 7 times the
depth of the water and secure the line to a cleat.
Use caution to avoid getting your feet or hands
tangled in the line. Additional scope of 10 times
the depth may be required for storm conditions.
Check landmarks on shore or your GPS position
to make sure the anchor is not dragging. If it
is dragging, you will have to start all over. It is
prudent to use two anchors at the bow if your are
anchoring overnight or in rough weather.
After the anchor is set, the windlass must not be
left to take the entire force from the anchor line.
Boats lying to their anchor in a high swell or heavy
weather conditions will snub on the line. This can
cause slippage or apply excessive loads to the
windlass. The line should always be made fast
to a bow cleat to relieve the load on the windlass.
Do not set a bow and stern anchor when moor-
ing, only anchor from the bow. The stern anchor
will not allow the boat to swing with the current
and wind. If your are anchored in a mooring with
other boats, your boat will not swing with the
other boats in the mooring, creating a potential
for contact with another boat when the tide or
wind changes. Additionally, having the stern to
the wind or tide creates a potentially hazardous
situation for the boat and crew.
Releasing the Anchor
Release the anchor by driving the boat slowly to
the point where the anchor line becomes verti-
cal. It should release when you pass that point.
If the anchor doesn’t release right away, stop the
boat directly above the anchor and tie the line to
the cleat as tight as possible. The up and down
movement of the boat will usually loosen the an-
chor within a minute. Make sure you secure the
anchor and properly stow the line before operat-
ing the boat.
NEVER ANCHOR THE BOAT BY THE STERN. THE STERN
OF THE BOAT IS VULNERABLE TO SWAMPING FROM WAVE
ACTION. ADDITIONALLY, WIND AND CURRENT WILL PUT
MORE STRESS ON THE ANCHOR WHEN IT IS ATTACHED TO
THE STERN. ONLY ANCHOR THE BOAT BY THE BOW
2.6 Controls, Steering or
Propulsion System Failure
If the propulsion, control or steering system fails
while you are operating the boat, bring the throttle
to idle and shift to neutral. Decide whether you
need to put out the anchor to prevent the boat
from drifting or to hold the bow into the seas. In-
vestigate and correct the problem if you can. Turn
the engine off before opening the engine cowling
to make repairs. If you are unable to correct the
problem, call for help.
2.7 Collision
If your boat is involved in a collision with another
boat, dock, piling or a sandbar, your rst priority is
to check your passengers for injuries and admin-
ister rst aid if necessary. Once your passengers
situations are stabilized, thoroughly inspect the
boat for damage. Check below decks for leaks and
the control systems for proper operation. Plug all
leaks or make the necessary repairs to the control
systems before proceeding slowly and carefully to
port. Request assistance if necessary. Haul the
boat and make a thorough inspection of the hull
and running gear for damage.
2.8 Grounding, Towing
and Rendering Assistance
The law requires the owner or operator of a vessel
to render assistance to any individual or vessel in
distress, as long as his vessel is not endangered
in the process.
If the boat should become disabled or if another
craft that is disabled requires assistance, great
care must be taken. The stress applied to a boat
during towing may become excessive. Excessive
stress can damage the structure of the boat and
create a safety hazard for those aboard.
Freeing a grounded vessel or towing a boat that
is disabled, requires specialized equipment and
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