Engines on sailboats, When? When Not?
Joe wrote:
You do understand that when I say un-grounding I do mean Im pulling
another vessel usually a fin boat off an oyster reef or something dont
you?. Thats why I'm printing out no cure no pay contracts.
Powerboaters will pay dearly!
Ive got a 200 ft 1&3/4" towing hauser in the lazeret.
Why so big? Most boats won't be able to get that around a cleat. Besides, you shouldn't
need a breaking strength over 6 tons to pull a stuck boat.
I had in mind using the engine to back off a sandbar or mud bank, in the first few moments
after running aground. Prompt action is key... usually after a few minutes, the wind,
waves, and/or current, plus the working action of the weight of the boat against the
bottom, digs the thing in so much that stronger measures are called for.
One reason why a fixed 3 blade prop is nice for boats running the ICW... not only do you
motor a lot in the ditch, it's got much more bounce to the ounce when trying to back off a
shoal.
Fresh Breezes- Doug King
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