I'd like to sail the coast of Maine around the clock but I'm quite concerned about catching a lobster pot in my keel/prop in the middle of the night. They seem to be everywhere. What's general consensus on doing this?
Sailing at night
- Thread starter DanMaine
- Start date
If you are very familiar with the areas you are sailing, it’s pretty easy to know where to avoid the pits. If not, don’t!
I don't know your area, but around here there is no place you can go to completely avoid crab/shrimp pots.
We sail at night from time to time. The key word is "sail". Motoring at night is fairly risky, largely due to pot markers.
But, the scarier thing is logs. Every now and then we come across one that is big enough to do some damage. During the day, we are sometimes surprised by a close encounter. At night, it is mostly just a blind gamble.
We prefer to night sail toward some light (city, moon, whatever) so we have some visibility of what's on the water, but the risks are all higher - except maybe risks involving other boats.
There is something special about it if the conditions are right.
We sail at night from time to time. The key word is "sail". Motoring at night is fairly risky, largely due to pot markers.
But, the scarier thing is logs. Every now and then we come across one that is big enough to do some damage. During the day, we are sometimes surprised by a close encounter. At night, it is mostly just a blind gamble.
We prefer to night sail toward some light (city, moon, whatever) so we have some visibility of what's on the water, but the risks are all higher - except maybe risks involving other boats.
There is something special about it if the conditions are right.
There are numerous line cutting systems for your boat. I wouldn't sail up here without Spurs, the type I found works best for me.
However, if you are sailing at night, it is unlikely that you will entangle a pot line around your prop. It may get hung up on a blade, or around the rudder stock. You should be able to stop further entanglement by dropping the boat in reverse for a second or two to clear either.
However, if you are sailing at night, it is unlikely that you will entangle a pot line around your prop. It may get hung up on a blade, or around the rudder stock. You should be able to stop further entanglement by dropping the boat in reverse for a second or two to clear either.
I very much enjoy sailing at night, and there are certainly additional risks.
Most charter places here (PacificNW USA) disallow sailing at night.
Anyway - we have crab pots not lobster pots, same risk though.
For my night time sailing, I like to be out in the channels and away from shallow waters where pots might be snagged.
Another thing matter, at least here, is understanding how the local currents run. Not just for a speedier passage, but at night to avoid deadheads and things like that.
All in all, thinking about stuff wrapped on the prop or shaft after a long sail (day or night), is a good reminder to get the engine spun up, in forward and in reverse, well in advance of when you intend to be needing to use it?
Most charter places here (PacificNW USA) disallow sailing at night.
Anyway - we have crab pots not lobster pots, same risk though.
For my night time sailing, I like to be out in the channels and away from shallow waters where pots might be snagged.
Another thing matter, at least here, is understanding how the local currents run. Not just for a speedier passage, but at night to avoid deadheads and things like that.
All in all, thinking about stuff wrapped on the prop or shaft after a long sail (day or night), is a good reminder to get the engine spun up, in forward and in reverse, well in advance of when you intend to be needing to use it?