It's a gorgeous day for a sail and you're singlehanding about a quarter mile outside your marina breakwater. You're just pointing up to raise the main when your boat strikes an obstruction just below the surface. You're slammed into the bulklhead, but OK. One look below tells you the boat isn't. Water is rising in the cabin. What do you do now? Broadcast a mayday? Grab a lifejacket? Go below to find and plug the hole, if you can? Or would a flare work better? What would do if your boat was taking on water? How have you prepared your boat and crew for the possibility? Has it happened to you? Share your storeis and plans, then vote in the Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page. (Quiz contributed by Bruce Boe, Macgregor 21 "Tantrum")
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Save the sandwiches . . .
I would make sure that the lunch bag was immediately brought up on deck, then I would head for the shore. I would expect my boat to sink about a foot until the flotation takes over. I have also noticed that the cabin of my boat acts like a second hull. Perhaps that would maintain some bouancy. Regards, Ted
I would make sure that the lunch bag was immediately brought up on deck, then I would head for the shore. I would expect my boat to sink about a foot until the flotation takes over. I have also noticed that the cabin of my boat acts like a second hull. Perhaps that would maintain some bouancy. Regards, Ted
Rule # 1
Have good insurance. After that make sure everybody is OK. Then do what you can do without getting yourself killed.
Have good insurance. After that make sure everybody is OK. Then do what you can do without getting yourself killed.
LIFE SAFETY
Nothing is more frightening than seeing the deep blue sea in your boat instead of around your boat. The first rule is to be calm and go step by step: 1 Are there passengers aboard? If so, get them into Coast Guard approved PFD's ASAP, as well as yourself. 2. Next, RAPIDLY assess the situation and determine if the flooding is controllable or not. You'll need to make a real quick decision as time is short when taking on water. If not - you'll need to start to make arrangements about saving lives, not saving the boat. 3. Use the radio - call the USCG. If persons will be going into the water, that constitutes a MAYDAY. 4. The call is "MAYDAY - MAYDAY - MAYDAY, this is the vessel (YOUR BOAT) calling MAYDAY, I am taking on water. I am located (give nearest buoys, landmarks, or if you can, lat-long position). I have (X) persons aboard wearing life perservers. Any vessel please respond." Also try to describe the appearance of your boat. If it looks like she'll turtle over - what's the bottom paint color? 5. The USCG will usually confirm the message, making sure everyone has PFD's on and will be there ASAP. 6. Any flares aboard? If you think so, fire them up and downwind of your vessel, away from your passengers and crew. Flares get attention. 6. Any throwable floating USCG approved cushions aboard? If so, make them ready to toss overboard when the time comes to go into the drink. Nothing makes a difference more to a freshly dunked, and scared to death person than a floating cushion to hold onto. 7. DO NOT SWIM FOR SHORE! It's way farther than it looks from on a boat, and currents and cold water may reduce your abilities to swim. If possible, stay with the boat as long as you can, even if it's awash or turned over. Trapped air and foam floatation will keep the hull partially up and act as a floating life saver. The skipper will need to make a judgement call if it is safe to remain with the boat or to swim away from it. Are there dangerous debris or gasoline is in the water? Is there loose rigging or sails that'll tangle in people's legs? If you cannot remain with the boat, try to remain as a group, close together in the water. An overturned hull is easier to spot at sea than a singular, wet sodden head of a person bobbing around. Staying together in a group makes it easier to see than a bunch of folks spread far apart out all over the water. The trick is to remain calm and do things step by step. You're the skipper, and think only of your passengers and crew and then yourself. As skipper, you are ultimately responsible for their safety until the authorities make the rescue. Let the lawyers figure out what to do about your new navigational and ecological hazard in the waterway.
Nothing is more frightening than seeing the deep blue sea in your boat instead of around your boat. The first rule is to be calm and go step by step: 1 Are there passengers aboard? If so, get them into Coast Guard approved PFD's ASAP, as well as yourself. 2. Next, RAPIDLY assess the situation and determine if the flooding is controllable or not. You'll need to make a real quick decision as time is short when taking on water. If not - you'll need to start to make arrangements about saving lives, not saving the boat. 3. Use the radio - call the USCG. If persons will be going into the water, that constitutes a MAYDAY. 4. The call is "MAYDAY - MAYDAY - MAYDAY, this is the vessel (YOUR BOAT) calling MAYDAY, I am taking on water. I am located (give nearest buoys, landmarks, or if you can, lat-long position). I have (X) persons aboard wearing life perservers. Any vessel please respond." Also try to describe the appearance of your boat. If it looks like she'll turtle over - what's the bottom paint color? 5. The USCG will usually confirm the message, making sure everyone has PFD's on and will be there ASAP. 6. Any flares aboard? If you think so, fire them up and downwind of your vessel, away from your passengers and crew. Flares get attention. 6. Any throwable floating USCG approved cushions aboard? If so, make them ready to toss overboard when the time comes to go into the drink. Nothing makes a difference more to a freshly dunked, and scared to death person than a floating cushion to hold onto. 7. DO NOT SWIM FOR SHORE! It's way farther than it looks from on a boat, and currents and cold water may reduce your abilities to swim. If possible, stay with the boat as long as you can, even if it's awash or turned over. Trapped air and foam floatation will keep the hull partially up and act as a floating life saver. The skipper will need to make a judgement call if it is safe to remain with the boat or to swim away from it. Are there dangerous debris or gasoline is in the water? Is there loose rigging or sails that'll tangle in people's legs? If you cannot remain with the boat, try to remain as a group, close together in the water. An overturned hull is easier to spot at sea than a singular, wet sodden head of a person bobbing around. Staying together in a group makes it easier to see than a bunch of folks spread far apart out all over the water. The trick is to remain calm and do things step by step. You're the skipper, and think only of your passengers and crew and then yourself. As skipper, you are ultimately responsible for their safety until the authorities make the rescue. Let the lawyers figure out what to do about your new navigational and ecological hazard in the waterway.
Life jacket
Guess I missed that one, I/we always have a life jacket/float coat/inflatable harness on so would look for the damage while heading for shore
Guess I missed that one, I/we always have a life jacket/float coat/inflatable harness on so would look for the damage while heading for shore
If you just struck something a quarter mile
from the marina, its a whole lot different that well out. First thing is to buckle the lifejacket (that is, of course, being worn). Then turn on the bilge pump(s). If you can get off the obstacle, then head back in a hurry and prepare for a fast haul out. If not, MAYDAY and determine whether the boat will be supported by the obstacle or whether she's headed down. If she's bottomed, then she'll probably just list over until she can get pulled loose. Then tow back and haul out. If the water is rising fast, disconnect all unessential electrical equipment and either pull the fuses or turn off the breakers. The boat is only a quarter mile from the marina, there is no reason to think that rescue is hours away.
from the marina, its a whole lot different that well out. First thing is to buckle the lifejacket (that is, of course, being worn). Then turn on the bilge pump(s). If you can get off the obstacle, then head back in a hurry and prepare for a fast haul out. If not, MAYDAY and determine whether the boat will be supported by the obstacle or whether she's headed down. If she's bottomed, then she'll probably just list over until she can get pulled loose. Then tow back and haul out. If the water is rising fast, disconnect all unessential electrical equipment and either pull the fuses or turn off the breakers. The boat is only a quarter mile from the marina, there is no reason to think that rescue is hours away.
Going once, twice, ...
Based on your scenario: - Make sure everyone has buckled on their PFD and are able to quickly abandon ship IF necessary and only on your command. - Quickly assess the damage for possible immediate/temporary repairs (do you have tools & materials, and ability to locate and plug or control breach. - If no other choice but to abandon ship, issue MAYDAY with location, personnel, condition. - If possible, set off flares, take portable VHF, signal mirror, etc., if available, and jettison any other floatation devices that could be used for visibility and additional security. - Have everyone stay together in water on or near boat (conditions depending) and keep everyone calm. - Important note once in the water: Do not let people who are panicking hold on to others. Panicking people will try to climb on top of anyone in their reach thinking they will get higher out of the water. Even people wearing PFDs could be forced head under by a hysterical person. Keep distance from them until they calm down or exhaust themselves.
Based on your scenario: - Make sure everyone has buckled on their PFD and are able to quickly abandon ship IF necessary and only on your command. - Quickly assess the damage for possible immediate/temporary repairs (do you have tools & materials, and ability to locate and plug or control breach. - If no other choice but to abandon ship, issue MAYDAY with location, personnel, condition. - If possible, set off flares, take portable VHF, signal mirror, etc., if available, and jettison any other floatation devices that could be used for visibility and additional security. - Have everyone stay together in water on or near boat (conditions depending) and keep everyone calm. - Important note once in the water: Do not let people who are panicking hold on to others. Panicking people will try to climb on top of anyone in their reach thinking they will get higher out of the water. Even people wearing PFDs could be forced head under by a hysterical person. Keep distance from them until they calm down or exhaust themselves.
funny, the premise is that you are singlehanding!!
Everyone is talking passengers!!! I believe that you pause and evaluate the situation first. If the bilge pumps are keeping up I'd head back to the marina or a sandy beach. If I was sitting on the bottom the last thing I'd do is head out to deep water to sink. If the water was cold I'd stay out of the water in my dingy. I swim well but hypothermia is a big killer. Wet suits/dry suits are probably more important than life jackets in cold water. A thick wetsuit probably has 20+ pounds of lift. After many years of doing stuff the number one thing I have learned is never lose your cool. Once you panic things always get worse.
Everyone is talking passengers!!! I believe that you pause and evaluate the situation first. If the bilge pumps are keeping up I'd head back to the marina or a sandy beach. If I was sitting on the bottom the last thing I'd do is head out to deep water to sink. If the water was cold I'd stay out of the water in my dingy. I swim well but hypothermia is a big killer. Wet suits/dry suits are probably more important than life jackets in cold water. A thick wetsuit probably has 20+ pounds of lift. After many years of doing stuff the number one thing I have learned is never lose your cool. Once you panic things always get worse.
Swear then
Belt up, radio marina, and hang with the boat if it is safe. If not safe, a quarter mile is not too far to swim. Swear some more once ashore and get a plan with the marina for getting the boat up/in. Make a friendly call to your insurance agent. Get a ride to the nearest bar to sort things out, swear some more, and make up lies about your adventure.
Belt up, radio marina, and hang with the boat if it is safe. If not safe, a quarter mile is not too far to swim. Swear some more once ashore and get a plan with the marina for getting the boat up/in. Make a friendly call to your insurance agent. Get a ride to the nearest bar to sort things out, swear some more, and make up lies about your adventure.
Head for home...fast!
Since the breakwater is only a quarter-mile away, I'd head for it with all speed while issuing a mayday. Even at four knots (which is pretty slow) I should make the entrance in under four minutes. I doubt the boat would sink that fast. Since it's my home marina, I'd try to either head back to the slip (easy to salvage from there) or if I won't make it in time, find an out of the way spot where the sunken boat won't be a hazard to others. I'd use distress signals (both visible and audible) as appropriate and I'd stay with the boat, unless it made more sense to swim for shore. As a former dinghy sailor I used to capsize a lot and have had boats sink under me twice (once at night). The main thing is not to panic. Peter H23 "Raven"
Since the breakwater is only a quarter-mile away, I'd head for it with all speed while issuing a mayday. Even at four knots (which is pretty slow) I should make the entrance in under four minutes. I doubt the boat would sink that fast. Since it's my home marina, I'd try to either head back to the slip (easy to salvage from there) or if I won't make it in time, find an out of the way spot where the sunken boat won't be a hazard to others. I'd use distress signals (both visible and audible) as appropriate and I'd stay with the boat, unless it made more sense to swim for shore. As a former dinghy sailor I used to capsize a lot and have had boats sink under me twice (once at night). The main thing is not to panic. Peter H23 "Raven"
It's very possible to singlehand with passengers
"Singlehanding" only means that you're managing the boat all by yourself...it doesn't rule out having passengers aboard who aren't capable of being more than ballast...small children...elderly relatives...or anyone else who, for whatever reason, can't function as crew.
"Singlehanding" only means that you're managing the boat all by yourself...it doesn't rule out having passengers aboard who aren't capable of being more than ballast...small children...elderly relatives...or anyone else who, for whatever reason, can't function as crew.
Sinking?
1. When sailing single handed, don't have the outboard running when you go forward!! Wear a life jacket just in case of falling overboard. Head into the wind, cut power, then go raise the sail. You won't have enough speed to do any damage if you do hit something. 2. Certainly don't leave the tiller until you are clear of any known underwater obstruction and have a reasonable amount of sea-room! 3. If, for some reason the boat does suddenly leak, turn on the bilge pump, head for a friendly shore (sandy beach, pebbles, no big rocks Please! A windward shore would be nice. Single handed you can't be down in the bilge and up at the tiller, picking a soft landing place, at the same time. If you are close enough to a marina with an open tie-up space, you could try to get in and hang the boat on lines until the situation could be assessed. However, sinking in their harbor entrance will not endear you to any marina. If the boat was the MacGregor 26 we used to own, I can't imagine an impact that would hole the boat. It was tough. Also, we had installed a pump to empty the ballast tank. It could just as easily bail the interior of the space between hull and lining. Also, the Mac had flotation. Not a half bad idea. Maybe someone can come up with auto-inflate air bags for boats. Fill the forepeak, the quarter berths, and it might just stay afloat until you find the leak and plug it.
1. When sailing single handed, don't have the outboard running when you go forward!! Wear a life jacket just in case of falling overboard. Head into the wind, cut power, then go raise the sail. You won't have enough speed to do any damage if you do hit something. 2. Certainly don't leave the tiller until you are clear of any known underwater obstruction and have a reasonable amount of sea-room! 3. If, for some reason the boat does suddenly leak, turn on the bilge pump, head for a friendly shore (sandy beach, pebbles, no big rocks Please! A windward shore would be nice. Single handed you can't be down in the bilge and up at the tiller, picking a soft landing place, at the same time. If you are close enough to a marina with an open tie-up space, you could try to get in and hang the boat on lines until the situation could be assessed. However, sinking in their harbor entrance will not endear you to any marina. If the boat was the MacGregor 26 we used to own, I can't imagine an impact that would hole the boat. It was tough. Also, we had installed a pump to empty the ballast tank. It could just as easily bail the interior of the space between hull and lining. Also, the Mac had flotation. Not a half bad idea. Maybe someone can come up with auto-inflate air bags for boats. Fill the forepeak, the quarter berths, and it might just stay afloat until you find the leak and plug it.
Go For It With Sea Sense
have everyone don, if they have not already, PFD's turn on the 3 big electric bilge pumps you added for such a time as this OR after calling mayday, fire up the one emergency high capacity pump if it is warm, coastal, non-stormy head for the marina and your slip, secure lines underneath if it is cold make sure all have on float coats, wet suits, dry suits if stormy and cannot make way beach the boat of course you do have insurance...call you agent stay with boat unless fire or other dangerous situation presents itself launch dingy and tow behind preparing to evacuate THERE IS A FLOTATION AIR BAG SYSTEM FOR SAILBOATS CALLED YACHTSAVER...THE COSTS ARE SUBSTANTIAL BUT NOT AS MUCH AS LOSING AN UNINSURED UNDERINSURED BOAT call a mechanic and "pickle" the engine/generator ASAP to avoid further damage i have heard it is better to pickle it, start it , and pickle it again but i am not sure of this probably better off NOT trying to use engine as bilge pump from the latest thinking on the subject of course all this time you have been pumping the manual pump you installed haven't you fire flares at night or smoke at day or use other means to alert rescuers if only 1/4 mile from marina you might immediately enlist the aid of a power boat (perish the thought) or another sail boat to bring you safely in whew...relax when ashore and assess the damage
have everyone don, if they have not already, PFD's turn on the 3 big electric bilge pumps you added for such a time as this OR after calling mayday, fire up the one emergency high capacity pump if it is warm, coastal, non-stormy head for the marina and your slip, secure lines underneath if it is cold make sure all have on float coats, wet suits, dry suits if stormy and cannot make way beach the boat of course you do have insurance...call you agent stay with boat unless fire or other dangerous situation presents itself launch dingy and tow behind preparing to evacuate THERE IS A FLOTATION AIR BAG SYSTEM FOR SAILBOATS CALLED YACHTSAVER...THE COSTS ARE SUBSTANTIAL BUT NOT AS MUCH AS LOSING AN UNINSURED UNDERINSURED BOAT call a mechanic and "pickle" the engine/generator ASAP to avoid further damage i have heard it is better to pickle it, start it , and pickle it again but i am not sure of this probably better off NOT trying to use engine as bilge pump from the latest thinking on the subject of course all this time you have been pumping the manual pump you installed haven't you fire flares at night or smoke at day or use other means to alert rescuers if only 1/4 mile from marina you might immediately enlist the aid of a power boat (perish the thought) or another sail boat to bring you safely in whew...relax when ashore and assess the damage
Unintended Consequences - "Sinking"
When a potential disaster emerges, whether it is collision with anything that holes the hull, fire, or knockdown: 1. get everyone aboard into their own lifejackets (each should be "sized to fit" before every departure); 2. Count noses - see to your crew; 3. React to damage control - if fire, remove all hands to unaffected area and attack the fire (you do have more than one approved extinguisher, don't you ?);5. 4. If holed and taking on water, start the pumps and determine extent of damage. Plug the hole if possible - use cushions, tapered dowels, brace and attempt to retard the inflow; 5. If advisable, use Channel 16 VHF and call for assistance. 6. If sinking is immanent, beach her if possible on a "soft" bottom !
When a potential disaster emerges, whether it is collision with anything that holes the hull, fire, or knockdown: 1. get everyone aboard into their own lifejackets (each should be "sized to fit" before every departure); 2. Count noses - see to your crew; 3. React to damage control - if fire, remove all hands to unaffected area and attack the fire (you do have more than one approved extinguisher, don't you ?);5. 4. If holed and taking on water, start the pumps and determine extent of damage. Plug the hole if possible - use cushions, tapered dowels, brace and attempt to retard the inflow; 5. If advisable, use Channel 16 VHF and call for assistance. 6. If sinking is immanent, beach her if possible on a "soft" bottom !
On MY BOAT, in MY LOCATION, I'd
You said it's on MY BOAT, so I base this on my location, and the equipment I have aboard. 1. Turn on the electric bilge pump if it's not on already. 2. Judge whether to proceed to boat yard for haul(which,as it happens, is about 1/4 mile from my harbor). 3. Judge whether to run the boat aground along the river bank (soft mud levee here, but also hard rip-rap at the water level.) 4. Find the leak and see if I can rig the collision mat I have aboard. 5. Prepare to pump with the whale manual bilge pump
You said it's on MY BOAT, so I base this on my location, and the equipment I have aboard. 1. Turn on the electric bilge pump if it's not on already. 2. Judge whether to proceed to boat yard for haul(which,as it happens, is about 1/4 mile from my harbor). 3. Judge whether to run the boat aground along the river bank (soft mud levee here, but also hard rip-rap at the water level.) 4. Find the leak and see if I can rig the collision mat I have aboard. 5. Prepare to pump with the whale manual bilge pump
grab the beer
grab the beer to avoid the panic of not having any when you get to shore, could be a long walk home.
grab the beer to avoid the panic of not having any when you get to shore, could be a long walk home.
Take the quickest route...
If I was half a mile away from MY marina in Oregon, I'd be about 100' offshore from the other side of the river, which is in Washington. Think I'd pay a friendly visit.
If I was half a mile away from MY marina in Oregon, I'd be about 100' offshore from the other side of the river, which is in Washington. Think I'd pay a friendly visit.
Based on your scenario ...
1. PFD is already on cause I'm singlehanding. 2. Bildge pump on automatically, I guess, but it's pretty small and probably not doing much. 3. Quick damage assessment below. If I can get at the hole, stuff something in to slow the flow. I'm not going to bother with a mayday cause I'm either going to be in a sling or on the sandflat in less than five minutes. 4. If looks like I might make it, call marina and see if sling can get there fast. 5. If really bad, head for the sand flat that should be just a couple hundred yards away. (I'd just lay over there ... I'd sink in the marina.) 6. I don't drink, but someone's going to hand me a beer somewhere after that, and I'll probably drink it while phoning my insurance agent. Tom Monroe Carlyle Lake
1. PFD is already on cause I'm singlehanding. 2. Bildge pump on automatically, I guess, but it's pretty small and probably not doing much. 3. Quick damage assessment below. If I can get at the hole, stuff something in to slow the flow. I'm not going to bother with a mayday cause I'm either going to be in a sling or on the sandflat in less than five minutes. 4. If looks like I might make it, call marina and see if sling can get there fast. 5. If really bad, head for the sand flat that should be just a couple hundred yards away. (I'd just lay over there ... I'd sink in the marina.) 6. I don't drink, but someone's going to hand me a beer somewhere after that, and I'll probably drink it while phoning my insurance agent. Tom Monroe Carlyle Lake
Implement SOP
Implement your vessels standard operarting procedure (SOP) for this situation. SImple.....provided you have thought this through, documented it and rehersed it (dry run, I mean)
Implement your vessels standard operarting procedure (SOP) for this situation. SImple.....provided you have thought this through, documented it and rehersed it (dry run, I mean)
Let this never happen to my boat, but..
In the river in which we sail, I would: 1. Let the bilge pump run while finishing raising the sail. 2. Put on life jacket. 3. Set the auto pilot and sails to head for the beach. 4. Add my manual pumping. The river is fairly shallow with sand beaches. I'd try to get it to the beach. Then have a good cry for my damaged boat.
In the river in which we sail, I would: 1. Let the bilge pump run while finishing raising the sail. 2. Put on life jacket. 3. Set the auto pilot and sails to head for the beach. 4. Add my manual pumping. The river is fairly shallow with sand beaches. I'd try to get it to the beach. Then have a good cry for my damaged boat.
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