It can be done.

[Roger Long]

There was a fit of radio chatter today about a 30 foot sailboat that lost its steering and couldn't get the emergency tiller to fit (have you checked yours?). Another sailboat about the same size offered a tow. They wern't far away and I said to myself, "This I've gotta see.", so I turned on the engine as we were in the lull before the afternoon sea breeze comes up.

I was envisioning two guys trying to come along side in the sloppy sea. Tiny production boat stern cleats taking the shock of lines snubbing in the surge, uncontrolled yawing of the disabled boat, a little diesel trying to cope with the extra load. Being close to fish people or other things out of the water if necessary seemed like a good idea as well.

By the time we had them in sight, they were making remarkably good time back towards Portland. The tow boat had it's jib set to assist the engine on the reach and they must have made up the tow very quickly. I doubt we could have come up to them close hauled from our leward position.

We passed the tow boat heading down the coast for his homeport as we came in. It was one of those boats that just a glance at the outfiting, and gear setup tells you immediately is owned by someone unusually competent. That's the key to pulling something like this off smoothly.

 

[Joe Blizzard]

It was one of those boats that just a glance at the outfiting, and gear setup tells you immediately is owned by someone unusually competent.

What are the tell-tale signs of this, Roger? (I might want to try to give a false impression of such myself...wiink wink, nod nod.)

 

[txtowman]

me too, I tow powerboats quite often. I believe in helping out when I can and enjoy the challenge. The stares are just a perk!

 

[chuckwayne]

Roger,
we were out by Portland Head light listening in, and we very curious-the disabled boat seemed a little confused about his problem and location, and was trying to talk the assisting boat out of helping so he wouldn't be inconvenienced???? How large was the towing boat?

 

[Roger Long]

How large was the towing boat?

I think it was a 32 towing a 30. I'm not sure the rescue boat was a Hunter but it was that general type. I didn't realize it was the boat until I looked back and saw the name.

The operator of the boat in distress did sound a bit flustered. I'll give him credit though for emphasizing to the Coast Guard that he was in no danger.

Have you noticed a dramatic increase in calls to Sea Tow this year? I wonder if the pre-paid aspect is leading to use inflation? I've heard call from powerboats because ONE engine was out and they were down to 4 knots. Another fellow had them come out to help get his anchor up.

 

[Cpt. Jon]

Have you noticed a dramatic increase in calls to Sea Tow this year? I wonder if the pre-paid aspect is leading to use inflation? I've heard call from powerboats because ONE engine was out and they were down to 4 knots. Another fellow had them come out to help get his anchor up.

My brother and I were talking about the increase of the tow boat US activity this year just yesterday. They are based just up the river from us and it seems like they are making run after run to tow someone in. Last week I saw them right an overturned skiff. I have no idea how that happened, it was probably like a 14ft Car. Skiff with an outboard. The marine police were on scene and assisted with the rescue of the operator and then got him to the tow boat once the skiff was righted.

We were wondering what the significant increase in tows this year is due to, perhaps ethanol, perhaps people just aren't using their boats enough, or regular maintenance isn't happening because of associated cost.

 

[chuckwayne]

Thanks, Roger!
Yes, it does seem like there are a lot more calls for assistance this year-I'm not sure why, but you might be on to something-a lot of the calls we've heard seem to be made before the boat tried pretty obvious things to solve their own problems.
two Saturdays ago we stood by while the crew of a small catamaran struggled to right their boat in the high winds. We couldn't get close enough to assist since they were over a rocky shoal, but we alerted the coast guard and stood by for about 20 minutes until they got things under control. While we watched we heard several other calls-people adrift without power for example,-who hadn't thought to put out an anchor but wanted a CG rescue!