If any of you are not members of TowBoatUS well you better get your checkbook out as fast as you can and join up. Last week I dropped my outboard off for service and, of course, it wasn't ready this week but my wife, grown daughter, and I decided to go for a sail anyway in our Pearson 26. A nice breeze took us out and around Solomons, Md. all day. Just when we turned to come in the wind came to a complete stop. Not a breath! We sat for an hour when I noticed the tide was taking us out to the Bay away from port. I got on the horn and called TowBoatUS and they were out there right away, secured us to the side of the tow boat and had us back at my dock in 30 minites. Capt. Bob French and his wife Capt. Jane French were most professional in every way and very friendly. His bill to BoatUS was $132.00. I paid $32.00 last December for the tow insurance.(The best $32.00 I've spent in a long time!!) I didn't have to pay him a cent. We were so appreciative we did give them a small tip though. (The only cash we had on board!) They did a great job and we were not in any grave danger, just floating out to sea! However just by the way they conducted themselves I know if there had been an emergency they would have been right on top of things. Thanks to Jane & Bob and TowBoatUS. David, Ginni & Nicole Guthridge
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Bob
RESPONSIBILITY!!!!!!!
Hi Dave, As the skipper you have a primary responsibility and obligation for the safety of your crew and others. Certainly not demonstrated by what you wrote. The way I see it you had the rest of us pay $100 for your self-induced tow. Hope you view my comments critically and think about your obligations as a skipper. Check the weather, boat, backup systems, float plans, ………. and boat safely. Bob
Hi Dave, As the skipper you have a primary responsibility and obligation for the safety of your crew and others. Certainly not demonstrated by what you wrote. The way I see it you had the rest of us pay $100 for your self-induced tow. Hope you view my comments critically and think about your obligations as a skipper. Check the weather, boat, backup systems, float plans, ………. and boat safely. Bob
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Jim A
I pay
$100 for unlimited towing to BoatUS. I hope I never need it. If I do, hope they don't claim salvage!
$100 for unlimited towing to BoatUS. I hope I never need it. If I do, hope they don't claim salvage!
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Tom S
grave danger, just floating out to sea ?
David, Didn't you have an anchor? To me, an anchor is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment on a boat (sans life vests). Did you know that many sailboat racers, when they get caught with little or no wind and a tide pulling them backwards will drop anchor to avoid losing any position. Its legal and makes lots of sense. ps...I wonder if I would ever take any boat very far if I didn't have some type of engine. Glad you got home.
David, Didn't you have an anchor? To me, an anchor is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment on a boat (sans life vests). Did you know that many sailboat racers, when they get caught with little or no wind and a tide pulling them backwards will drop anchor to avoid losing any position. Its legal and makes lots of sense. ps...I wonder if I would ever take any boat very far if I didn't have some type of engine. Glad you got home.
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Rick Webb
Lighten Up Guys
Dave paid for a service, used it and was impressed enough to recomend it. Could he have waited for some wind and gone back into port? Sure, but rather than wait he chose to take advantage of a service he had already subscribed to.
Dave paid for a service, used it and was impressed enough to recomend it. Could he have waited for some wind and gone back into port? Sure, but rather than wait he chose to take advantage of a service he had already subscribed to.
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Tom S
Rick, true. But around here if he did that often
then he'd be needing a tow every third time he went out.
then he'd be needing a tow every third time he went out.
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Richard Briggs
Thanks for Sharing
Thanks Dave for sharing your praise of towboat. I hope I never need them, but like yourself I would use them. I appreciate the fact you shared the experience to give praise not to expect criticism. I was not aboard so I am sure as captain you acted in a fashion you felt was prudent at the time. I also have AAA for my automobile and once had use it, to have gas delivered to me in the middle of the desert of Nevada, this is a circumstance that could be criticized but I paid for a service and used it. Regards Richard s/v La Vida Feliz
Thanks Dave for sharing your praise of towboat. I hope I never need them, but like yourself I would use them. I appreciate the fact you shared the experience to give praise not to expect criticism. I was not aboard so I am sure as captain you acted in a fashion you felt was prudent at the time. I also have AAA for my automobile and once had use it, to have gas delivered to me in the middle of the desert of Nevada, this is a circumstance that could be criticized but I paid for a service and used it. Regards Richard s/v La Vida Feliz
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John Visser
Question for David
So, what was the plan. I mean, did you plan on the wind blowing steadily for the whole time you were out (and back)? Does it often do that there?
So, what was the plan. I mean, did you plan on the wind blowing steadily for the whole time you were out (and back)? Does it often do that there?
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Bryan
Needed a tow?
We called for a tow, they didn't show up, but the Coast Guard did! We were coming back to port with the wind blowing, got a line tangled around the prop. Stopped the prop immediately, broke the engine mounts. Anchor was out, called TBUS, and they said, they didn't have a boat available. The one they use was broken. But they would send one out the next day. Well we called the Coast Guard, and they sent a boat to get us off for the night. TBUS, came out the next day at 11:00 am and towed us back in. $450 bill to tow us less than a mile. We had insurance also! Well....Since the Coast Guard doesn't have time to tow everyone in, We are left with Tow Companies, like AAA for cars. So might as well get the most coverage you can afford, and make sure "they" don't claim it as "Salvage" could take 10% of your boats value. ALWAYS read what they bill you for, and if in doubt and not a safety issue, talk to your agent. Even "full" coverage can be costly to YOU! But you never know when a stray anchor line, crab pot, or what have you may make your day an adventure! Know your rights, and your coverage, don't assume.
We called for a tow, they didn't show up, but the Coast Guard did! We were coming back to port with the wind blowing, got a line tangled around the prop. Stopped the prop immediately, broke the engine mounts. Anchor was out, called TBUS, and they said, they didn't have a boat available. The one they use was broken. But they would send one out the next day. Well we called the Coast Guard, and they sent a boat to get us off for the night. TBUS, came out the next day at 11:00 am and towed us back in. $450 bill to tow us less than a mile. We had insurance also! Well....Since the Coast Guard doesn't have time to tow everyone in, We are left with Tow Companies, like AAA for cars. So might as well get the most coverage you can afford, and make sure "they" don't claim it as "Salvage" could take 10% of your boats value. ALWAYS read what they bill you for, and if in doubt and not a safety issue, talk to your agent. Even "full" coverage can be costly to YOU! But you never know when a stray anchor line, crab pot, or what have you may make your day an adventure! Know your rights, and your coverage, don't assume.
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David
bytch and moan
Seams like the captain did the right thing. Protecting his crew is no. 1 on the list. and yes many different things "could have" been done or did differently, But under the situation .... i agree with the way it was handled .... if you pay for a towing insuranace and need it ... where is the wrong. David
Seams like the captain did the right thing. Protecting his crew is no. 1 on the list. and yes many different things "could have" been done or did differently, But under the situation .... i agree with the way it was handled .... if you pay for a towing insuranace and need it ... where is the wrong. David
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Pops
What it Boat US did not have a boat available
I agree with those who think that leaving port without a way of getting back if the wind dies is very poor planning indeed, not to mention not knowing that the tide would push you out further (did you have a tide chart onboard?). If the VHF or cell phone had malfuntioned, or the Boat US boat was broken, or the sails ripped, or someone was severly injured, or, or, or,..... It seems to me that unless you are planning to be stranded if the wind dies and are prepared (food, water, medical supplies) to drop anchor until the wind picks up, the Captains prudent decision would be to stay in port until your engine was repaired and had been properly tested. The Captain has to be responsible enough to say "Sorry, no sailing today", not always the popular thing to say, (as I'm sure me saying this is not always popular in this "Do It" world with, in my opinion, too little thought for the consequence of our actions.
I agree with those who think that leaving port without a way of getting back if the wind dies is very poor planning indeed, not to mention not knowing that the tide would push you out further (did you have a tide chart onboard?). If the VHF or cell phone had malfuntioned, or the Boat US boat was broken, or the sails ripped, or someone was severly injured, or, or, or,..... It seems to me that unless you are planning to be stranded if the wind dies and are prepared (food, water, medical supplies) to drop anchor until the wind picks up, the Captains prudent decision would be to stay in port until your engine was repaired and had been properly tested. The Captain has to be responsible enough to say "Sorry, no sailing today", not always the popular thing to say, (as I'm sure me saying this is not always popular in this "Do It" world with, in my opinion, too little thought for the consequence of our actions.
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Tom S
Pops is right. So if Protecting his crew is #1
on the list. Then why would going out without an engine "Seam" (sic) like the captain did the right thing ? Don't you think a little forethought is a better way to protect the crew? I have no problem with him using the towing service at all, but its not like something happened to his boat 'after' he went out. Lets hope lessons were learned.
on the list. Then why would going out without an engine "Seam" (sic) like the captain did the right thing ? Don't you think a little forethought is a better way to protect the crew? I have no problem with him using the towing service at all, but its not like something happened to his boat 'after' he went out. Lets hope lessons were learned.
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Richard Briggs
It's A Sailboat
I just have to put in my last 2 cents worth. We must remember it is a SAILBOAT not a power boat. I think we all have maybe sailed on a boat at one time or another without an engine. Don't we pride ourselfs on "sailing" into the slip. Thanks for listening. I must admit that this is an excellant forum, and I respect the views of every one and have learned a lot from you.. Richard s/v La Vida Feliz
I just have to put in my last 2 cents worth. We must remember it is a SAILBOAT not a power boat. I think we all have maybe sailed on a boat at one time or another without an engine. Don't we pride ourselfs on "sailing" into the slip. Thanks for listening. I must admit that this is an excellant forum, and I respect the views of every one and have learned a lot from you.. Richard s/v La Vida Feliz
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Tom S
Richard, you are right.
But if thats true, then why didn't drop anchor and wait for either the tides or winds to change so he could get back ? Just like in the days of wooden ships. And if your logic really holds true, then why did he have to have a POWER BOAT bring him back to the dock anyway ?!? Now if his story is about a guy that gets around everywhere WITH OUT an engine (like some world travellers) and just waits for the tides/winds to change then I am very impressed and in "awe" of that person. Not putting David G down. Just putting things in proper persective. I try to sail as much as I can, and try to sail all the way into my slip (even made it a few times, but normally very well protected and theres no wind the last 100 yards). But knowing this, I wouldn't leave my slip without an engine. Small daysailers might be different if I knew I had any propulsion (i.e Oars)
But if thats true, then why didn't drop anchor and wait for either the tides or winds to change so he could get back ? Just like in the days of wooden ships. And if your logic really holds true, then why did he have to have a POWER BOAT bring him back to the dock anyway ?!? Now if his story is about a guy that gets around everywhere WITH OUT an engine (like some world travellers) and just waits for the tides/winds to change then I am very impressed and in "awe" of that person. Not putting David G down. Just putting things in proper persective. I try to sail as much as I can, and try to sail all the way into my slip (even made it a few times, but normally very well protected and theres no wind the last 100 yards). But knowing this, I wouldn't leave my slip without an engine. Small daysailers might be different if I knew I had any propulsion (i.e Oars)
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John Dawson
Considerations
David said he was out all day; since the wind usually dies out toward the evening around here, he may be guilty of not quitting early. And I'm a little surprised there was no traffic in that area to lend a hand. While drifting out to sea in the middle Bay is not to be taken literally, I would not feel comfortable drifting or anchored in open sea-lanes at night. Particularly in the restricted waters of the Naval Air Warfare Center or the Baltimore shipping lanes. I would say have a backup plan or be more conservative, like staying inside the Patuxent.
David said he was out all day; since the wind usually dies out toward the evening around here, he may be guilty of not quitting early. And I'm a little surprised there was no traffic in that area to lend a hand. While drifting out to sea in the middle Bay is not to be taken literally, I would not feel comfortable drifting or anchored in open sea-lanes at night. Particularly in the restricted waters of the Naval Air Warfare Center or the Baltimore shipping lanes. I would say have a backup plan or be more conservative, like staying inside the Patuxent.
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Tom S
Richard....What !?! There is no IF .
He didn't have an engine ! Plain and simple. We don't have to be on board, he TOLD us. And the reason he called Boat US was because the wind died. Which as a fact, should not come as a surprise to anybody that sails on the Cheasapeake. This is not the space shuttle and the odds of the winds dying on the waters there are about 1 in 2. ps. I have heard that childhood ditty and it doesn't pertain in this circumstance
He didn't have an engine ! Plain and simple. We don't have to be on board, he TOLD us. And the reason he called Boat US was because the wind died. Which as a fact, should not come as a surprise to anybody that sails on the Cheasapeake. This is not the space shuttle and the odds of the winds dying on the waters there are about 1 in 2. ps. I have heard that childhood ditty and it doesn't pertain in this circumstance
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Bryan
TOUGH CROWD
A short little story sure can generate alot criticism. What do you think the odds are of David making another post? Not likely. Must be nice blessed with such forsight. How many incidents are not the skippers "fault". When can I call for a tow? Out of gas?...no, my fault. Bad impeller?...no,should always have a spare. Line around the prop?...bad sail handling. The list wil not end. Take the post for what it was meant to be. A recomendation. Nothing more or less.
A short little story sure can generate alot criticism. What do you think the odds are of David making another post? Not likely. Must be nice blessed with such forsight. How many incidents are not the skippers "fault". When can I call for a tow? Out of gas?...no, my fault. Bad impeller?...no,should always have a spare. Line around the prop?...bad sail handling. The list wil not end. Take the post for what it was meant to be. A recomendation. Nothing more or less.
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J. Greenwood
Hope David Guthridge posts again and often
We were just expressing ourhope that he learns from this and doesn't make the same mistake too many times. But Bryan from Dallas Duhh !!!! I think you are missing the point. (Is this so hard for everyone to grasp....wow) There is a HUGE difference between needing assistance when something happens AFTER you leave the dock, like "running out of gas, Bad impeller or line around the prop?" and KNOWING YOU ARE LEAVING A DOCK WITHOUT AN ENGINE IN A PLACE WHERE THE WINDS DIE TO NOTHING ALMOST EVERY SINGLE DAY !! If people can't understand that, then you never will.
We were just expressing ourhope that he learns from this and doesn't make the same mistake too many times. But Bryan from Dallas Duhh !!!! I think you are missing the point. (Is this so hard for everyone to grasp....wow) There is a HUGE difference between needing assistance when something happens AFTER you leave the dock, like "running out of gas, Bad impeller or line around the prop?" and KNOWING YOU ARE LEAVING A DOCK WITHOUT AN ENGINE IN A PLACE WHERE THE WINDS DIE TO NOTHING ALMOST EVERY SINGLE DAY !! If people can't understand that, then you never will.
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Dave
Alternation Means of Propulsion
As I understand it we are to always to have an alternate means of propulsion in our sailing plan. I think it is USCG regulation, but I am not sure about that. With engine back in the shop what was to be the alternate means of propulsion? Good Winds, Dave s/v DAMWEGAS
As I understand it we are to always to have an alternate means of propulsion in our sailing plan. I think it is USCG regulation, but I am not sure about that. With engine back in the shop what was to be the alternate means of propulsion? Good Winds, Dave s/v DAMWEGAS
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Ed
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