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Crashed into dockside do you make it a big deal or not?long

BA
Bob Austin
Thu, Dec 2, 2004 11:40 PM

First thing to do is file a police report.  This is basically a "hit and run"
They caused the damage and did not give you their name and insurance
information.  Lacking that, it becomes a hit and run.

The marina needs to know about this type of activity.  They may not want these
folks a tennants.

I would then discuss it with the skipper of the towing boat and the owner of
the towed boat.  They will have to pay.  Peroid.  They also need to pay a
surveyor or your choice to determine the extent of the damage.  Then get
professional estimates of how much it will cost.

The sport fisher did not know how to tow.  At close quarters the tow boat
should not be pulling a unmaned boat on a tow rope--in fact at no time should
the tow boat be pulling an unmaned boat.  The tow boat should have at least
been on the outside quarter of the boat he was "towing".  He should have
stopped before entering the marina and secured his boat properly--with both
breast and spring lines.  At that time the "towed" boat should have had
fenders out and lines ready--with at least one--better two people on board.

I realize that the sport fisher was trying to do his buddy a favor--but a
battery charger, extra battery or professional tow would have been a much
better idea!

Bob Austin

First thing to do is file a police report. This is basically a "hit and run" They caused the damage and did not give you their name and insurance information. Lacking that, it becomes a hit and run. The marina needs to know about this type of activity. They may not want these folks a tennants. I would then discuss it with the skipper of the towing boat and the owner of the towed boat. They will have to pay. Peroid. They also need to pay a surveyor or your choice to determine the extent of the damage. Then get professional estimates of how much it will cost. The sport fisher did not know how to tow. At close quarters the tow boat should not be pulling a unmaned boat on a tow rope--in fact at no time should the tow boat be pulling an unmaned boat. The tow boat should have at least been on the outside quarter of the boat he was "towing". He should have stopped before entering the marina and secured his boat properly--with both breast and spring lines. At that time the "towed" boat should have had fenders out and lines ready--with at least one--better two people on board. I realize that the sport fisher was trying to do his buddy a favor--but a battery charger, extra battery or professional tow would have been a much better idea! Bob Austin