How to execute a SLOW PASS

Boat ahead is being approached by a faster boat from behind. Proper
etiquette is that the faster boat should hail the boat he wants to pass on
channel 16, then switch to another channel. Otherwise, the slower ahead boat
could call the faster boat likewise.
Both boats maintain their respective speeds.
Faster boat should approach slower boat ahead at speed until he reaches the
stern of the slower boat.
Faster boat must pass slower boat within one boat length LATERALLY, that is,
to his beam.
At this point, and coordinated on the radio between the two boats, the
faster boat should reduce speed to match that of the slower boat. Both boats
should reduce speed to minimum wake speed. Then the slower boat should
reduce speed even further, even to idle speed while the faster boat proceeds
to pass with minimum wake.
As the faster boat's stern wake passes the bow of the slower boat, the
faster boat is now free to proceed back to cruise speed without fear of
creating wakes on the slower boat.
NOTE - there are two key elements here. One is the faster boat must come and
pass close (laterally) to the slower boat. If he passes far aside, it will
take much longer for his stern wake to pass the bow of the slower boat. The
closeness of the boats is what makes this maneuver quick, efficient, and
easy for both. The other key element is radio communication. Stay on the
chosen channel and each skipper should talk each step through. No surprises
for anyone.

It is interesting to note how many trawler owners do not know this
procedure. Very rare to find a boat in Canada that knows it but I have
politely introduced it to several skippers there who greatly appreciated it.
if you travel the ICW in the East it is commonly practiced there but yet not
enough.
R.

Our Great Loop blog is
http://www.SayGood-Bye.com

Youtube channel for the videos
www.youtube.com/user/ralphyost1
Say Good-Bye
41 Defever

Great article Ralph
As one of the " fast boats " let me add a couple comments here. How many of your boat names are clearly visable and in a font easily readible from a good distance back so I can know who I am calling? If you have the dinghy up is the name visable and easy to read? I always try to call for the slow pass as I catch up to you and often get no response or worse yet the slow boat slows to 4 MPH. For my boat to get by you at that speed I am making my maximum wake, sorry that's just the way it is designed. Ralph we have passed a few times and you know how to pratically stop and make the pass easier on both boats, kudos to you. One other thing not mentioned is to move over some especially in the sometimes narrow ICW channels when a boat is approaching from astern. Many times I can pass you wide and stay on plane making a much smaller wake while we both maintain the most efficient cruising speed for our respective vessels. I will be one of the first to say there are many discourteous fast boats out there and they are not all small "SR" types. We have many times been almost washed up on the sand bars by the big "SF" types who seem to think the waterway is all theirs.
What it all boils down to is we are all sharing the same waterway in pursuit of the adventures of a lifetime. Showing all a little courtesy and using some common sense will make it more enjoyable for everyone.
David Doyle
MemoryMaker too
2007 Rinker 270 Express
www.CruisingTheGreatLoop.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Ralph Yost ralph@alphacompservices.com
To: great-loop great-loop@lists.trawlering.com
Sent: Tue, Sep 18, 2012 10:11 pm
Subject: GL: How to execute a SLOW PASS

How to execute a SLOW PASS

Boat ahead is being approached by a faster boat from behind. Proper
etiquette is that the faster boat should hail the boat he wants to pass on
channel 16, then switch to another channel.
should reduce speed to minimum wake speed. Then the slower boat should
reduce speed even further, even to idle speed while the faster boat proceeds
to pass with minimum wake.

NOTE - there are two key elements here. One is the faster boat must come and
pass close (laterally) to the slower boat. If he passes far aside, it will
take much longer for his stern wake to pass the bow of the slower boat. The
closeness of the boats is what makes this maneuver quick, efficient, and
easy for both. The other key element is radio communication. Stay on the
chosen channel and each skipper should talk each step through. No surprises
for anyone.

It is interesting to note how many trawler owners do not know this
procedure. Very rare to find a boat in Canada that knows it but I have
politely introduced it to several skippers there who greatly appreciated it.
if you travel the ICW in the East it is commonly practiced there but yet not
enough.
R.

Our Great Loop blog is
http://www.SayGood-Bye.com

Youtube channel for the videos
www.youtube.com/user/ralphyost1
Say Good-Bye
41 Defever

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