Continuing with the discussion about bridge etiquette and its various
wanderings about getting close to the bank to allow room for the big boys to
pass...
-
Large boats from tows to full displacement trawlers (and other boats)
will pull water from the banks and set you on the bottom. Way back when ...
In our 100 foot flat bottom buoy tender we could drop the water levels by 3
to 4 feet at the banks in narrow passages on the ICW. So getting up close
the bank is only advisable when in full communication with the tow and an
agreement that they will wind 'em down and cool 'em off as they pass you. Or
you may find yourself stuck in the mud with the suction holding you in place
when the tsunami hits.
-
Tows, especially those with three props, will create a bubbler effect
such that the water behind them is so full of air bubbles from cavitation
that it won't support the weight of your boat. This is especially true when
spinning their wheels in a getting underway situation or when they've put
their barges on the bank and are just holding them with the props rotating.
In a narrow passage, make sure you are in communication with them before you
cross their stern or it's like a whirlpool and will spin you sideways as you
literally fall into the soft water hole behind their stern. Watch how far
behind them you see the churning water. You do not need to be that close to
experience this phenomena. When that happens, cut your speed to get a grip
and then turn away. Your props are agitating the bubbles and creating a
situation where you rudder has nothing to steer with. It needs water passing
by, air won't do it. That's why when you cut your rpm, your rudder will be
able to work again and then once faced in the correct position you can power
back up to get away - been there done that.
Best,
Bob
Bob & Kemba DeGroot
Aboard M/V Spirit Dancer, DeFever 49 CMY
MTOA # 1896; DFCruisers # 857; AGLCA # 427; Lakewood Yacht Club
www.BoaterSites.com, Cell :713-876-8787, Skype: 1-281-506-2676 or
dr.bob.degroot
www.SalesHelp.com, www.MarinaCustomerServiceTraining.com
Continuing with the discussion about bridge etiquette and its various
wanderings about getting close to the bank to allow room for the big boys to
pass...
1. Large boats from tows to full displacement trawlers (and other boats)
will pull water from the banks and set you on the bottom. Way back when ...
In our 100 foot flat bottom buoy tender we could drop the water levels by 3
to 4 feet at the banks in narrow passages on the ICW. So getting up close
the bank is only advisable when in full communication with the tow and an
agreement that they will wind 'em down and cool 'em off as they pass you. Or
you may find yourself stuck in the mud with the suction holding you in place
when the tsunami hits.
2. Tows, especially those with three props, will create a bubbler effect
such that the water behind them is so full of air bubbles from cavitation
that it won't support the weight of your boat. This is especially true when
spinning their wheels in a getting underway situation or when they've put
their barges on the bank and are just holding them with the props rotating.
In a narrow passage, make sure you are in communication with them before you
cross their stern or it's like a whirlpool and will spin you sideways as you
literally fall into the soft water hole behind their stern. Watch how far
behind them you see the churning water. You do not need to be that close to
experience this phenomena. When that happens, cut your speed to get a grip
and then turn away. Your props are agitating the bubbles and creating a
situation where you rudder has nothing to steer with. It needs water passing
by, air won't do it. That's why when you cut your rpm, your rudder will be
able to work again and then once faced in the correct position you can power
back up to get away - been there done that.
Best,
Bob
Bob & Kemba DeGroot
Aboard M/V Spirit Dancer, DeFever 49 CMY
MTOA # 1896; DFCruisers # 857; AGLCA # 427; Lakewood Yacht Club
www.BoaterSites.com, Cell :713-876-8787, Skype: 1-281-506-2676 or
dr.bob.degroot
www.SalesHelp.com, www.MarinaCustomerServiceTraining.com
