Equipment Outfitters

Going aground can result from operating in shallow water or from leaving your boat on a beach when the tide is going out. The situation is often nothing more than a minor annoyance and an embarrassment since it is usually easy to push the boat off or float it free when the tide rises. Nevertheless, after a grounding you should inspect both the hull and the engine carefully for even minor damage.

What to do when you Aground

1. Shut off the engine immediately.
2. Tilt the drive unit upwards. Check the propeller for damage.
3. Attempt to refloat.
4. Obtain help to refloat.

Check for Damage

If you were under power when you went aground, shift to neutral and shut off the engine immediately to prevent any further damage to the propeller. Check the propeller to see whether it is bent, damaged or broken. To protect the outboard shaft or sterndrive, tilt the drive unit upwards. Examine the hull, inside and out, for leaks or visible damage. If none is found, plan to refloat your boat immediately.

Refloating Yourself

If you are nearly afloat, you may be able to push the boat off. Don’t try to restart the engine in shallow water, though, because you may suck sand or gravel into the water intake or damage the propeller.

If the boat is firmly stuck, rocking the boat by having the crew move quickly from side to side may break the suction of a mud or sand bottom. If that doesn’t work, it may help to remove weight, including all unneeded crew, so that the boat floats more easily.

If the wind or current is pushing you onto the shore, put an anchor out to seaward to assist in pulling off. The anchor can be floated out on a life cushion by a swimmer and then released.

This procedure is called “kedging off.” By keeping the anchor line tight, the boat may work itself off naturally. Or you can wait for the incoming tide to pull yourself off.

If you are firmly stuck, it may be necesssary to get assistance in refloating your boat after you go aground. If so, there are a couple of techniques to consider before getting started. There are, in addition, legal responsibilities and rights which will affect both you and the owner of the boat rendering assistance to you. This may also influence how you handle the problem.

Refloating With Help

One way to get unstuck is to have another powerboat go back and forth nearby, thus creating a wake. As the wake comes in, your boat will float briefly in each surge. Using an anchor to kedge off or simply getting out on the side of the incoming wake and pushing the boat off will move it away from the shore.

You may take a tow line from another boat. If you do take a tow, secure it to a strong fitting, such as a towing eye, and protect yourself and your crew in case the line breaks. And be patient. It takes a while for tension on a tow line to pull a boat free.

LEGAL

There are many misconceptions about Coast Guard duties and salvage rights. The “Good Samaritan” policy has extended to mariners, who will go to each other’s assistance as a matter of courtesy and concern without remuneration in mind. However, under strict salvage laws, anyone rendering assistance is entitled to reasonable payment.

If you abandon your boat, it may be claimed by a salvager unless you leave a specific written note saying that you will return. If there is any question, it is best to stay aboard.

If you accept a tow from a commercial towing operator, agree on a price beforehand.

Boatmen are required by law to do everything possible to save lives, but you are not obligated to endanger your crew or your boat to save property.

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