Runaway Boat...getting it stopped.

[Bigprairie1]

Ok, got this info from the Coast Guard via the marina owner regarding something that happened to him last year with a runaway boat in the marina.
Get a reasonable length/bundle of rope (ski rope, whatever), spread it out a bit and chuck it in the way of the boats path...even if the boat is doing circles, etc and spinning...this will work. The boat will run over it and the leg and prop will grab it and ba-ding-bing...motor stall. You can do this from a near by boat or dock and it works very reliably according to the coast guard. I guess its the marine equivalent of a spike belt...only quicker.
That said, do not try to pull up along side it and grab it...in all likelihood you're in for a world of trouble and hurt and will undoubtedly have some nicely crushed fingers and substantial boat damage by the end of the day.
I hope I never a get a chance to do this.

 

[QuadManiac]

Re: Runaway Boat...getting it stopped.

2: Train the captain to attach the lanyard to his life vest. (and of course, don the vest)

 

[steelespike]

Re: Runaway Boat...getting it stopped.

This reminds me of an amazing story.
In the 60s I was at an outboard race in Fishers Landing NY.A boat almost went over in the turn and threw the driver out.The boat continued at reduced speed headed for shore and spectators.Two drivers left the race one attempted to divert the boat with his the other pulled along side and jumped
into the runaway boat.I wonder if Chinewalker ever heard this story.His dad
used to race in the area around that time.

 

[F_R]

Re: Runaway Boat...getting it stopped.

'S funny, I ran over my ski rope numerous times and it didn't stall the motor. Sure plays heck with the rope though. Even ran over the anchor rope once and didn't even know it till I went to drop anchor and there wasn't any. Funny, the remaining rope exactly reached the prop.

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: Runaway Boat...getting it stopped.

I think you are right FR about the single rope part. I think the idea is to get a bunch or rope in the water to tie up the prop. One only would run the risk I suppose of only a quick clip.
Still...it makes good sense to me.

 

[redfury]

Re: Runaway Boat...getting it stopped.

Well, it's either that or a well placed high powered rifle shot into the engine cowl...better hope it isn't an inboard too.