Steve
Guru
Yesterday afternoon as we in the Apalachicola River were nearing Apalachicola Fl we came on a sailboat maybe 32' long motoring along very slowly. We gave him a "slow pass" as we were passing he hailed me on th VHF an said he had engine trouble (the oil pressure light was on and he didn't want to rev it up) and could I tow him to the anchorage. I thought about it and said I didn't feel comfortable towing him as I carry my hard dinghy on davits and was afraid we would wind up stuck on his bow or worse. He answered that it was no problem they would proceed slowly. as I passed them my concience got the best of me and I turned and came along side and told him we would give it a try, he said, good naturely, no bother that they were moving along ok, not far to go. We were only 2 miles max from their anchorage when we first met up with them. So I continued to Scipio Creek Marina. I was much relieved when I saw them arrive at the anchorage across the river later and that they were gone this morning, I imagine contuing their trip.
They were in no danger at any time, not far from the anchorage, there was a good breeze, in the worst case they could have sailed, with lots of close tacking, to make it. Tow boat or Sea tow are just a hail away in fact there was a Sea Tow boat in Scipio Creek Marina when we arrived.
I have often read don't try to tow another boat with your trawler unless it is a life or death situation. I have often towed boats in my outboard fishing boat with no problem.
So, What would you have done?
They were in no danger at any time, not far from the anchorage, there was a good breeze, in the worst case they could have sailed, with lots of close tacking, to make it. Tow boat or Sea tow are just a hail away in fact there was a Sea Tow boat in Scipio Creek Marina when we arrived.
I have often read don't try to tow another boat with your trawler unless it is a life or death situation. I have often towed boats in my outboard fishing boat with no problem.
So, What would you have done?
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