Backing a 340 DA to shore

[Ka1oxd]

I have only had I/O until now. My last boat was a 260 DA with an alpha drive. We always backed the boats to shore using the anchor off the bow and a line from the stern to the shore. I would bring up the outdrive and keep the stern in about 3.5 foot of water.

Now the the 340 DA and inboards, the clearance is 2.5" of water. Would you still back it to the shore and keep about 3.5 foot of water or would you keep it deeper? Were we do this is on the Connecticut river, which is tidal water and all sand, no rocks or other underwater hazards.

 

[JV II]

With an inboard or IPS boat I would anchor out in deep water to protect my expensive underwater gear and take the dingy to shore. Why risk sitting on the bottom if the tide goes out, sucking sand in through the generator, dinging the props with a stone, or bending a blade. Walking to shore off the swim platform is for I/O boats.

 

[Hampton]

Would you still back it to the shore and keep about 3.5 foot of water or would you keep it deeper? Were we do this is on the Connecticut river, which is tidal water and all sand, no rocks or other underwater hazards.

I would back it in. We do. We know our area very well. Set the bow anchor with the appropriate scope. Prepare the stern anchors. Keep lines out of the water. Back down as you set your bow anchor by letting off of the anchor lowering switch while still backing a couple of times. When your bow swings true (straightens out), continue letting line out until you are comfortable with the depth. This depend on visibility in the water, angle of the shore line into the water, the probability of hazards.

We stand in the water just over waist deep and guide the next boat in until we can reach their anchors. Hand a stern anchor out, (I shut down right then except in big winds or crowded parking). Have the person briskly walk out to the end of the line and set the anchor. It should already be tied on. It doesn't matter whether or not it's in the right spot, set the anchor. Once the boat settles out, reset as required. Tighten up the bow line as required. We set two stern anchors because winds swing 360* overnight.

Start conservatively. Know your limits. Know the risks. Mind the tides.

 

[370Dancer]

......We stand in the water just over waste deep ......

Ewwwww......
(Sorry, couldn't resist)

 

[Hampton]

I fixed it.

 

[Plane 2 Sea]

Standard practice backing to shore up our way, known area, lots of sand. Usually a little deeper than that, get in the water, walk the stern line/anchor in to shallow. Takes a wet suit in early season!!!

 

[Ka1oxd]

Thanks all for the input. Like I said, this is the inboard that I own. I have many I/O that I used to do this with. BTW, if you seen the news tonight where a Connecticut power plant blew up, the beach I go to is right across the river from where this happened.