Alex F
Well-Known Member
- Nov 14, 2006
- 9,167
- Boat Info
- 2005 420DB with AB 11 DLX Tender, Raymarine Electronics (2x12" MFDs) with Vesper AIS
- Engines
- Cummins 450Cs, 9KW Onan Generator, 40HP Yamaha for tender.
Many years ago I had to learn it the hard way as well. Although I had plan B and plan C, so the boat was recovered quickly. But, as others have mentioned, it depends.
Since the OP asked for open seas situation, we can also assume that the water might be too deep for the anchor line to hold. In this case everything that was mentioned on what to do in order not to loose the boat out of your reach must apply.
The statement about your body and the boat drifting together is not true in my book. The boat outweights a person by far, thus it will pick up speed from current and/or wind much faster.
I guess, in quick summary for situations when you can't anchor or decide not to since you only want to swim for couple of minutes, I can say that:
1. you (the captain) can never leave the boat if you have no one else to take your spot behind the helm (with knowledge on how to operate).
2. if you still decide to go for a quick swim, never loose the grip on anything that's attached to the boat (line with fender, swim ladder, etc.). The moment you have any distance between you and your boat you're adding a risk of loosing it.
Very good swimmers might say that they'll their boat easelly from 100'-200', I'd say this is where the trouble begins.
Since the OP asked for open seas situation, we can also assume that the water might be too deep for the anchor line to hold. In this case everything that was mentioned on what to do in order not to loose the boat out of your reach must apply.
The statement about your body and the boat drifting together is not true in my book. The boat outweights a person by far, thus it will pick up speed from current and/or wind much faster.
I guess, in quick summary for situations when you can't anchor or decide not to since you only want to swim for couple of minutes, I can say that:
1. you (the captain) can never leave the boat if you have no one else to take your spot behind the helm (with knowledge on how to operate).
2. if you still decide to go for a quick swim, never loose the grip on anything that's attached to the boat (line with fender, swim ladder, etc.). The moment you have any distance between you and your boat you're adding a risk of loosing it.
Very good swimmers might say that they'll their boat easelly from 100'-200', I'd say this is where the trouble begins.
