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Offshore passage and lose your engine(s), what do you do?

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Scott M, Oct 12, 2018.

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  1. Scott M, Oct 12, 2018
    #1
    Scott M

    Scott M Member

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    Annapolis, MD
    Somebody asked me this question the other day. I do not carry a drogue or sea anchor. What would you use to keep the boat pointed into the wind/waves while you diagnose or call for assistance?

    In shallow water...you can anchor. But in deep water, could you use your main anchor to act as a drogue? Would it work? Any other ideas?

    Interested in YF feedback. Thanks.
  2. GhostriderIII, Oct 12, 2018
    #2
    GhostriderIII

    GhostriderIII Senior Member

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    If I didn't have sea anchors, which I do, I'd drag my anchors and bait buckets (tied) over the side. My anchors will slow us down considerably at least to stop us from crashing onto a remote island somewhere.
  3. Pascal, Oct 12, 2018
    #3
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Yes, drag anchors with full rode as that will help increase drag keeping the bow pointed in the wind.
  4. cleanslate, Oct 18, 2018
    #4
    cleanslate

    cleanslate Senior Member

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    I would tie up some bed sheets and towels from the highest point on your boat down to the forward cleat or bow rail to create a sail!? Lol:) That should work.
    But the Anchor dragging idea is a good idea....
  5. ArcanisX, Oct 20, 2018
    #5
    ArcanisX

    ArcanisX Senior Member

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    I heard a tale of people in the Baltic actually tying all sorts of junk they could find onboard to the anchor chain, to increase drag. Says it worked. Can't vouch for the validity of it all tho.
  6. Oscarvan, Oct 20, 2018
    #6
    Oscarvan

    Oscarvan Senior Member

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    Trailing warps (long, large diameter heavy line) works too...... Doubles as tow line if needed.