6D: HITTING A LOG, ROCK, OR DEBRIS ----- PLEASE DON’T!
Hitting a log is a real risk in our Northern waters because logging, and "log rafts," are
such a big part of our commerce.
If you hit a log:
-
Did you put a hole in the boat? Idle the engine, then think: usually, you can tell just
by where the noise of the hit came from. Check the bilges (don't forget the lazarette
area, where the rudder posts are) after putting the engine into idle and/or neutral, if
necessary.
If you did "hole" the boat, go immediately to the "If an Emergency" on the preceding
pages.
-
If no hole, and still idling, is the boat vibrating?
If "yes," put the engine into neutral, try accelerating it. If there is vibration or any
unusual noise (grinding or squealing) shut down that main engine and use the other.
Proceed to the closest safe harbor.
-
If there is no vibration, you probably did no running gear damage. Congratulations!
Have the boat checked by a diver as soon as possible.
Section 6: EMERGENCY PROCEDURES 6.2
