16
CRABBING & FISHING
Always check the fishing and crabbing requirements before you leave on your cruise. You will need a
license. Many areas are CLOSED to crabbing and fishing on certain months.
CRAB AWAY FROM THE BOAT! Lines can get wrapped around props. Fish-flavored cat food with the
pop-up ringed lids work the best for a nice neat way to bait the ring. After 15-20 minutes, retrieve the crab
line and ring quickly. Measure the crabs using the CRAB MEASURING GAUGE normally located pilot
house cabinet drawer, port side. Keep the male crabs of proper size (usually 6 ¼ inches across the carapace).
Boil crabs about 12 minutes to cook.
After using, wash equipment thoroughly with fresh water (available from the cockpit shower faucet).
Note --
Please do not store wet rings and gear inside the boat.
OTHER: Safety & Bilge Pumps
SAFETY should be paramount in your daily cruising. A MAN OVERBOARD DRILL should be discussed
and perhaps even practiced with a life jacket. Remember you lifejackets are stowed under settee in pilot
house (short section) and under port fly bridge bench. A few should always be out and ready. Your flares
and safety equipment are located in the cabinet above the stair to the pilot house.
Mystic Dancer is equipped with an AUTOMATIC BILGE PUMP. The master switch is located on the
electrical panel. Normally, the switch will be left in the AUTO position. You may occasionally hear the
pump operate due to condensation and water from the shaft log accumulating in the bilge.
An AUXILIARY HAND OPERATED BILGE PUMP is operated under the stair to staterooms using the
handle provided for that purpose attached to stair lid. This is used only in emergency situations.
The ENGINE SPARES BOX is stowed in the engine room, starboard side in clear storage bins. This
includes oil filter, raw water impeller, pump parts, injectors, and other small parts.
Two SPARE PROPELLERS are found under the mattress in the master stateroom. SPARE TOILET
CONTROLS are found in each head cabinet.
