Towing a Dinghy
The tow line should be adjusted so that both the towing boat and the dinghy reach the crest of successive waves at the same time.
When maneuvering in close quarters or backing, the dinghy can be secured amid ship to the towing boat to avoid fouling the prop with the tow line. It can also be simply pulled in tight at the stern, provided it is clear of any stern anchor line. Also keep any other lines attached to the dinghy secure and out of the water.
The tow line used to pull the dinghy is properly called a Hawser. The dinghy bow line is called a Painter.
If the Hawser is attached to the Starboard stern cleat, the force on the towing boat due to dinghy drag will counteract the “prop-walk” effect of the engine.
Soft inflatables dinghies have their hardware “glued” to the inflatable hull. These strips are stronger in shear than perpendicular loading. Therefore, the Painter should not be directly attached to the “D” ring at the dinghy bow, but via a bridle threaded through side fittings.
Outboard Motor Handling
When moving the Outboard from the boat to the dinghy, tie a safety line to the boat and the Outboard so that the Outboard will not be lost if it falls in the water.
The Main Halyard can be used to help lift the Outboard if it is too heavy to manhandle.
A Lift Lever is found on most outboard motors and serves to hold the motor upright against the dinghy stern plate. Since the clamp keeps the motor in the water when the boat is in reverse, it should normally be engaged.
Staring and Stopping an Outboard Motor
- Connect the fuel tank to the motor (if the tank cap has an air intake, make sure it is open) and press primer bulb until you feel resistance;
- Take care to remove any debris from the propeller and the cooling water intake
- Lock the motor tilt lever in the “RUN” position, and the lift lever (see figure 2.1, no. 16) in the “LOCK” position;
- Ensure that the gear selector is in Neutral;
- Set the throttle to “START” and use the choke as required (see figure 2.1, no. 3);
- In a sitting or crouched position, tug the starter cord until you feel resistance, then pull firmly in a single stroke. Be sure to warn others behind you to keep clear of your elbow while pulling the cord
- Check to see that the cooling water stream is coming out of the shaft. Once the motor is running well, push the choke lever in.
- Stop the engine with the Stop Button or by pulling out the Choke lever.
Landing on Shore
In fair weather, stop the motor where the water is still fairly deep and tilt it out of the water to prevent damaging the propeller. It is important for the driver to instinctively know the location of the stop mechanism and the tilting lever. To lighten the front end, any passengers in the bow of the boat will move to the center and row to shore. On reaching the shore, one person sets foot on the ground and holds the boat steady while the other passengers step out. Once the boat is empty, it can be lifted and carried to the shore for mooring. Avoid pushing the boat ashore.
In poor weather, it is best to approach the shore backwards. This will prevent water from accumulating in the boat. With the motor running, turn the boat so that the stern is toward shore. The center passenger holds this course with the oar. Then, stop the motor and tilt it out of the water. The waves will carry the boat to shore. To prevent the stern from dipping into the trough of the waves as they strike the bow, the rower pulls gently on the oars.
Launching from Shore
In fair weather, launching a boat from shore is relatively easy. With the motor raised, the boat is lifted and pushed into the water, front first. Once the boat is afloat, with the stern barely touching the shore, hold it at a 90-degree angle to the shore in order to board, first in the center, and then at the bow. Lastly, the driver shoves the boat out into the water, walking alongside in the water, and boards at the stern. When launching, the person in the center nudges the boat out into the water with an oar until the water is deep enough to start the motor. This person can also guide the boat in the desired direction. Then, after starting the motor, shift to Forward, gaining speed as the boat moves farther from shore.
