When a grounded vessel has an intact hull, what is the recommended course of action?

When a grounded vessel has an intact hull, what is the recommended course of action?

• A. Back out under power to re-float
• B. Remove extra weight and pull away from the obstruction
• C. Stop and wait for high tide without attempting any movement
• D. Attempt to break the obstruction with your hull

Answer: (B)

When a vessel is grounded but the hull is intact, the safest and most effective move is to lightening the boat and then maneuver to pull away from the obstruction. Reducing weight lowers the draft and decreases resistance, making it easier for the hull to lift off the bottom without scraping or sustaining damage. Once the vessel sits higher in the water, you can use careful propulsion to refloat, rather than forcing the hull against the obstruction. Backing out under power or waiting for high tide without attempting to refloat aren’t ideal if you can safely lighten and maneuver off, and trying to break the obstruction with the hull risks hull damage.

When a vessel is grounded but the hull is intact, the safest and most effective move is to lightening the boat and then maneuver to pull away from the obstruction. Reducing weight lowers the draft and decreases resistance, making it easier for the hull to lift off the bottom without scraping or sustaining damage. Once the vessel sits higher in the water, you can use careful propulsion to refloat, rather than forcing the hull against the obstruction.

Backing out under power or waiting for high tide without attempting to refloat aren’t ideal if you can safely lighten and maneuver off, and trying to break the obstruction with the hull risks hull damage.