Question for skippers/boat handlers

[David Wallace]

Originally Posted by fijidave

The exped managers only passed their RYA level 2 courses a month or so ago,

Cheers
Dave

Quote RYA practical course notes

"Make sure the engine is out of gear and stop the engine, IF IT IS SAFE TO DO SO"

end quote

This is written assuming the cox is the only person in the boat and has to leave the helm to assist in recovering the person from the water OR that the person in the water is going to use the easy method of entering a rib...... use the cavitation plate as a ladder and climb in over the stern - in which case it might be a good idea to have the engine off


Key to all of this is the statement "IF IT IS SAFE TO DO SO"

Your friend could respond in writing something along the Lines of

I agree to follow the RYA guidelines where they state "Make sure the engine is out of gear and stop the engine, IF IT IS SAFE TO DO SO"

Bear in mind that one at sea the cox of the boat is legally in charge and so then its easy ... never turn them off and state " In my opinion it was not safe to do so because of the prevailing conditions at the time"

If they still have a problem tell them to stick it, as you cannot have the actions of a cox at sea dictated by someone not there..

regards

[nikos]

I noticed some MoD Inflatable Boats at Horsea with 50HP Outboards with prop guards - presumably a health and safety requirement??

There are even products on the market that claim to improve prop. performance.

I have never seen a dive RIB in commercial or club service with a prop guard - WHY NOT??

Cos no matter what they say a prop guard reduces performance although there is some evidence it may improve low speed handling.

[David Wallace]

Originally Posted by nikos

I noticed some MoD Inflatable Boats at Horsea with 50HP Outboards with prop guards - presumably a health and safety requirement??

No its not!

Originally Posted by nikos

There are even products on the market that claim to improve prop. performance.

I have never seen a dive RIB in commercial or club service with a prop guard - WHY NOT??

Becaus they are Cr8p and they reduce performance by about 30% not to mention that if you know haw to drive a boat you dont need them

regards

[David Wallace]

Originally Posted by RubberBoy

Cos no matter what they say a prop guard reduces performance although there is some evidence it may improve low speed handling.

please reference the evidence

[Seadart Bob]

Originally Posted by nikos

I noticed some MoD Inflatable Boats at Horsea with 50HP Outboards with prop guards - presumably a health and safety requirement??

Originally Posted by Skipper

No its not!

Think it might have something to do with silent running.

Cheers
Bob

[nikos]

Quote from an Australian web site:

Guard E 16 inch White Most V6 outboards & stern drives $395.00 (this will suit your boat captain Dave)

Benefits.....
Increases propeller efficiency
Increases thrust
Improves handling
Reduces propeller torque effect
Improves prop visibility
Improves Safety

[David Wallace]

Originally Posted by nikos

Quote from an Australian web site:

Guard E 16 inch White Most V6 outboards & stern drives $395.00 (this will suit your boat captain Dave)

Benefits.....
Increases propeller efficiency
Increases thrust
Improves handling
Reduces propeller torque effect
Improves prop visibility
Improves Safety

hmmm, having had extrensive experience with prop guards I'm sceptical

Whats the contact details, I'll ring them and see if they want to fit them on my boat for free.

I'll pay them if they dont slow it down!

You see, the one thing they have not mentioned........ increases drag

[Helen F H]

You could always just buy a boat from us, 99% have jet drives. Just dont do what BNFL did

http://www.divernet.com/news/stories/hse310104.shtml

Although it says propeller - it was water jet. I should know, we built the boat!

Originally Posted by Skipper

please reference the evidence

I said there is some evidence it MAY help low speed handling. Didn't state it as fact and to be perfectly frank I am sceptical about the claim as well.
As for high speed performance, putting more drag inducing outboard in the water means you need more power to overcome it so I can't see how anybody can claim fitting a prop guard will not reduce performance with a straight face