- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
West Wight Potter Mailing List maintainer
dfarrell@ridgecrest.ca.us
List hosted by www.tscnet.com
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Michael,
Thanks for the info. I have put it with all the other "need to read
again before going sailing" emails.
alan
P-19 "Molly Fay"
New Englander
----- Original Message -----
From: <HandyM2@aol.com>
To: <addoyle@mediaone.net>; <wwpotter@tscnet.com>
Sent: Saturday, March 18, 2000 8:46 PM
Subject: Re: Tidal Flow and Other Mysteries of the Sea
> Hello Alan, I assume you have my original post so I will not reforward it
> back to you.
>
> << HI Michael,
> I was just rereading your response(3/4/00) to my question concerning
> what are must haves on a P-19. You note that one should "never fight a
> serious tidal flow with your outboard". What do you consider a serious
> tidal flow?
>
> A tide book and good charts will show you WHEN and Where and HOW FAST a
tidal
> flow is expected in your sailing area. Thus the required list includes a
> good watch, charts and a LOCAL TIDE BOOK. Old time sailors would "SAIL
WITH
> THE TIDE." An outgoing Tide would allow them to use the tidal flow to
move
> there ships out to sea safely. Coming into harbor was reversed.
>
> My Potter 19 Traveller has a GPS rated speed in a NO Current situation of
> about 5 MPH with 1/2 throttle. NO I cannot do 10 MPH with full throttle..
> Indeed I cannot break 7 MPH at any effort.
>
> I PLAN on using my 1/2 Throttle speed/power to maneuver as to leave me
with
> OPTIONS if I need more.
>
> Many Tidal Flows AT PEAK Exceed 5 MPH.. Some Exceed 12 MPH due to a
> compression of water flow through a narrow passage.
>
> Would you ride a Bicycle on a Super Highways On Ramp? Michael will not.
> Thus my concern about a serious tidal flow.
>
> With a good Watch, Tide Book and Charts (to preexamine the routes
available)
> you can know what tidal conditions to expect at what location.
>
> >>I assume you are saying that the outboard is limited in what it can do.
I
> was just wondering what is that limitation.
>
> I *Think* I pointed out the limits above. I could have a 8 HP O/B on
> Travellers stern but would NOT be able to out power a 10 MPH Tidal Flow
> heading me toward that BRIDGE EMBANKMENT for example. Your EFFECTIVE HULL
> SPEED Vs that of the expected by local Tide Books flow is the issue.
>
> >>When should I begin to worry? And what does one do if you find yourself
in
> such a situation of being overpowered by a tidal flow? Thanks for your
help.
>
> Well, Alan, it's a lot like Reefing, IF you are wondering if you should
Reef
> then it is almost too late to reef. Sailors cannot Bull there way through
> like some Powerboaters do. We MUST think through the situation.
>
> If perchance you forgot to check the time and you are fighting a powerful
> tidal flow you must first determine what way you are Currently being
pushed
> by this flow. NOTE I said CURRENTLY. Tidal action can be affected by a
LOT
> of factors to include underwater factors that you cannot determine SO STAY
> ALERT!
>
> Next see what hazards you are being pushed into. Remember that you cannot
win
> this fight by pushing against the tidal flow. You can do some maneuvering
by
> acting at an angle Vs the flow. The need to determine your location and
REAL
> MOTION is critical IMHO. Thus I love my GPS. I might think I am getting
> progress upstream but the GPS will tell me the real deal.
>
> Sometimes you simply must Go With The Flow and use your available Outboard
> Horsepower to maneuver your Potter away from hazards as they come up.
Maybe
> you can maneuver into an eddy backwater where the tidal flow is reduced by
> the effects of a spit of land and WAIT until that tidal flow subsides.
>
> Then continue on your way.
>
> Others with more information and experiences are welcome to add to this
> posting.
>
> Michael
> P19 Traveller
> Columbia SC
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Fri Mar 31 2000 - 03:27:11 PST