Georgian Bay shortcuts are a bad idea

[Creekwood]

Well, one of the guys on my dock (two boats down) took a short cut he thought was ok. Not a place to do that. Both sides props, shaft struts, shafts, rudders, and major hull glass damage. I had heard about it, but only saw the damage today. It gives you that sickening feeling looking at it.

 

[WinkBuilt]

Whoa. Hope everyone was safe.

 

[tdschafer]

Oh man.....

 

[Woody]

On plane?

 

[Creekwood]

On plane?

No, at slow cruise off plane as I understand. Its a 2006-ish 380DA. I haven't seen him since he did it. I heard from others on the dock. He's a pretty experienced boater with several years up in our area, not sure what happened. He knows better. Precambrian shield granite is not forgiving, and up here, there are no short-cuts - ever...

 

[dwna1a]

Wow

 

[Strecker25]

Yikes. Unreal how that prop curled over

 

[Woody]

He's going to be lucky if there is no transmission damage. The strbd side got such an impact that it drove the prop nuts partway off the shaft. You can see the nut is actually going over the cotter pin. That's a hell of a yank on the transmission.

 

[Carpediem44DB]

What a way to shorten your boating season!

 

[Creekwood]

He's going to be lucky if there is no transmission damage. The strbd side got such an impact that it drove the prop nuts partway off the shaft. You can see the nut is actually going over the cotter pin. That's a hell of a yank on the transmission.

Yeah. The prop spun loosely on the shaft. He must have hit at speed. I will ask more if I see him.

 

[Pirate Lady]

Thank god for Chesapeake sand and mud. I have whacked bottom often to no damage with a SS prop. Its very shallow around here.

 

[kevin27]

That boat may be written off.

 

[Creekwood]

That boat may be written off.

Its major work for sure. I doubt it will be written off, but you never know. The hull was not impacted other than right at the back, but its major damage. I have to think it will be at least CAD$40K assuming no engine damage. Boat is worth about C$125K in the condition it was in, and in todays market (its in really fantastic shape - or was).

 

[Pirate Lady]

Pics are hard to tell, in 2nd pic it looks like rudder ripped the bottom off and holes, surprised it didnt sink.

 

[Creekwood]

Pics are hard to tell, in 2nd pic it looks like rudder ripped the bottom off and holes, surprised it didnt sink.

Both rudders bases ripped back, but the strut bases are worse. Look at how the glass under them is ripped right out.

 

[Boatingnut]

He's going to be lucky if there is no transmission damage. The strbd side got such an impact that it drove the prop nuts partway off the shaft. You can see the nut is actually going over the cotter pin. That's a hell of a yank on the transmission.

It's not "if" there is transmission damage, just how much.

 

[sbw1]

Whoa. Hope everyone was safe.

Did this happen on the approach into Killarney by any chance? Cash Flow Rock?

 

[Creekwood]

View attachment 110639
Did this happen on the approach into Killarney by any chance? Cash Flow Rock?

No, it would have been closer to our home port (Hindson Marina in Penetanquishene). If you know that eastern shore of Georgian Bay you know that it could have been anywhere.

 

[sbw1]

No, it would have been closer to our home port (Hindson Marina in Penetanquishene). If you know that eastern shore of Georgian Bay you know that it could have been anywhere.

Yes. Surprised one would travel at high speeds in many of those areas. We spent most of our time in the NC running at 5-7 knots.

 

[Creekwood]

View attachment 110641
Yes. Surprised one would travel at high speeds in many of those areas. We spent most of our time in the NC running at 5-7 knots.

If you are 100% familiar with the area and know exactly where you are, you can run full speed. The challenge is that our boats don’t turn on a dime and its very easy to lose track of where you are between nav buoys and get on the wrong side. Because the small craft route winds around and there are routes that are coming in from open water as well as the main route along the coastline, the “red right returning” is often not relevant and can get you in a lot of trouble. You simply must know exactly where you are.

I can’t imagine navigating these waters before GPS. You would have to be so ultra cautious and follow your charts and compass carefully. My first boat had a black and white non-mapping GPS and I used it and paper charts. I was often having to drop to dead stop and figure out exactly where I was. Most times I was not quite where I thought I was. A few near misses over those years, including passing on the wrong side of buoys and getting very lucky.