Originally Posted by Jerryreliable

Firstly, I thank the person who took these photos, and particularly those most recently posted. Next I would like to say how bad I feel for these two salvage captains, who did an excellent job, but who are taking an opinionated beating from the members of this forum. Why, with so many experts here, it is a wonder there are any towing and salvage companies. Now, the man behind the wheel has worked with me over twelve years, has hundreds of salvages to his credit, and has rescued more people from the water than there are commenters on this thread. The captain working the beach has only 9 plus years with this company. I cannot tell you how many salvages he has done, but I do know he participated in over 230 salvages after Hurricane Charlie. So why, do you ask, did these men remove this vessel when they did? Well, the answer is in the pictures. look at the angle of the distressed vessel in each photo. Maybe check out that green hole developing on the low side of that cvessel as each wave washes it. What is happening? if you can figure that out, perhaps you know how the captain on the beach felt as he sunk in the sand next to the low side of the vessel, watching it heel over. So, where would that vessel have more damage, inverted on the beach, or inverted afloat? if you have gotten this far, you would probably be interested to know that the vessel is today intact on a trailer with the Hondas running and starting with the keyswitch. The owner was uninsured. He was quoted a low fixed price, with no up charge. please remember when you read these forums, that the men on these salvage and towing vessels are there to help you, whether they fly the red or the yellow banner. They will always do their best, in spite of what you might read here or elsewhere. And every year, at an annual towing and salvage conference, many awards are given out to these men, for their lifesaving efforts. The award is named after Captain Woody Pollock, who gave his life in the service. it has been awarded posthumously, since it's inception, to others who are no longer with us. The USCG Search and Rescue Commander presides over the award.

Originally Posted by Jerryreliable

Firstly, I thank the person who took these photos, and particularly those most recently posted. Next I would like to say how bad I feel for these two salvage captains, who did an excellent job, but who are taking an opinionated beating from the members of this forum. Why, with so many experts here, it is a wonder there are any towing and salvage companies. Now, the man behind the wheel has worked with me over twelve years, has hundreds of salvages to his credit, and has rescued more people from the water than there are commenters on this thread. The captain working the beach has only 9 plus years with this company. I cannot tell you how many salvages he has done, but I do know he participated in over 230 salvages after Hurricane Charlie. So why, do you ask, did these men remove this vessel when they did? Well, the answer is in the pictures. look at the angle of the distressed vessel in each photo. Maybe check out that green hole developing on the low side of that cvessel as each wave washes it. What is happening? if you can figure that out, perhaps you know how the captain on the beach felt as he sunk in the sand next to the low side of the vessel, watching it heel over. So, where would that vessel have more damage, inverted on the beach, or inverted afloat? if you have gotten this far, you would probably be interested to know that the vessel is today intact on a trailer with the Hondas running and starting with the keyswitch. The owner was uninsured. He was quoted a low fixed price, with no up charge. please remember when you read these forums, that the men on these salvage and towing vessels are there to help you, whether they fly the red or the yellow banner. They will always do their best, in spite of what you might read here or elsewhere. And every year, at an annual towing and salvage conference, many awards are given out to these men, for their lifesaving efforts. The award is named after Captain Woody Pollock, who gave his life in the service. it has been awarded posthumously, since it's inception, to others who are no longer with us. The USCG Search and Rescue Commander presides over the award.

Originally Posted by ROTAX454

Everyone just hang on a moment here. Let's get perfectly clear on what Jerry is stating here. I must ask Jerry this:

Originally Posted by ROTAX454

Everyone just hang on a moment here. Let's get perfectly clear on what Jerry is stating here. I must ask Jerry this:

1) Was there any hull damage to this vessel prior to being towed from the beach? I.E. hole or crack

2) While this vessel was still on the beach, was the water in the hull a result of the hull damage in #1 or the waves splashing over the gunnels?

3) Did the captain on the beach make any attempt to raise the motors to insure that the lower units cleared any obstacles?

Originally Posted by Jerryreliable

1). VEssel was beached for a reported steering failure. Steering inop,
Operator reported anchor would not hold.

2). port side was awash as vessel was turned. Waves were breaking against the console. The condition on the beach was a washout situation with a strong current towards the low side of the vessel. Tide was strong incoming, opposing the washout rip, where the towboats is located.