Hole in the Hull Emergency Procedure

[ekps1388]

I realize I am at the bottom of the nautical knowledge pole and this question may really sound dumb to an experienced seaman, but I still want to know the answer:

In the event of damage of a hole in the hull, could a tarpaulin attached to a jackline be maneuvered over the side of the boat and underneath the hull by one or two crew members from the upper deck, to position it so that the water pressure would hold the tarpaulin to the hole to stop the intake of water there? In other words could this procedure be accomplished without crew members entering the water to attend the damage?

[boatman61]

Yes..

[gordwedman]

Sure, Captain Jack Aubrey did it all the time. Its called "fothering a hull". Usually sails are used.

[ekps1388]

Thank you boatman61. I am very appreciative of your reply.
ekps1388

[ekps1388]

Thank you, gordwedman. I am most appreciative of your reply. The vessel in question is not a sailboat, just a motor yacht.

[Capt Phil]

As usual, Boatman61 is correct. Once in place, you can begin more substantive repairs from within. That was the beauty of wooden planked boats... even though a cannon ball had passed through the planking, you still had the surrounding planking to help support the fothering sheet and fastening jerry rigged planking from inside could be accomplished quickly and efficiently. Phil

[ekps1388]

Thank you Captain Phil. I do appreciate all the help you all have given me.
ekps1388

[goboatingnow]

Do not be suprised that the execution is somewhat more difficult then the explanation

Dave

[boatman61]

Taking into consideration the fact you'll likely be travelling at speed if you hole you won't have much time to rig a fother... the speed will drive the water in very fast..
I'd set up an easy access pack on your foredeck and do some rehearsals out on the water in a F4-5 minimum...
Bang... Cut power... Go...
Make sure your wearing life jackets...

Actually this has reminded me of a fast motor cruiser a few years back coming into Poole after a service to sea trial... the outlet hose's blew and he felt the change in performance as the stern started dropping... crew investigated and reported back the emergency.. he promptly swung to Port for Shell Bay beach 200m away and opened up the throttle.. sank within 50m.

Sorry about the 1st answer... some times make the mistake of thinking I'm being witty...

[ekps1388]

Oh Dave, I have lived long enough to know the truth in that statement. Thanks for the heads up.
ekps1388

[Cheechako]

I've read and heard of it. I have my doubts in application. Maybe if all things are in favor... like the boat is perfectly still in the water, or better yet on land and rain is coming in! Maybe to control leakage above the waterline...is a better application, otherwise , youd better have a big bilgepump. :>)

[skipmac]

Yachting Monthly took a perfectly good sailboat, bashed a pretty good hole in the side and tested various methods of stopping the water. Fothering actually did a pretty good job. You can see the whole video here. Very interesting.

Crash Test Boat: Sinking! | Yachting Monthly

After they finished with this they step by step destroyed the boat with various tests, finishing up with a demo of what happens when you get a propane leak.

[ekps1388]

Boatman61
Thank you so much for taking the time to send me all of that information. And believe me your "YES" answer was thrilling to receive in the beginning.
ekps1388

[ekps1388]

Skipmac,
How kind of you to send me this video. Thank you so much. Still not sure how to pronounce "fothering". Does it sound like "fathering" or long o as "fowthering"?
Thank you so much!
ekps1388

[ekps1388]

Cheechako,
Thank you and I'm sure you are right about having a big bilgepump! I am really learning
a lot. Wow! Thanks. Love your motto.
ekps1388