Quote:
Originally Posted by Descant
Waving a paddle is fine, but some days, even in a 14' boat you want to sail when the power boats don't want to bounce their bottoms off. A handheld VHF or at least a cell phone is good. For most boats like yours, not much can go wrong, but you could take on water for a variety of reasons, and still not sink. A rescue with a big pump is needed, not a passing motorboat. Breaking a stay might limit the amount of sail you want to use, so a friendly tow is good. Many years ago I was tasked to tow a 14' sailboat from Melvin Village to the Weirs. We thought that would be quicker/easier than trailer. Wrong. The centerboard cable broke so we could not raise the board. Towing was at less than headway speed because every time we moved forward the board grabbed and sent the boat skittering off in an unpredictable direction.
If you are member of Boat/US, you get some limited towing which can be upgraded (probably not needed) as well as other benefits and a pretty good magazine. Don't know the price--they have my credit card and it has been on auto renew for years.
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I agree on the cell phone or at least an Apple Watch; and the hand pump and bailing scoop.
I cannot imagine towing a 14' boat across the Broads.
One other thing to consider is preparing for a capsize. I have not flipped mine, and I do not intend to practice, but I've run through it in my head many times. I also bought a stern ladder so that I will be able to get back into boat if I do go over