Question

When you come across a boat in trouble, do you throw them a line or have them throw you a line?

Answer 1

As a life-long boater, I've needed a tow many times.  I am always thankful that the boating community (usually) responds to fellow boaters in need.

I invite the boater in need to throw me a line.  BUT, I carry extra lines, PFDs, and First Aid for my boat and those in need.

Answer 2

I was in the Coast Guard Auxiliary for a time and we would throw them a line and ask them to secure it. This allows you to control the disabled boat from one with power.

Comments

When I got my Capt. certification I was tought that if you throw them a line it makes you responsible for them. That's why you have them throw you a line.

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I can see why you would do that. Most of the distressed boaters we came across were not the best "sailors", so we took it on ourselves to make sure everything was secure before we did what we needed to do to help them.