Primary reason we always have a "Disconnect" when towing. On the big boys it was a fire axe, on my boats its usually a machete or one of my serrated edge knives. On the knives I heartily recommend COLD STEEL. Best knife I have ever used for quickly cutting rope and webbing (std. disclaimers. just satisfied customer). Recommend you try there "seconds" first as they are pricey. My fav is the ER1, SRK and the Land and Sea Rescue, for a big'n try the Trailmaster stainless or the Bushman (very affordable but will need oiling). I am buying their small survival axe its cheap and looks useful for Disconnects and around the camp, but may be a little aggressive looking for everyday use (double bladed). They have an interesting picture of the ER1 nearly cutting through a one inch hanging manila rope and that with only a three inch blade. Michael Maurice wrote: > Once upon a time there was a USCG Licensed Captain. His name will be know > as Crunch or Krunch, depending upon how you like it. > but the towline was only about 30 feet long and the water was about 60 and > when the > sailboat reached the end of the line, well.... > It took the towboat with it. Hook, line and sinker as well as everything > else including all his safety gear, which was in the cabin, safe from his > grasping fingers. > Capt. Mike Maurice

Once upon a time there was a USCG Licensed Captain. His name will be know as Crunch or Krunch, depending upon how you like it. His sole claim to fame is that he managed, by himself to put 2 boats under, without outside help. I would not post this story, except I have overwhelming requests, from thems with and thems without sin. And various others some, short of rum. Unfortunately, this is a true story and it might get back to Krunch. If that were to happen you can imagine, what a short but sweet life I will have. If any of you recognize this story and who it involves, you are sworn into secrecy. This all happened on a nice day, with clear skies and mild seas. The lady with the green eyes who is always out to get you, and as usual was following Krunch. In his defense, I would note that he was only vulnerable for just an instant, but that was all it took and the next thing he knew he was floating in the water, a couple miles offshore, all by himself. This all happened so fast, that he had no life jacket, no radio, no nothing. Just a hatch that floated off one of the boats. Oh, by the way, did I forget to tell you he was towing a sailboat. It seems that just prior to his going swimming, he noticed the sailboat acting a little peculiar. So, he went back to investigate. He shortened the tow line up and was sitting next to the sailboat, when it sank. Under other circumstances this would not have been much of a problem, but the towline was only about 30 feet long and the water was about 60 and when the sailboat reached the end of the line, well.... It took the towboat with it. Hook, line and sinker as well as everything else including all his safety gear, which was in the cabin, safe from his grasping fingers. There was the float coat, the mirror, whistle, hand held radio and strobe light. All gone to the bottom of the sea. But not our hero, who in spite of his stupidity, would not give up and die. No, not he. For he was going to swim to the beach. Oh, by the way, did I forget to tell you that this occurred in the late afternoon? You see Krunch only has a few hours of daylight, cause tonight the lady with the green eyes is going to finish what she started. And this time, there will be no second place winners. To keep the story from getting overly long, it will suffice to say that with the board to support himself he managed to paddle to the edge of the surf line several miles away, just before dark. But, this is all for nothing as there is no one nearby and he is hypothermic and his legs won't hold out to get thru the surf. He is going to die within yards of the beach. It just so happens that Los Angeles Airport is just to the north and it being about dark a USCG helicopter is flying up the beach, headed for home. Naturally, they fly right by him and keep going. But, now the miracle of miracles happens. The helo can't cross the airport flight path without getting permission and for some unknown reason, the helo gets no response to their first radio call. so... they do a circle. This time our pigeon is waving his arms like crazy and is spotted. They haul his carcass, which has a core temperature of about 93 f. to the hospital and he cheats the lady with the green eyes. There numerous lessons here. Don't cinch the towline down, when standing by a vessel that might sink. It might take you with it. Keep the safety gear out where you can get your fingers on it. You may not have as much time as you think. Don't ever give up. The lady with the green eyes is waiting for you. Stay scared, she is right behind you and you are trying to take a nap. Capt. Mike Maurice