Serious Burn from Tow Rope sucked in impeller (copied from Facebook)

[Julian]

Read this on FB and thought is would be a good idea to copy here so we can all learn a little.....

"This is why you don’t allow inexperienced boaters to captain your boat, even for a minute. She was sitting at the rear sorting out the ski rope when it got sucked in. Captain should have had the engine turned off while ski rope was drifting in a bundle at the rear. Blame can be shifted to many people, but ultimately I will have to learn to simply say NO to people requesting to take the wheel.​

Clarification: I took a family out boating for a day and the husband asked if he could take his wife & kids out for one last trip with him at the controls while I cleared the picnic site. Against my better judgement, but not wanting to turn him down in front of his wife & kids, I unwisely agreed. Verdict is that I am the ultimate culprit. "​

 

[2kwik4u]

Holy cow. Very luck it didn't pull her in with the rope. That could have been much worse.

Glad she's OK though.

 

[Beachbummer]

Could've. Would've, Should've.... I tend to provide lots of explanation and ample warning...But ultimately, once you turn the helm over to a responsible and capable adult, (s)he's it....

 

[Cambo]

Sad to see that someone was hurt I did write up about the potential for that to happen a few days ago and how the Ballast pumps need the motors to run while they operate. Do you have more info what type of boat ?

 

[Julian]

Sad to see that someone was hurt I did write up about the potential for that to happen a few days ago and how the Ballast pumps need the motors to run while they operate. Do you have more info what type of boat ?

Yamaha SX230

 

[swatski]

Thanks for posting, @Julian!

I say, this looks to had been a rather fortunate ending actually; the limb could had been severed.

There was a thread/post some time ago showing a tower leg bent from the pull-impact force of an ingested rope... Gives perspective.

--

 

[Cambo]

This wasn't my boat but here are the pics from the tower getting destroyed form the rope being sucked in. Always know the rope location the boat does not have neutral it should be labeled forward thrust 50/50 thrust and partial reverse thrust

 

[Jack Long]

Dang!

 

[Mike & Lilly]

Is there any information here for new jet boat owners to learn what not to do or what to do to avoid things like this

And the lady was very lucky glad she's ok

 

[Julian]

Is there any information here for new jet boat owners to learn what not to do or what to do to avoid things like this

And the lady was very lucky glad she's ok

The simple answer is - dont let your rope get sucked into the intake. Also, never get yourself entwined in the rope (loop it over your arm etc).

In general, when I'm towing, I stop the engines to ensure this cant happen.....once youve sucked up one rope you will never want it to happen again!

 

[tdonoughue]

I would say: first, if someone is on the back deck, the engines should be off. Second, never reverse with a rope deployed. Third, always clear the rope before starting (always check that it is not under the boat and that it is clear of humans).

 

[MidnightRider]

Makes me weak, not looking at this pic as unfortunate as it is, but what could have happened and further what could happen to someone I love on my boat. Its not a bad thing to be reminded and feel this way from time to time to keep me vigilante. Things can go south so fast, it only takes a few seconds of not being alert and aware when the boat is running. I'm very glad that this particular case wasn't more tragic than it was.

 

[Cambo]

I would say: first, if someone is on the back deck, the engines should be off. Second, never reverse with a rope deployed. Third, always clear the rope before starting (always check that it is not under the boat and that it is clear of humans).

Good info some other things that can help . When switching riders always pull the rope in as you bring it in lay it down in a figure 8 pattern then throw it up wind . The figure 8 allows the rope to not tangle and the boat always moves faster than the rope when the motors are off this will prevent the rope from getting under the boat . When you go to toss the rope make the decision to throw it so that it will drag from the boat that’s usually at 45’ from either back corner

Never leave the rope in the water while adjusting the ballast

The tower damage picture always resonated as a reminder to be very careful. I hope she heals up with no visible impact it looks like it was very painful.

 

[n1111z]

By the way that looks like a 3rd degree burn. May need skin grafting surgery.

 

[MattFX4]

Damn wow. Luckily over the 3 seasons I owned my boat I never sucked up a rope. Was always very cautious about it. I never knew it could be so dangerous though. I was mostly worried about the boat itself and the pain it would be to remove a rope from the pump. Never thought about the pulling force it could have when sucked up. Scary.