"Sucked Tow Rope into Jet" team

[danielcasey01]

Well, I did it and joined the team!! Last night, on a perfect night on the Wading River in Southern NJ (river was complete glass!!), I finally made the mistake so many others before me have and got the tow rope sucked into the Starboard engine which stopped our skiing for the night. Tried to get it out through the clean out plug and using a snorkel but was wrapped too tight. We had to limp back to our marina (about 5 miles) on one engine. Thankfully, it was a beautiful night and we just enjoyed some cocktails on our slow ride back.
We use a fork lift service and I plan to get there in the next couple of days to see how I can get the rope out, once the boat is on dry land (cut it out, try to untangle, etc). Any suggestions or things to avoid? As always, thank you in advance for your help and guidance!

 

[Joshua Miller]

Just take your time and use a sharp knife. Make sure you get your trophy too!

 

[SantaFeTrailer]

Welcome to the team. I just joined it on Sunday. Managed to cut mine free (I carry this knife), which is good because I can't seem to find the second motor on my boat (AR192).

 

[NewGuy]

I did it too most recently. I have to figure out that trophy thing, but it has me paranoid now. I used a hook blade knife to avoid damage anywhere else and although it took a while, it worked wonders:

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[tdonoughue]

I have never yet had to cut a rope. Always been able to untangle it. So it is possible. Does take awhile...

One word of caution, tho: be very careful if your boat is on the water and you are going under to try to work on the intake, clear debris or free a rope. I know it is tempting. Done it myself. But think about it: if you get your hand wedged in there and can't get it out, you will probably drown and the folks at the surface won't even know it. Easy to get panicked if it doesn't come out right away and then you are in big trouble. Very dangerous practice. Work from the clean out plug side if on the water.

 

[Julian]

I keep hook blades for utility knives in my toolkit. Much easier to pull and cut these ropes out.

 

[danielcasey01]

Thanks for all the suggestions and advice. My son used a snorkel and mask to go under the boat, after this happened, and it scared the shit out of me because he seemed to be under for way too long. Pulled the boat today and will get it fixed on dry land!

 

[Andy NJ]

Thanks for all the suggestions and advice. My son used a snorkel and mask to go under the boat, after this happened, and it scared the shit out of me because he seemed to be under for way too long. Pulled the boat today and will get it fixed on dry land!

Are you in Chestnut Neck?

 

[danielcasey01]

Yes!

 

[danielcasey01]

Someone mentioned to me to put a couple of noodles on the rope which will float the rope and not allow it anywhere near the jet. Seems like a smart idea to me!

 

[Andy NJ]

Yes!

I'm there too. I saw your boat in the water yesterday.
I think I helped you last year with the clean out hatch switches. Two Quarters....

I've heard the pool noodles work to keep the rope from getting under the boat.
If you need any help, give me a shout.
Your probably best off to pull the plugs on the engine and "unwind" the rope.

Andy

 

[danielcasey01]

Thanks, Andy, and yes you did help me last year!! Heading down there in a little while and confirmed with MaryAnn the boat got pulled from the water. Nice hot day to do it!!
Going to keep a couple of noodles on the boat AND pay more attention to where the rope is!
Dan