BOAT-TOPSIDE

General: From stem to stern do not overlook an item. See, feel, and think about every piece of equipment on the boat. Useful thinking can earn you a rate. A PT is different from any other man-of-war in that every man aboard must know his boat from stern to stem. See, feel, and know the operation, maintenance, and purpose of every piece of equipment on the boat.

Bullnose: The bullnose is used to run your lines through when at anchor, moored alongside another boat, or when moored alongside a dock. When at anchor the bullnose will keep the bow of the boat facing the wind and at all times it will keep the lines from chafing against the side of the boat.

Cleats: Cleats are used to secure mooring lines to. Keep plenty of slack in all mooring lines. Three loose lag screws, a heavy strain, and bingo-you've lost a cleat.

Anchor: The anchor provided to PT boats are light weight (50 pounds) and are designed to have far greater holding power than the old style anchor. However, to get the highest holding power of the anchor you must pay out enough line to do the job. Take a sounding before dropping the hook (anchor). Under normal wind and sea conditions and on a hard mud or sand bottom, a scope of seven times the depth of the water will be adequate. If the wind, sea, or tide increase slack out more line.