LANDING ON A LEE SHORE. 369 



does not distribute its weight well, and it is unsteady 

 when so placed. 



Should you, on reaching land, by reason of tides 

 or threatening sea, determine to get the punt ashore 

 somehow or other, rather than moor her out, you 

 must be very careful. As you wade behind (for you 

 should step out),* guide her by pushing or easing 

 from the stern, as you see best, keeping the anchor- 

 line fast in hand meantime. Above all things, 

 be watchful she does not lurch broadside on to 

 the stones. When incidents like these occur by 

 day, there is usually plenty of help from on-lookers ; 

 but it is well to have some idea of how to act when 

 alone, or by night. 



Though I write of heavy seas and rough water, 

 I mean only in comparison to the size and power 

 of duck-punts. In a sea that would be dangerous 

 to a large boat I do not calculate on a punt and its 

 owner being overtaken, and with common caution 

 they never should be. 



The flooring boards of a duck-punt can be 

 lightly but firmly screwed down to the cross-beams 

 on her bottom, or else secured by a couple of 

 stretchers fore and aft, that fit into chocks at either 

 side. Then, if the punt happens to fill astern of 

 a vessel when towing, or at any other time, they 

 will not float out, and, moreover, add greatly to her 

 buoyancy when water-logged (see sketch next page). 



A small shutter-like opening that fastens down 

 with catches may be arranged so as to take up aft 



* When aboard, if there is difficulty in landing, you have little 

 command over a duck-punt, and your weight in her will hinder a 

 quick shove high and dry up on the beach into safety. 



B B 



