14. All towing lines should be made from 100 percent polypropylene 

 to ensure that they float on water, and thereby reduce the effort 

 required in pulling them up during the deployment and retrieval 

 procedures . 



Flattop Boat 



1. The hinges holding the control panel should be redesigned 

 to improve strength. 



2. The present swing-open control panel should be changed 

 to a quick-disconnect electrical fitting and the panel should 

 be rigidly bolted to the deck during use. 



3. The plywood panels on the rails should be replaced by a 

 fence- type barrier. If panels are considered important, their 

 border strips should be more firmly attached. 



4. All hasp latches on the FTB deck should be replaced by 

 lock and handle combinations which are flush with the deck. 



5. Antiskid treatment of the deck of the PTB should be provided 

 for safe operation. 



6. The port and the starboard sides of the FTB should be 

 protected with rubber bumpers, per recommendations of reference 



7. For safety of the crew, a locking mechanism should be installed 

 on each roller to prevent it from turning when a crew member 

 stands on it inadvertently. 



8. The location of the rollers should be redesigned so that 

 they are recessed within the overall frame of the FTB. 



9. All cleats should be flush with the deck, in a recess, 



to minimize risk of damage to the FTB during folding and unfolding. 



10. Deployment or retrieval of the FTB using a crane is not 

 recommended. 



11 . The deployment and retrieval of the folding FTB should 

 be carried out over a ramp. If a ramp is not available at a 

 Navy base, then it is recommended that rigid FTBs be procured 

 instead of the folding FTB. 



46 



