WORKING THE DREDGE 293 



secured inboard, so that if the stop parts the whole will 

 not be lost. 



Tow slowly, feeling the warp from time to time to 

 make sure that the dredge keeps on the bottom. If 

 the dredge comes fast, lower sail if possible, pass the 

 warp up to the bow of the boat, and haul in until it 

 clears. If it still cannot be got free, try hoisting sail 

 and beating back over it. 



In working from small boats it is safer always to 

 lower sail before hauling. 



Steam Yachts. — In small vessels it is best as a rule 

 to tow from the warping chock right aft, or from a set 

 of special rollers (consisting of two vertical and one 

 horizontal) placed in the same position. In the absence 

 of a capstan the warp may be eased away from the 

 bollards. For handling the dredge a purchase from 

 the mizzen is useful, and with heavy patterns necessary. 



In larger yachts the dredge may be towed direct 

 from the trawling winch, the warp being led through 

 the gallows or trawl-port to a strong davit or snatch- 

 block on the port quarter, but the exact arrangement 

 will vary with different vessels. 



For shallow in-shore grounds, especially where very 

 rough, manila warp is better than wire, as it is more 

 easily handled and manoeuvred if the dredge becomes 

 fast. 



In shooting, the dredge is slung overboard by the 

 derrick or masthead tackle, and slowly lowered away. 

 In very deep water the engines may be put at half speed, 

 and the warp eased away more quickly. When towing 

 from a davit on the port quarter, especially with twin- 

 screw vessels, it is advisable to put the helm hard 

 a-starboard. In this case the dredge should be shot 

 with the ship's head about four points to starboard of 

 the direction in which it is intended to tow, so that 



