What to Do If You Run Your Boat Aground

Few moments on the water are as frustrating as that sudden jolt of your boat coming to an abrupt stop. Running aground can happen to any boater, for a number of reasons. While it’s a common mishap, knowing how to handle the situation can make all the difference.

What Is Running Aground?

Running aground occurs when the depth of the water is less than the draft of the boat and the vessel’s hull makes contact with the bottom and becomes stuck. It can happen in various ways—sometimes due to shifting sandbars, an unmarked shoal, errors in navigation or just a miscalculation on depth. Many boaters assume this only happens in extreme conditions, but in reality, most incidents occur on calm, clear days when captains let their guard down.

Some groundings result in nothing more than an embarrassing moment, while others can cause serious hull damage and even put passengers at risk. Knowing how to prevent and respond to a grounding situation is essential for safe boating.

How to Avoid Running Aground

Preparation is the best defense against running aground. Before heading to unfamiliar waters, check a nautical chart to understand the depth of the area and locate potential hazards. Local knowledge is invaluable, so speaking with experienced boaters or your local Sea Tow Captain can help identify problem spots that may not be marked on maps.

Keeping a close eye on the water is just as important. Always scan ahead for telltale signs of shallow water, such as color changes or breaking waves. Many boaters rely heavily on electronic chart plotters and depth finders, but while these are useful tools, they shouldn’t replace active vigilance.

Tides play a critical role in determining water depth. Many boaters who venture safely into an area during high tide find themselves stranded when the water recedes. Checking tide tables before setting out can prevent an unexpected grounding.

A cautious approach in shallow areas can be the difference between a near-miss and a costly mistake. Slowing down not only gives you more time to react but also reduces the impact if you do make contact with the bottom.

What to Do If You Run Aground

If your boat runs aground, shift the engine(s) to neutral and turn it/them off immediately to prevent damage. If you have a generator turn that off as well. Check passengers for injuries and notify authorities if necessary. Assess the boat’s condition by checking the bilge for incoming water and inspect the hull for cracks or leaks. Pay close attention to where your running gear penetrates the hull, such as rudders, shafts and struts. Identify whether you are stuck in sand, mud, or on a rocky bottom. If undamaged, and you determine your vessel type and situation warrants, you may try to shift weight or reverse gently to free the boat. More advanced techniques to unground your vessel are explained below.

Mentioned above are key takeaways on what to do if you run aground. Now let’s go through the process step by step.

Step 1: Stop and Assess

The moment you feel that unexpected lurch, resist the urge to power forward. Immediately shift the engine to neutral and turn it off to avoid propeller or hull damage. Check on your passengers to make sure no one has been injured with the sudden stop.

Next, assess your boat’s condition. Is it simply stuck, or has it sustained damage? Inspect the hull for cracks, leaks, or signs of water intrusion. If water is coming in, ensure bilge pumps are operating and call for professional assistance.

Look around and note your surroundings. Are you in soft sand or mud, or have you hit a rocky bottom? Is your boat tilted to one side? Understanding how hard you’re stuck will help determine your next move. Be prepared to explain your situation to assistance providers.

Step 2: Try to Free the Boat

If there’s no serious damage, it’s time to work on getting unstuck. In some cases, shifting weight within the boat—moving passengers or gear away from the grounded area—can raise the hull enough to ease off the obstruction.

Reversing off the grounding point can also be effective. Lift the outdrive if you have one and gently try backing away using minimal throttle. If that doesn’t work, shutting off the engine and using paddles or poles may help dislodge the boat.

For more severe groundings, a technique called kedging can be useful. This involves using an anchor to pull the boat free. If you have a small anchor, set it in deeper water, secure it to the boat, and use the anchor line to manually pull yourself into safer depths. This is particularly a useful method for sailboats.

Sometimes, the best course of action is patience. If the tide is rising, setting an anchor and waiting it out can naturally lift your boat off the obstruction. If successful in your ungrounding you will want to once again check your bilge to ensure you are not taking on any water and slowly run your engine in gear to check for any vibration. Additionally, watch your engine temperature gauge to ensure you are not overheating due to ingesting sand or seaweed.

Step 3: Call for Help If Needed

If your efforts to free the boat aren’t successful, it’s time to signal for assistance. Make a quick call to 800-4-SEATOW or use your VHF marine radio to hail Sea Tow^® on Channel 16; this channel is monitored by the Coast Guard and nearby vessels as well.

Don’t forget, Sea Tow members enjoy priority assistance and no out-of-pocket costs for covered ungroundings.

When to Seek Professional Help

While it’s possible to handle some groundings on your own, certain situations require professional help. That’s where Sea Tow comes in.

Sea Tow members receive unlimited towing and covered ungrounding assistance, with no distance or dollar limits within their home area.

Whether you need a simple tow or a fuel delivery, Sea Tow Captains are available to handle the situation efficiently and safely.

Another key advantage of membership is that Sea Tow Captains don’t just tow you home—they work to troubleshoot the basics and get you back underway whenever possible.

Final Tips for Staying Safe

The most important thing you can do if you run aground is to remain calm. While running aground may feel embarrassing, as the saying goes – there are those who have run aground and those that will. It happens to all boaters at some point in their time on the water. Panic often leads to hasty decisions that can make matters worse. Make sure all passengers keep their life jackets on. And make sure you have your local Sea Tow’s phone number saved in your phone to call for assistance.

Sea Tow Team

Sea Tow has been the premier leader in on-water boating assistance since 1983. We want to share news, press, tips and all things boating.