36. Engine Failure: What to Do Immediately (And Why Anchoring Comes First)
The First Decision Matters Most
When your engine fails, your instinct may be to troubleshoot immediately.
But your first priority is control.
Step One: Drop Anchor (If Conditions Allow)
👉 This is critical
Anchoring:
- prevents drifting
- keeps you off hazards
- stabilizes your situation
Why This Comes First
Without power, your boat is:
- at the mercy of wind
- affected by current
- drifting unpredictably
Special Note (Single Operator)
If you are alone:
👉 Avoid shutting down your engine unless necessary
Because if it doesn’t restart:
- you lose maneuverability
- docking becomes extremely difficult
- risk increases significantly
After Anchoring
Then:
- assess the issue
- use VHF if needed
- prepare next steps
Final Thought
Control first — troubleshooting second.