I've done four T rescues in the last few months. All the same guy, but he is pushing his comfort zone and progressing fast.

This morning it was twice, broaching in rough water. So far I have avoided dinging my boat, but it helps that the rescuee is fairly agile.

A lot depends on how spry the guy is climbing back in. If he is clambering and flopping around all over the place then one has to give more support and runs more risk of ding damage.

Sometimes people, who would be perfectly happy to go swimming, for some reason, get all panicky if they fall out of a boat. It's the same water???? Isn't it?

I paddle along such a rocky coastline that scratches are inevitable. Considering I like to get in and out with dry feet I get away with a lot, but I am resigned to the odd scratch. My older boats are quite battered. I have not yet resorted to paint, but I guess it is an option if the damage accumulates to that degree.

Et