HANDLING BOATS AND GENERAL TIPS
Powerboat handling can be tricky at times and takes a bit of practice, but it is one of the
skills you must learn if you want to have a good time while boating with great safety. Small boat handling is a big point and knowing how to handle your boat is a great thing to know.
You should practise driving up to a buoy at different speeds and weather and do several
exercises like this, with a little patience and a bit of practise, you can maximise the safety
of your boat and your boat handling skills! You can also research some boat handling
techniques on the 'web' and practise those to!
A RIB Out on the Water - The RIB is one of the best boats for handling in the world,
and it copes well with rough weather and waves.
There are also many boat handling courses you can take for extra help with your handling
skills and progressing as a boater.
Boat trim is a great thing, i use it a lot! How to trim a boat; When on a flat sea, have your
trim to around 60% this lowers fuel consumption and gives you an extra bit of speed, as
the nose of the boat is up in the air and there is less resistance between the hull of the
boat and the water. But, on the other hand when the sea is rough have your boat trim right down for maximum stability and handling in the rough waves.
Boating is a serious activity enjoyed by many, but as with most recreational activities, there are times when it can be very dangerous. This can be the case when at sea. You should plan ahead in advance for this, don't just carry the equipment you are probably going to need in a normal day, but also carry the equipment you are probably not going to need unless you are thrown in to a bad scenario of serious boating and safety needs. Below are some safe boating tips that I have put together to read, download and print if you wish.
General Safety Tips
Educate all passengers!
The more informed all the passengers are, the better off they will be in a serious situation
or disaster if one occurs. Make sure they know things like; 'where the lifejackets are and
how to wear them‘, ’where the flares are stowed' and 'where fire extinguishers are kept
etc.'
Know the rules of the road!
Yes, there are rules of the road on the sea and on water ways. You ask why? "To Help
Stop Collision at Sea." These simple rules are like 'over take on the right side of a boat'
and 'pass an oncoming vessel on the left'. The best way to learn these rules and all you
need to know about boating is to take a boating course. They are offered in many places
and for all appropriate ages.
Keep up with Boat Maintenance!
If you are going to invest in a boat, then you should at least maintain its looks, engine and
electronics. You should take it for an annual service. The coastguard and other facilities
sometimes offer a free safety check, you SHOULD take advantage of this before you head out!
Pay attention to navigation aids!
Buoys and other markers are there for a reason! It’s not a good idea to play chicken with
them or get to confident with your knowledge of the area. You never know what can
change with water level, sand movement and other natural changes.
Check your equipment!
The best way to do this and make shore all equipment is onboard is to make a check list
and tick each piece of equipment off on every trip. This is a good way to make shore you
have all safety equipment required by law on board!
Don’t drink and drive!
Drinking while boating is just as dangerous as drinking and driving! In addition to the
obvious danger, the driver and skipper is not only reliable for themselves but their
passengers too!
Sit in the seats!
Many boats like to sit on the side of the boat, if another larger boat came by with a big,
vicious wake this could quite quickly turn into a dangerous situation if you get knocked
around. Sitting on the sets is much safer!
Check the weather!
Make shore you check the weather before you ride! If their is bad weather in the forecast,
make shore you plan your ride accordingly! Also wear suitable clothes for the weather!
Keep the boat at Capacity!
Every boat has a posted capacity limit, (on big cargo ships this is called the plimsoll line!).
Make shore that people and other things (including equipment) do not exceed the limit!
WEAR A LIFEJACKET!
I can’t state this enough, lifejackets were invented for a reason and that is to save lives!
There is no explanation why you should not be wearing one when out at sea! These are
pieces of great equipment and are the easiest way to keep safe at sea. It is required by law to have enough on board for the amount of passengers the boat carries, it’s a good idea to carry extra if there is room.
