10
Before You Leave
Providing you have not encountered any problems, you are
almost ready to go. (If you did encounter problems, do not
a'empt to operate your boat unl they are corrected). Before
you leave, perform the following steps:
•
Check the operaon of equipment such as bilge pumps,
running lights, radios, etc. Check the steering. Turn the
steering wheel to a complete lock, clockwise and an-
clockwise, to ensure that there is free movement.
•
Instruct passengers in the use and locaon of flotaon
devices.
•
Obtain a reliable weather forecast and plan accordingly
for everyone’s comfort and safety.
•
Nofy a responsible friend or relave of your intended
path. Upon your return or a change in your cruise
schedule, nofy that person again to avoid unnecessary
concern.
•
Ensure everyone is seated (in or on a seat).
•
Be certain any operator has not been or is not consuming
alcoholic beverages/or non prescribed drugs.
MANOEUVRING
Basic Manoeuvring
All boats steer by the stern (the feeling is much like steering your
car in reverse). For example, when turning the steering wheel to
the le, the stern of the boat will swing to the right as the boat
goes into a le turn. This is parcularly important to remember
when docking, or in close quarters with other boats.
Once you are away from the wharf, devote some me to
learning how to manoeuvre:
•
Pracce docking by using an imaginary wharf.
•
Pracce stopping and reversing.
•
When operang in close quarters or docking, all
manoeuvring should be done at idle speed.
•
Proceed with cauon in congested areas.
•
Gradually increase your speed. Familiarise yourself
with the boat before a'empng any full thro'le
operaon .
PREPARATION for DOCKING
Proper docking requires preparaon. Start by making sure
you have adequate mooring gear that is stowed correctly
and ready for use. Your dealer is the best source for
informaon concerning the amount and type of equipment
you should carry.
APPROACHING THE WHARF
When approaching a wharf, lower your speed within
reasonable distance to allow the wake to subside before it
reaches other boats.
As you get close to the wharf, check for any wind or current
acon that may affect your manoeuvre, then make a
conservave approach with these factors in mind. Try to
use the elements to your advantage. Allow them to carry
the boat into the wharf.
If there are high winds or strong currents, it is best to
approach from the lee side (against the wind and current).
With a mild current and li'le or no wind, it is best to
approach from the windward side (with the wind and
current).
While approaching, ensure all lines are a'ached to the
cleats on the side facing the wharf. Also ensure fenders are
lowered on the same side. Be sure to check the fenders are
hung at the proper height.
Approach at idle RPM at an angle approximately 45 degrees
to the wharf. When the bow is within a few metres of the
wharf (starboard side) the stern can be brought alongside
by turning hard to port. Next, turn to starboard and at idle
RPM put the boat into reverse. This will stop the boat and
bring the stern closer to the wharf. These steps are
reversed for docking to port. A precauon should be taken
not to allow limbs between the boat and the wharf.
LEAVING THE WHARF
Take into account the wind, de, current and other forces
that affect manoeuvring when leaving the dock. Most
manoeuvring to and from a dock is best accomplished at
idle speeds. Do not forget to release the mooring lines and
stow the fenders.
When leaving a wharf on the starboard side and the bow
cannot be pushed away from the wharf first observe the
following points:
•
Start forward with the steering wheel turned to
starboard for two or three feet.
•
Then shi to reverse with steering full to port.
•
Repeat if necessary to shi the stern far enough
away from the wharf to be clear of other boats that
may be moored ahead. (Reverse these steps when
leaving a dock located to port).
Summary of Contents for boat
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