|
On the water training is required to learn the boating skills
listed below. However, before your training, it is extremely helpful to know the basic steps in each maneuver.
Backing away from the dock usually offers the best maneuvering
control. It also avoids a problem inherent to forward departures when the boat starts to turn and it's stern swings into the
dock, preventing the boat from departing cleanly.
-
Start by turning the wheel away from the dock, which rotates
the propeller away from the dock.
-
Shift into reverse, the stern swings away from the dock as the
boat backs away. To avoid scraping the bow against the dock, make your turning angle slight.
-
When clear of the dock, turn the wheel in the opposite direction
to bring the boat parallel to the dock. Center the wheel, pause briefly in neutral while counting 1-2-3, then shift to forward.
A capability that is a "must" for anyone operating a powerboat
in close quarters or around other boats or persons in the water. Minimum control speed is the slowest speed at which you can
operate and still maintain steering control.
Typically, this is less than the speed produced when the engine
is in gear and the throttle is set at idle rpm, and is accomplished by the use of intermittent power.
-
With the throttle at idle rpm, from neutral to forward and back
to neutral. This produces a short, gentle pulse of power to maintain steering control.
-
Repeat this technique to keep the boat under control and moving
slowly.
A method of turning a boat in a restricted areas. It's success
depends on positioning the helm first and then applying power in very short applications. It is seldom necessary to use more
than idle RPM.
-
Starting at rest, turn the wheel hard over and shift into gear
at idle rpm to initiate the pivot turn.
-
Shift into neutral and turn the wheel hard over in the opposite
direction, while counting 1-2-3.
-
Shift into reverse at idle rpm to continue the turn, and repeat
the steps until the boat has completed the turn.
If a person falls overboard;
-
Immediately swing the stern and propeller away from the person
in the water.
-
Shout "Crew Overboard!" and throw buoyant objects such as cushions
and life rings toward the person.
-
Assign a spotter, designate someone to point to the person.
-
Maneuver the boat into a position downwind.
-
Approach slowly using intermittent power, bow first pointing
into the wind and waves with the person in the water on the driver's side.
-
Shift into neutral and coast to the person.
-
When contact is made, shut off the engine.
-
Attach the person to the boat using a looped line.
-
Assist the person to get back into the boat.
The key to holding position is to anticipate boat drift and
make small, gentle corrections early rather than large powerful corrections late.
There are two methods for holding position;
-
Bow into Waves, and Stern into Waves. Since the bow will usually
have a tendency to turn away from the wind, you will have to compensate for this by periodically shifting into forward gear
and making slight steering corrections to bring the bow back into the wind.
-
Because the bow wants to turn downwind, it is usually easier
to hold position with the stern into the wind, provided the waves don't come over the transom.
Mooring typically have a large buoy that is attached to an anchor
on the bottom with chain. The driver should approach the mooring with with it on his side of the boat to keep it in sight
throughout the maneuver.
-
Approach at minimum control speed from a position downwind of
the buoy, or down current if stronger.
-
Shift into neutral.
-
Use reverse if needed to stop the boat.
-
Pick up and secure mooring.
To avoid a possible collision with a submerged object or another
boat it maybe necessary to stop your boat quickly.
To be able to respond promptly;
As a boat rolls in a tight turn, it always slides sideways.
There is a risk in some boats of the boat's wake coming
over the transom.
To avoid this flooding problem;
To master this important maneuver you need to be aware of how
your powerboat steers and reacts to changes in throttle and gearshift in differant wind and current conditions.
-
Place fenders at dock level and prepare dock lines before making
the final approach.
-
Be sure everyone knows what to do with the dock lines.
-
Come alongside the dock with the bow pointing into the wind
or currant, whichever is stronger. Approach the dock slowly at a 25 to 45 degree angle and use intermittent power to maintain
minimum control speed.
-
When the bow is 1/2 to one boat length from the dock, make a
smooth turn to bring the boat almost parallel to the dock by turning the wheel and briefly shifting into forward.
-
Then shift to neutral.
-
Turn the wheel toward the dock and briefly shift to reverse
to bring the stern in as the boat stops.
After checking an area;
-
Approach the anchoring spot slowly, heading into the wind or
currant, whichever is stronger.
-
Stop the boat and lower the anchor over the bow-Do Not Throw
It.
-
The end of the rope should be attached to the boat before releasing
the anchor.
-
Let out the anchor line as the boat drifts downwind. If the
wind has too little effect, back the boat very slowly while letting the line run out freely.
-
Avoid backing too fast, which could cause the anchor to bounce
along the bottom.
-
When a scope of 5:1 has been let out, wrap the line around the
bow cleat and reverse slowly against it until it becomes taut.
When backing up into the wind or downwind, use minimum control
speed.
When backing towards the wind the combination of windage and
pivot point will help you hold course.
It may be more difficult to maintain your course when backing
downwind. If the bow falls off too much you will loose steering control. Before this happens;
Towing another boat alongside is often used when bringing a
disabled boat into a safe area.
The towboat should be positioned so that it's propeller is far
enough aft of the other boat's stern to turn the tow in either direction.
-
Fenders should be rigged between the boats to prevent damage.
-
Tie the boats together tightly using bow, stern and spring lines,
so there is no movement between them.
If a line is slack, it will reduce the maneuverability of
the tow.
When coming alongside a dock, approach it at minimum control speed
with the other boat on the dockside.
Approach the sailboat perpendicular to the mast on the forestay
side to keep the powerboat away from the sailor on the cockpit side of the boat, or from running over the submerged mainsail.
-
Make contact with the top of the mast; or with the forestay,
if the mast is submerged too much to grab.
-
Once contact is made with the sailboat, turn off the engine.
-
Then lift the mast tip and move hand over hand down the mast
and shroud to bring the boat upright.
Another method frequently used to get the sailor back on the boat
has the sailor standing on the centerboard.
As the boat comes upright;
- Safety of the sailor comes first.
- Check for signs of injury, fatigue or hypothermia and that no one is trapped
under the sails.
- Always keep the propeller away from people in the water.
|
