The recent comments about running without lights after dark and speeding near bridges seems like preaching to the choir, accurate but not going to change much. I have always practiced what you might call defensive boating simce I try not to depend on the other guy doing the right thing. Here are a few things I do to try to avoid unsafe boaters. If others add to the list then we might add to the boating skill set of the choir.
Always slow way down near bridges and other areas of obstructed visibility such as marina exits. In some areas it is a legal requirement but that doesn't mean someone in a small boat isn't lurking behind the bridge and wont suddenly dash across the channel. Expect the unexpected.
Be aware of weather and just stay put if the forecast doesn't suit you. There is no shame in waiting out bad weather.
Checking your lights is obvious but included for completeness.
Never navigate directly from mark to mark. If space allows such as off shore always set a course Вј mile or so offset from the mark to mark path. Everyone today is using GPS and they are all following the same narrow line making close passes much more frequent than necessary.
When approaching another boat make your avoidance turn far in advance so the other boater knows what you are doing. Radio and horn signals are nice and required in some instances but for many reasons ineffective. A 15 degree turn is hard to miss and causes little delay in your progress.
Pass other boats in either direction with sufficient room that no mater what the other boater does you have space and time to react. It reduces waking as well.
Always let out too much scope.
Check conditions in the ER before starting, after the first half hour of running and from time to time thereafter. Become familiar with your engine sounds, exhaust water flow and performance levels so you will quickly notice any change.
Secure everything before startup as if you might be facing a storm, you just might and when things get messy is not the time to find a dock line getting into the prop or stuff flying about in the cabin.
Ok fellow choir members there are a few to get started; lets hear your tips.
Always slow way down near bridges and other areas of obstructed visibility such as marina exits. In some areas it is a legal requirement but that doesn't mean someone in a small boat isn't lurking behind the bridge and wont suddenly dash across the channel. Expect the unexpected.
Be aware of weather and just stay put if the forecast doesn't suit you. There is no shame in waiting out bad weather.
Checking your lights is obvious but included for completeness.
Never navigate directly from mark to mark. If space allows such as off shore always set a course Вј mile or so offset from the mark to mark path. Everyone today is using GPS and they are all following the same narrow line making close passes much more frequent than necessary.
When approaching another boat make your avoidance turn far in advance so the other boater knows what you are doing. Radio and horn signals are nice and required in some instances but for many reasons ineffective. A 15 degree turn is hard to miss and causes little delay in your progress.
Pass other boats in either direction with sufficient room that no mater what the other boater does you have space and time to react. It reduces waking as well.
Always let out too much scope.
Check conditions in the ER before starting, after the first half hour of running and from time to time thereafter. Become familiar with your engine sounds, exhaust water flow and performance levels so you will quickly notice any change.
Secure everything before startup as if you might be facing a storm, you just might and when things get messy is not the time to find a dock line getting into the prop or stuff flying about in the cabin.
Ok fellow choir members there are a few to get started; lets hear your tips.
