Safe Boat Handling

Knowing How a Boat Handles Can Help Avoid Collisions

Ive been piloting boats since before I could walk! Maybe so but no matter how experienced you may be as a boater, its worth paying attention to the handling characteristics of every boat you own or operate. Every boat even boats of the same type, from the same manufacturer handles differently. Your own boat responds differently from day to day as a result of weather, current, temperature, load, and other factors.

The boater who ignores handling characteristics is risking his safety. Coast Guard data show that collision with another vessel is the number one type of recreational boating accident; collision with a fixed object is second.

If youre interested in the technical factors that influence handling characteristics things like side force, frictional wake current, and drag a review of one of the many boat handling and seamanship publications, or the specifications supplied with your boat, will provide a wealth of useful information. But in the meantime, there are simple steps that the U.S. Coast Guard recommends that every boater including experienced boaters go over as a matter of routine.

Drill It In

Whether youve been operating a particular boat for three years or three minutes, its a good idea to try some drills related to boat handling. Pick an open area on a calm day. Practice turning, stopping, and reversing course at various speeds, and pay attention to your turning radius, stopping distance, and maneuverability when the boat has more or less momentum.

Later, try the same drills in rougher water, with more wind, and with more or less weight in the boat. You may be surprised how much these variables can change the way your boat handles. At a minimum, these drills should be conducted on an annual basis, especially if you live in an area of the country where your boat is stored during the winter. Once your boat has been launched for the summer boating season, take some time to reacquaint yourself with your vessels handling characteristics.

A Weighty Issue

Do you know how much you weigh? Not trying to ask personal questions but as the boat owner or operator, its important that you know the total weight of the equipment and persons you bring on board, and make sure that its within the limits listed on your boats capacity plate (if one is provided). You must take into consideration everything youve taken on board, such as fishing gear, a cooler, water (eight pounds per gallon), food, and fuel (six pounds per gallon). Exceeding your boats rated capacity is dangerous and can severely affect safe handling.

Even if youre within the appropriate weight limit for your vessel, that weight must be properly distributed. Power trim and trim tabs are useful tools but its better to carefully balance weight fore an aft, port and starboard, to avoid listing or porpoising both of which make handling a vessel more difficult.

NOAA News is Good News

Finally, check the weather before you go out and not just to find out whether or not youll need a sweater. Wind and waves, in particular, can drastically change a boats handling characteristics. Take a few minutes to listen to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) marine forecast on your VHF radio, even if its currently bright and sunny. Youll be much better off making the conscious decision not to pilot your boat in 30-mile-per-hour winds than accidentally finding out youre incapable of it. For further information on NOAA, check out http://www.noaa.gov.

Yes, you may be an experienced boater, but even if you were born with tiller in hand, its worth taking a little extra time to make sure youve mastered the handling of this boat on this day under these conditions.