Boating - Basic Maneuvers

Basic Maneuvers

Leaving the Dock

Occupants must enter the boat when the front and rear mooring lines are still fastened to the dock.  One person steadies the vessel while the others board by stepping into the bottom of the boat and keeping their bodies as low as possible.

Follow the reverse procedure to get out of a boat.

To leave a dock in a motor boat demands some forethought. If other boats are nearby, the throttle bar (gas control handle) can be moved in the direction of the dock and the boat backed out in reverse. If the wind is blowing from the dock, greater force is required to clear the dock and avoid colliding with other boats.

The boat pulls away from the dock in reverse (throttle bar turned toward the dock).  Once the boat is fully clear, it can head out in Forward provided the way is unobstructed.

Docking

To land a boat, approach the dock at a 30-45 degree angle.  Once near the dock, move the throttle bar toward the dock to clear the bow of the boat and take up a parallel position.  Nearer the dock, move the bar to the other side, slow the throttle and for a instant the boat will back up, bringing the stern close to the dock. Once alongside the dock, moor the boat. If the wind is blowing toward the dock, it is best to approach from a wider angle.  If the wind is blowing from the dock, approach at a narrower angle.

Launching from Shore

In fair weather, launching a boat from shore is relatively easy. With the motor raised, the boat is lifted and pushed into the water, front first.  Once the boat is afloat, with the stern barely touching the shore, hold it at a 90-degree angle to the shore in order to board, first in the centre, and then at the bow.  Lastly, the driver shoves the boat out into the water, walking alongside in the water, and boards at the stern.  When launching, the person in the centre nudges the boat out into the water with an oar until the water is deep enough to start the motor.  This person can also guide the boat in the desired direction.  Then, after starting the motor, shift to Forward, gaining speed as the boat moves farther from shore.

Landing on Shore

To land on shore in fair weather, stop the motor where the water is still fairly deep and tilt it out of the water to prevent damaging the propeller.  It is important for the driver to instinctively know the location of the stop mechanism and the tilting lever.  To lighten the front end, any passengers in the bow of the boat will move to the centre and row to shore. On reaching the shore, one person sets foot on the ground and holds the boat steady while the other passengers step out. Once the boat is empty, it can be lifted and carried to the shore for mooring.  Avoid pushing the boat ashore.

In poor weather, it is best to approach the shore backwards.  This will prevent water from accumulating in the boat.  With the motor running, turn the boat so that the stern is toward shore. The centre passenger holds this course with the oar.  Then, stop the motor and tilt it out of the water.  The waves will carry the boat to shore.   To prevent the stern from dipping into the trough of the waves as they strike the bow, the rower pulls gently on the oars.

Accelerating and Planing

Acceleration tends to make a boat leave the water and hydroplane on the surface; this movement is triggered by the wash of the motor.  It lifts the boat by several degrees. This seriously diminishes the operator’s visibility in front of the boat and makes it more difficult to effectively use the motor’s propulsion force.  To correct this situation, simply accelerate slightly to pass over the wave and regain a relatively horizontal trim.

Operating in Waves

In poor weather, to reduce the risk of capsizing or taking on water, waves must be crossed bow first. With a motor, the boat’s speed can be quickly adjusted to synchronize its forward motion with the movement of the waves.  In this way, the bow crosses the waves more easily.

Towing

Certain rules of thumb can improve towing efficiency:

1. Towing is faster if the other boat is pulled rather than coupled alongside the towing boat.  However, coupling is better when the boat being towed lacks maneuverability, since the towing boat can steer it to some extent.  This technique is also used when the boat being towed is unstable.
2. To tow a boat and its passengers, it must be stable and the towing boat operator must be warned of any problems immediately
3. The two boats must be aligned in the same direction.
4. The towing boat operator must constantly monitor the situation.
5. A canoe can be towed using a rope secured around the tip of the bow. Other types of vessels are equipped with rings used to secure a hitch (towing rope) to a towing boat.

Note

Sometimes, towing is the worst option. The first role of the rescuer is to save lives and reduce human suffering.  When boating conditions prevent towing, specialized towing companies can be called in for assistance.  The same applies when the boat will not stand up to towing (see manufacturer’s recommended limits) or was not designed for towing (such as inflatable crafts).

To make the towed boat easier to maneuver, fasten the hitch fairly close to the waterline at the centre of the bow.  Some boats have lugs or hooks for fastening a hitch.

In poor weather, the length of the tow line depends on the waves.  To avoid collision, synchronize the speed of the two boats and their movement over the crest or trough of the waves.

It is extremely important that both vessels are cresting the waves at the same time.  The length of towing rope should be adjusted to ensure that the vessels are properly spaced.

Towing is more effective if the traction point is located in the rear centre of the towing boat.  This is done simply if a ring or lug is installed at the centre of the stern.  Otherwise, a V-shaped rope assembly can prevent sideways traction on the towing boat.  A hitch attached to a V-assembly can slide from side to side.

The towing speed depends on the boat type, weight and means of propulsion.  It must be adjusted to keep the towed boat steady.  Where a motor boat is used, avoid placing excessive strain on the motor.

If possible, the hitch should be easy to cast off. The knots used in a hitch must be able to withstand considerable and variable strain. The bowline knot is the most commonly used.   round turn knot and two half hitches can be used for towing light loads. However, never use a square knot or a clove hitch for towing.

Responding to Breakdowns

Know the following actions to take in response to breakdowns on board a boat:

• Alter the speed of the craft as appropriate to the circumstances
• Anchor the craft as appropriate to the circumstances
• Investigate the problem
• Correct the problem if possible
• Use or exhibit signals to indicate distress and need of assistance if necessary.