Simple And Uncomplicated Boat Handling For Enthusiasts

By Eloise Hewitt


Boating is by far a very popular water sport and hobby that is enjoyed by many. This hobby can be enjoyed solitary, can be as a form of family bonding, or just enjoying the sea with friends. All it takes is a good handler, which can be anybody, including yourself. Yes, you can be a boater and learn all about handling techniques even with little or no experience.

To be a boater, you have to learn to maneuver your vessel safely. The ocean can be very tough if you do not learn to abide by its rules, so a little inside knowledge never hurts. Boat handling Puerto Rico can be a bit tricky since every ship is unique, but once you have gotten it, there is no stopping to where you and your vessel can travel.

Before anything else, think of your safety at sea. You need to have a marine radio just in case you need to contact the coast guard during emergencies. You also have to have navigational charts of the waters where you frequently sail. It is also advisable that you learn to navigate using a compass, GPS, and your charts. These will allow you to determine which areas are considered dangerous, shallow, and safe to navigate.

Be acquainted with the rules of the road. Similar to traffic rules, there are also rules that govern safe boating. Commonly known as Coast Guard Navigation Rules, these teach the boater proper protocol. Although non permanent boaters are not required to know these rules, boating can become extremely dangerous if a boater is unfamiliar with these.

Know your boat inside out. You must know your instruction manuals like the back of your hand. These manuals contain vital details about the safe operation of your vessel. Be aware of key points like the pivot point of your boat and the span of time it takes for it to stop. Knowing your water craft inside out allows you to gain more confidence in boating.

Another thing to note is proper docking. Many first time handlers complain and say docking is very difficult. This is primarily because you have to consider certain points such as the wind direction and the sea. That, and you would want to avoid causing damage to the many expensive and shiny yachts already on the marina. To be able to do it without difficulty, consider coming in from an angle.

Learn manipulating your vessel in minimum control speed. This technique is used when you are moving within a small area along with other water crafts. The minimum control speed can be mastered by using sporadic power and allows you to still pilot your vessel at its slowest.

Master pivot turns. This is especially used when the vessel somehow enters a restricted area. Begin at rest then turn into opposite direction as you shift gears to idle. Go back to neutral gear then turn to the other direction, counting one, two, three as you go. Do steps over and over until you have made a complete turn.

Of course, the best way to learn handling is by doing it hands on. There are a lot of boating clubs that offer training courses on handling a vessel, depending on the type. You can also tag along friends who are boating enthusiasts and learn from them firsthand. Saves you the money, too.




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