Question from a newb!

Sometimes I read threads like this and wonder how the average boat owner survives a weekend of boating without six checklists, three ditch bags, a handful of liability waivers and a 30 minute training video noted (on a checklist) as required viewing for all new passengers.

I'm not trying to suggest you don't take boating safety seriously. But man....I think sometimes we tend to go overboard on this (no pun).

My Tenants of Safe Boating - 1.) have enough PFD's for everyone, tell everyone where they are and 2.) Only go as fast as you're willing to run into something when you're around the docks.

The rest of it I think you'll figure out if you're an average human. My opinion only of course. And you know what they say about opinions...


I tend to agree...if things get too 'regimented' it kind of sucks some of the fun out of the adventure....I don't want me nor my guest to be so uptight they can't sit back, enjoy their cocktails, and have a good time.....

again common sense and good judgment have to be used.....I find that when someone new to boating goes on a cruise on my boat they almost always simply ask if they have questions about things like how to use the head if they are unfamiliar with that....

safety is DEFINETLY priority one so tell and show the guest where the life jackets and throw cushion and fire extinguisher are located before leaving the dock and then sit back and enjoy the ride.....

as the captain if your are going to make a maneuver with the boat that could cause someone to loose their balance or pose some other threat to them then we should announce that maneuver in advance and what the affected guest should expect....(of course emergency maneuvers are a different thing)....

99.9% of the time our cruises are at slow speed....I have found that almost every guest on our boat prefers a slow speed cruise over getting up on plane because they can talk normally to each other and not have to worry so much about being bounced around if they need to move around the boat.....

we cruise on an inland lake...cruising out in open water as in ocean cruising may be a whole different animal which does call for some higher level of training for guest....

just my $.02 worth....

cliff
 
29 with a 320DA ...you won't be single long. :cool:

Or, hopefully he’s smart enough to stay single for a few more years so he gets a chance to .......ummm.......ahhhh...interview many potential candidates for the first mate position on his 320.
 
I think you are on the right track - having a plan/checklist is a good idea. I had one for my 290, it was really in my head, but the same order and routine everytime we went out. I even have the same on my little 185. Everytime I let someone help or deviate from my routine something get's missed - batteries left on, something. And regarding guests helping, up to you, but no one should be offended if you decline their offer to help. I have a friend with a sailboat - I am capable of handling his sailboat on my own if I wanted to (yeah I did some sailing in the past - sorry) but I respect it is his boat and I don't mess with anything unless he asks me too - except the beer!
My favorite kind of guest!
 
Routines and checklists seem lengthy or involved but they really aren’t.
The key is to get to the point where they are good habits and they go quickly.
Boating first and foremost should be fun for everyone on the boat.
Good habits keep it that way.
 
Like I mentioned above, when I am the captain, well, I'm the captain, but when I am a guest I'm not the captain, so I just try and enjoy myself. If I can help and they want me too, great, if not that's fine too. It's nice to just ride on someone else's boat and not have to worry about running it - especially in a sailboat, there is a little more going on than on a power boat. I do like to make sure the captain is aware of the status of certain critical systems - like the cooler and the head.
 
RH

I think you have the right plan together to ease into your new boat. The bay is a wonderful place to overnight and your new boat opens up a whole new world of cruising!

As JVM stated it's good to have a transient set of lines that you take with you. It should include 2 bow, 2 stern, and 2 spring lines. You need to use a similar set for your home dock and you really need the spring line, to keep you centered in the slip. My swim platform learned the hard way on our 330 about spring lines.

I think you might only need one or two sessions with a captain since you have operated smaller boats before. We only had one session when we moved up to our 330. Once you get familiar with twin inboards it translates to all inboards, only difference is torque and response timing. The hardest thing to learn was all the systems a cruiser has as well as v-drives and inboards, we came from an I/O 280.

Good Luck and you can always ask questions on the board! We have all been there.

I love the bay and I'm ready to explore a lot more parts of it. Ive spent almost all of life jet skiing and boating the upper bay. My parents have had multiple bowriders throughout the decades and I've been operating them since I was old enough to do so. I have a ton of experience docking. We go to dockbars for seafood every time we take it out so boating, docking and close quarter maneuvering is nothing new to me. I've even operated larger boats before as well but that was under the watchful eye of its owner and I never docked it so while I do have a lot of experience Im very new to this style of boating.

I will be picking up new dock lines soon and I will definitely get 2 sets!
 
I think you are on the right track - having a plan/checklist is a good idea. I had one for my 290, it was really in my head, but the same order and routine everytime we went out. I even have the same on my little 185. Everytime I let someone help or deviate from my routine something get's missed - batteries left on, something. And regarding guests helping, up to you, but no one should be offended if you decline their offer to help. I have a friend with a sailboat - I am capable of handling his sailboat on my own if I wanted to (yeah I did some sailing in the past - sorry) but I respect it is his boat and I don't mess with anything unless he asks me too - except the beer!

Yeah, I always remember from boating with my parents when I was younger that their friends always wanted to help but my dad would always politely decline and say that its just easier and actually goes faster if my dad and I just stick to our regular routine!
 
I agree with the key point of putting your checklist in writing and using it that way until you can perform it in your sleep, with special emphasis on electrical and water. Not unhooking/unhooking improperly can cause issues, as can not reconnecting/reconnecting properly. Not flipping the right breaker on the boat or on the dock when you leave can mean batteries dying and worse. I don't keep dock water connected while slipped, whether on the boat or away--a couple of neighbors have had lines/seals fail and their boats fill with water faster than the bilge pumps could clear it. (Saved by properly-tied lines, though--thank goodness!)

If you're not in a rush, take time to review the checklist thoroughly.
If you're in a rush, take even more time to review the checklist thoroughly.
Always double check important things if someone else has done them, whether it's electrical, water, securing lines, etc. (I can chill if someone doesn't stow PFDs, but not if they leave slack in a line and the boat's gonna knock around in the slip.)

If it hasn't been part of your process, consider adding a passenger safety briefing to your departure checklist; I do this even with people who have been out with me. I show them where PFDs and throwables are and we pull out what we need; show them where fire extinguishers are; explain restrictions and demonstrate how to use the head; explain my expectations of them as guests ("please be quiet/stay seated while docking" or "follow instructions exactly" or whatever); demonstrate some emergency things like how to push off a boat or piling with flat hands; etc. In most cases, guests don't have to help, but I do prepare them in case an all hands on deck situation arises; you never know when you might have to draft someone into service.



You'll be in great shape with or without a long term partner, but FWIW, I also find boating much more relaxing when I have at least one somewhat experienced person on board, whether it's just the two of us or lots of folks, so I've made a point of figuring out who among my social connections is willing to do the work that goes with the fun.
First Mate is my honey--we're fairly well matched at everything except docking stern in. He's a little smoother at it than I am, but both of us can do it. (He declines to take any kind of formal courses, however, so I'm ahead of him in rules of the water knowledge, and I've promised myself there will come a day when I can outmaneuver him, too!)
Second Mates are my two BFFs. They don't pilot yet, but they're becoming proficient at throwing and securing lines and other tasks, as well as ensuring other passengers stay in their fully seated, upright, and locked positions during any major maneuvers. They'll get some piloting experience this season so they can get us back to the marina in case I'm unable.
One BFF's son is making his way up the hierarchy, too, though he didn't quite realize it. His first "boating" adventure was on my WaveRunner at age 2 1/2; he'll be 13 next month. In January I took him to the boater safety course and he earned his certificate....and connected all the dots from 10 seasons of me being on his butt. His attitude has evolved from a grumpy "Why is Aunt B always telling me what to do," to the last couple of summers' quicker "Yes, ma'am" when I ask him to get out of the water while a boat is rafting up or to hold a line until I can tie it, to this year's "I aced my exam--when do I get to drive?"


I enjoyed reading your reply!

I'm very good at following a routine and I get a lot of satisfaction from that. Ive always liked taking charge of situations and directing too. Probably the reason why I run 2 business, one of which I own and am about to start another! But I always hated when someone would interrupt my process on my parents boat growing up. My parents were great with giving me responsibility and letting me take charge. I eventually pretty much took over their last boat! I think they enjoyed not having to stress over anything and having someone else captain them around.
I actually am really looking forward to developing a checklist and a plan. I will be including safety stuff to that as well!

Luckily for me I'm not new to boating whatsoever. I grew up on the Bay and so a lot of my friends have with me as well. I have two friends who have done a lot of boating with me and one married into a big boating family so I think I will be in good shape with their help eventually. I will probably pay for one of them to take classes with me at the Annapolis School of Seamanship and join me when I have a captain for the day.
 
Sometimes I read threads like this and wonder how the average boat owner survives a weekend of boating without six checklists, three ditch bags, a handful of liability waivers and a 30 minute training video noted (on a checklist) as required viewing for all new passengers.

I'm not trying to suggest you don't take boating safety seriously. But man....I think sometimes we tend to go overboard on this (no pun).

My Tenants of Safe Boating - 1.) have enough PFD's for everyone, tell everyone where they are and 2.) Only go as fast as you're willing to run into something when you're around the docks.

The rest of it I think you'll figure out if you're an average human. My opinion only of course. And you know what they say about opinions...


I have a lot of experience boating with absolutely no formal training. Decades on the Bay. I definitely am not over-concerned here. I still have a ton to learn and Ive come to realize that the average boat owner you mention might have no business owning a boat. They seem to have no idea how to properly take care of one (I've seen more boats in a worse condition than Ive seen in a better condition), they have no idea how to properly operate one (Ive watched many a boats slam into piers, fuel docks, other boats in slips), and they have no idea how to properly navigate the waterways. Im generally more shocked by what I see than impressed each weekend I go out.

But, I am extremely inquisitive and I absolutely love learning. I have a strong desire to know everything and be the best at whatever I do. Now that I am moving into a much different and more serious style of boating, I can't help but think of all the things I don't know and naturally I ask a lot of questions to learn more and improve.

And of course who the freaking hell doesn't love talking boats and boating!!

Your #2 tenant of safe boating is probably the most common thing I've said to newbies Ive taken out on smaller boats over the years. I repeat that to myself every time I enter a fairway heading towards a slip! I'll never forget or get to good for that one!!
 
I have a lot of experience boating with absolutely no formal training. Decades on the Bay. I definitely am not over-concerned here. I still have a ton to learn and Ive come to realize that the average boat owner you mention might have no business owning a boat. They seem to have no idea how to properly take care of one (I've seen more boats in a worse condition than Ive seen in a better condition), they have no idea how to properly operate one (Ive watched many a boats slam into piers, fuel docks, other boats in slips), and they have no idea how to properly navigate the waterways. Im generally more shocked by what I see than impressed each weekend I go out.

I wouldn't want to boat where you boat! The idiot boater is not the average boater in my neck of the woods. On a super busy drunk weekend maybe the idiots number 1 in 10 on the high side. But if we're being honest with ourselves (at least up here on the Great Lakes) the boater you describe is not the average owner/operator. There are 100 boaters out there doing just fine for every 1 that slams the piers, blows the fuel dock and has the usual assortment of "real" trouble.

I'm not trying to argue against the aforementioned level of attention to detail. I just think if we have to try this hard to go pleasure boating...we might be missing the point.
 
Or, hopefully he’s smart enough to stay single for a few more years so he gets a chance to .......ummm.......ahhhh...interview many potential candidates for the first mate position on his 320.

Potential first mate interviews might be the reason why the boat is staying at 350 slip resort marina with a tiki bar on the beach, restaurant, golf course, gym...
 
Sometimes I read threads like this and wonder how the average boat owner survives a weekend of boating without six checklists, three ditch bags, a handful of liability waivers and a 30 minute training video noted (on a checklist) as required viewing for all new passengers.

I'm not trying to suggest you don't take boating safety seriously. But man....I think sometimes we tend to go overboard on this (no pun).

My Tenants of Safe Boating - 1.) have enough PFD's for everyone, tell everyone where they are and 2.) Only go as fast as you're willing to run into something when you're around the docks.

The rest of it I think you'll figure out if you're an average human. My opinion only of course. And you know what they say about opinions...
I personally don’t use a checklist but I believe they are a fantastic idea for somebody new to a boat, boat size, or boat type.
 
I personally don’t use a checklist but I believe they are a fantastic idea for somebody new to a boat, boat size, or boat type.

After a while the checklist become part of your normal routine - kind of like muscle memory. Then the checklists become necessary for trip planning and not the daily outings. It really annoying (not to mention expensive) to realize you forgot something when you are 2 hours from your home port with no easy access back.

I apply this with my high school kids that play hockey. We have our checklist for equipment, etc - no big deal if your missing something at a local practice - but you have better checked and confirmed the list before leaving on a 6 hour drive (or even the 30 minute drive as we can't get home and back before the game start when your missing something at the rink).

-Kevin
 
I wouldn't want to boat where you boat! The idiot boater is not the average boater in my neck of the woods. On a super busy drunk weekend maybe the idiots number 1 in 10 on the high side. But if we're being honest with ourselves (at least up here on the Great Lakes) the boater you describe is not the average owner/operator. There are 100 boaters out there doing just fine for every 1 that slams the piers, blows the fuel dock and has the usual assortment of "real" trouble.

I'm not trying to argue against the aforementioned level of attention to detail. I just think if we have to try this hard to go pleasure boating...we might be missing the point.
You’re a lucky guy!
Majority of boaters around here have no clue about what they’re doing. Can be very nerve wracking and a big reason why a few people I know have gotten out of boating.
I try to go out during the times when the least amount of people are on the water and it’s easier to give the knuckleheads a wide berth.
We got to out favorite anchorage early before it gets crowded and leave later after it clears out to avoid problems. Almost never have a day on the hook where I don’t come close to having someone run over my anchor line, anchor too close and risk swinging in to me when the wind changes, or drift in to me after not setting their anchor properly and indulging in adult beverages.
Knucklehead of the year winner last summer:
Guy in a 34 Silverton drops the hook a few hundred feet in front of me, later that afternoon the wind picks up a bit and his anchor doesn’t hold, the 34 Silverton is bearing down on my port bow. I lean on my horn. The guy is swimming with his wife and kids after the Silverton. He gets up on the swim platform as he narrowly misses me. He gets up on his flybridge and is trying to start the motors as his wife and kids are trying to catch up with the drifting boat so they can get on too. He gets a motor started just in time to wrap another anchored boat’s anchor line around a prop.
Those kiddies learned some new curse words that day......but luckily they all got back aboard with all their limbs in tact.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
112,946
Messages
1,422,769
Members
60,929
Latest member
Henchman
Back
Top