When operating a boat for the first time, several things to consider will make the experience much safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
The most important tip to start with is this: A boat is not a car.
As obvious as that may sound, do not expect your boat to handle the same as a car. We heard of a student that if they had considered this before venturing out for the first time without a lesson, they would have had fewer problems controlling the boat.
New boaters will find that docking and manoeuvring at slow speeds are the most challenging, whereas operating in open water with more speed is simpler because the boat responds better to the helm. Steering is significantly reduced at a dead slow speed or when drifting in neutral. Small single-engine boats need to be “in gear to steer.” Simply being in gear without any throttle added is sufficient to give you good steerage control for docking and close-quarters manoeuvring.
So, what are some basic (yet crucial) boat handling tips every new (or experienced) boater should know? Here are five tips from Craig Hamilton, Master Instructor at BoaterSkills.ca, to help you get safely underway.
5 Basic Boat Handling Tips for Every Boater
Staying safe on the water must always be your first priority when heading out from the dock. The following five tips for handling your boat can help you have a safe adventure every time you launch.
1. Check the Weather
Not every day is a boating day.
When the wind picks up beyond 10 knots (20km/h), two things occur: the waves get bigger, and docking becomes more difficult. Always check the marine forecast for conditions in the area where you will be boating, and pick the calm, windless days for learning. Environment Canada is a great source for marine weather information.
2. Understanding the Helm (Wheel)
Get to know your helm in terms of how much you need to make the boat turn. Inexperienced boaters often don’t use enough wheel to get the boat turning quickly, and they often forget to bring the wheel back to centre once the turn is almost complete. This often results in over-steering.
We recommend having “quick hands” when working the wheel, and remember to bring it back to centre before the turn is completed.
3. Using the Shifter
Learn to shift efficiently in and out of gear.
This can be practiced at the dock while securely tied on with a bow, stern, and spring line. When practicing your shifts, don’t add any throttle. The more efficient you are at finding the gear you want, the easier it is to remain in control.
4. Slow Speed Control
Some situations require a slow speed, such as when docking.
You don’t always need to be in gear, especially as you are closing in on the dock. Using several short shifts in and out of gear will help you maintain a slower speed and steerage.
5. Docking
A successful docking is one where you are always in control of your direction and speed.
The objective is to come alongside the dock and drift the last few feet until the fenders touch. Pay attention to your speed and maintain just enough for steerage. Finally, avoid boating on those windy days, as this makes docking more difficult. Every new boater needs time at the helm to build their skills and confidence.
Learn the basics first, (as shown in the video above), and you will be better prepared for those windy dockings!
Learn Boat Handling and Safety Before Hitting the Water
A boat handling lesson is always a good choice to help you develop your skills and confidence. At BoaterSkills.ca, their professional instructors come to you to teach on your boat. They create a comfortable learning environment for you and your crew. From trailering to docking, anchoring, open water operation, and more, a personal instructor will customize your lesson and will always assist.
Book a clinic with them and you can earn a BoaterSkills.ca Safe Boater Endorsement certificate that can save you money on your marine insurance.
BOATsmart! believes that a prepared boater is a safe boater! That’s why we also recommend taking a boater safety course to learn how to stay safe and protect others while on the water. Having good boat handling skills is only part of what you need to boat safely; you also need to understand right-of-way rules, how to understand buoys and signs, and what safety equipment to bring on board before leaving the dock.
So, as you learn how to handle a boat, make sure you also take a course through BOATsmart! and get your Canada boating license. Then, you’ll be prepared for many more fun days on the water every season!
Originally published March 8, 2021. Content most recently reviewed and updated July 31, 2024.
