Is It Easy To Learn How To Operate a Boat?
Have you never owned a boat before but discovered that boating is an amazing activity and the lifestyle is completely amazing? If learning to operate and control a boat is on your wishlist, you should start learning it from an instructor right away and don’t let the idea scare you. It’s possible that you were a little nervous while driving a car, but you most likely overcame it quickly, and before you realized it, driving was part of your routine. You’ll probably have a similar feeling when you become used to operating your boat, so don’t panic and start the new adventure.
THE ART OF OPERATING A BOAT
- Before powering up your boat, you should start the fan according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. It’s better to go through your pre-departure checklist during this time.
- Turn on the motor by inserting the key into the starter (some newer versions of boats use push buttons instead of keys).
- Tie the lanyard to the life jacket hook if the boat has a “kill switch” that shuts off the engine if you occasionally go out of the boat.
- Then you should remove all of the mooring lines holding the boat to the port, dock, or berth.
- Carefully move the throttle lever to engage until you feel a gearshift.
- When the boat starts to move, rotate the wheel to choose your course exactly like you would a car’s steering.
- Push the throttle as necessary to get to the desired speed. According to the situation, trim (change running attitude) the boat to adjust its position to your destination.
- Slowly return the throttle to normal when you need to slow down, and then secure it with a mooring line.
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR A FINE BOATING EXPERIENCE
Know your country’s rules
Before learning how to operate a boat, you should first become familiar with all applicable national and regional regulatory requirements. Does operating a boat in your state need a license or certification? What do you need for a boating license or certificate, if your state mandates one, and how long is it valid for? Some countries will have banned boating for the general public, and sailors born after that date will need to get a boating certificate proving they have a basic understanding of the boat and know how to operate it correctly.
Consider taking a basic course
One of the best things an eager boater can do is to enroll in a boating course. It will make sure they are knowledgeable enough to control their boat safely on any water. Don’t miss the boating course if you plan to take up boating as a profession because it provides you with invaluable information that you will need both on and off the sea. The course instructor will also tell you about all the safety regulations on the water to keep all the people on the boat safe.
Purchase a copy of the boating bible
Buy a few volumes of the boating bible if you can. It does exactly what it says — it gives you quick access to all the rules and regulations regarding sailing. It gives you information about docking with a mooring line, safety measures, different types of watercraft, and navigation.
THE BOTTOM LINE
You should keep in mind that every boat is different and that learning to operate any boat takes time; even Captain Ahab would have to pick up a few new skills when taking the control of a new ship. So when you learn to operate your boat, you don’t have to be upset if you encounter one or more speed bumps and struggle to learn the system. Just keep practicing and boating will happen naturally to you before you feel it.