A Guide To Basic Jet Boat Handling And Maneuvering

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scarab-docking

You don't have to be an expert to drive a boat. You can start by learning on a small RIB and then gradually increase your power and size. A level 2 powerboat course is a great place to start if you are interested in powerboats. You will learn more if you drive on a channel near the ocean. These courses are for small-powered craft like RIB's and dories that can be used to travel long distances. The powerboat course should cover the following skills:

  • Recovery and launch
  • Handling boats
  • Secure a buoy
  • Anchoring
  • Moving along and leaving
  • Man should not be afraid

Before you dive in to boating, there are some important points.

Dress for the weather, not impress!

You should do some research on the weather conditions before you plan your outfit. It's not fun to be on a boat six hours with a t-shirt while the weather is beating you down. These are some things to keep in mind.

  • The South Easterly wind is cooler but choppier.
  • The northeasterly winds are usually cooler
  • Wear waterproof jackets that provide wind protection.
  • When the sun shines, apply sunscreen 50 generously and bring it along. Sunburn risk increases when you are on the water, as direct radiation and reflection from the water increase.

How to prepare the boat for departure from the marina

  • Turn on the battery switch (usually located in the hatch).
  • Turn the ignition key to turn the engine.
  • To check if water is flowing properly, look under the motor for a tell-tale. Sometimes salt crystals or water can block the tell-tale. The end of a paperclip inserted into the hole can be used to stop the flow or weaken the obstruction.
  • The driver must have the kill switch (emergency stop), in place. The lanyard can be attached to the driver's belt loop or wrapped around your leg. In the event that the helmsperson is thrown from their seat, the kill switch will stop the engine.
  • Start with the trim down before you dock.
  • Make sure the bow and the stern lines are securely attached to the boat. This will ensure that there is no trip hazard.
  • Before you shift, steer! Before you use the throttle, turn the boat in the direction that you want it to go.
  • Push the throttle handle gently forward until it shifts into gear.
  • Take the marina out and peel it like a banana.

Before you go anywhere on the boat

Take a look at your boat from the side and see if it is moving in a certain direction. Feel the wind against your face. If the boat moves but there's not much wind, it is likely that the tide is pulling it. Before you move the boat, find out what the elements are doing.

Pro Tip: Keep one hand on your steering wheel and one on the throttle.

Docking a Boat

This game is about docking your boat parallel to the pontoon. Parking maneuvers use a combination neutral and forwards gear.

  1. Attach fenders to the side of your boat that will be brought against a pier by preparing dock lines at your bow and stern
  2. Slowly approach the marina using both forward and neutral gears. Try to approach the dock at a 30-45 degree angle.
  3. Once you are within a boat (10 meters), switch the engine to neutral.
  4. Use the helm to make a full turn from the marina
  5. A small amount of gear can be added
  6. Move the engine into neutral. The pontoon should be parallel to the boat.
  7. If the rear of your boat sticks out, you can reverse it to bring it in.
  8. Use an XOX knot to tie your boat's mooring lines at the bow or stern to the clamps.

Pro tip: You will need more space to evaluate the elements.

Pro tip: You can add a bit of gear to help the boat get closer to the pontoon if it is in neutral.

Man Overboard Procedures

We all hope that it never happens but being familiar with how to deal with it can help you stay calm in an emergency.

  1. To alert the crew, shout "Man overboard!" and point at the man.
  2. Make a DSC distress call and a Mayday call to the coastguard by calling your local channel. You can use site or an object to help you locate your location and tell them how far you are from it.
  3. Continue driving downwind until you reach twelve boats in front of the man overboard. Then, turn right and drive upwind toward the man overboard. Next, approach them with the port side to your left. Then use a combination neutral and forward gears.
  4. Move closer to the man on the other side, turn off the engine and let the boat drift toward him.
  5. Bring the man back onboard, shoulders first.


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