Going out on your own boat is always an exciting event, opening up new horizons for fishing, relaxing or exploring water bodies, but before you push off the shore, you need to firmly learn the basic principles that will ensure the safety of you and your passengers. Boat control It is radically different from driving a car, since there are no brakes, and the trajectory of movement depends on many external factors.
The main challenge for a beginner is the inertia and inertia of the water. Unlike asphalt, the water surface does not give a rigid grip, and any maneuvers are performed with a delay. fundamentals successful and safe navigation.
In this guide, we will analyze all the stages: from preparation to exit to mooring, paying special attention to working with the boat-engine And don't neglect the theoretical part, because it's much harder to correct errors on water than it is on land.
Preparation for water and inspection of equipment
The training begins long before you touch the water, and the first thing you need to do is to have a visual inspection of the body for damage, especially if it is a case of damage. PVC-boatMake sure all valves are tightly closed and the transom does not have cracks that can cause damage under engine load.
Particular attention should be paid to fixing equipment: all unattached items, such as anchor shaft, life jackets and fuel tanks, must be securely secured or stowed in special locks. Displacement of goods During movement can lead to dangerous rolling or even overturning of the vessel, especially on small size.
Checking the fuel system is another mandatory step: make sure that the hoses are free of scuffs and the pumping pear is working properly. Before starting the engine, blow the fuel line by pressing the pear several times to feel resistance, indicating that the system is filled.
βοΈ Pre-start check
Don't forget the weather. Even if the forecast promises calm, always carry a spare set of oars and a scoop to pump water. A sudden squall can take you by surprise, and the availability of alternative means of movement will be your main bargaining chip.
Planting and weight distribution on board
Properly loading a boat is an art that directly affects driving performance and safety. The center of gravity should be strictly along the diametric axis or be slightly shifted, depending on the design. The passengers should be positioned evenly, with heavier ones landing on the bottom or on central banks, distributing the weight symmetrically.
It is strictly forbidden to change body position dramatically or move from side to side during movement. lantern, which, when combined with inertia, can lead to a loss of stability. If you have to stand up, do it only on level water, holding on to the ground. railing or the design elements.
β οΈ Warning: Never board an inflatable boat while driving, which reduces stability and risks puncture on sharp objects or reefs.
When loading, consider the load capacity of the vessel indicated in the passport. Exceeding the permissible weight is not only dangerous, but also makes the boat sluggish in handling, increasing the trim at the stern, in which case the zygomatic part can go under water, which will lead to a flood.
Starting the engine and starting the movement
Launch outboard First, make sure that the safety check (stop crane) is installed in the connector and the engine is raised to the operating position, open the valve on the fuel tank and blow out the power system, as mentioned earlier.
When starting, try not to keep the starter on for longer than 5-7 seconds, so as not to overheat the electric motor. If the engine does not start on the first attempt, pause. After starting, allow the engine to warm up at idle speeds for a few minutes, especially in the cold season.
Always keep the fal safety checks (stop tap) fastened to your clothes or life jacket, which ensures that the engine stops instantly if you fall overboard.
The start of the boat should be smooth. Smoothly add gas to the boat to go to the planing (if possible for this model), a sharp jerk from the spot can cause the bow of the boat to linger too high, blocking the view, or, conversely, the cheekbone crashes into the water.
Basics of management and manoeuvring
The outboard boat is controlled by turning the engine itself horizontally. Unlike a car where the front wheels turn, here you change the thrust vector. turn-off The humming or steering wheel occurs with some delay, depending on the speed and inertia of the vessel.
When you reverse the boat, you're counterintuitive, the nose tends to go in the opposite direction of the engine, and to turn your nose left when you go back, you have to turn the hummel to the right. propeller-control It's addictive.
- π€ To perform a steep turn at high speed, first drop the gas, then turn the rummule sharply in the right direction and add thrusts again.
- π When moving against the wave, keep the course at a small angle (beidewind) so as not to burrow your nose into the crest of the wave.
- β Use inertia to stop: release the gas in advance, as the boat has no brakes, and it continues to move by inertia.
It's important to keep in mind the radius of circulation. When the boat is fully operating, it can't turn instantly. The higher the speed, the greater the turning radius. Plan your maneuvers ahead of time, especially in narrowness or when approaching other vessels.
Navigation and reading of water situation
The water element is full of hidden threats that are not visible at first glance, and navigation requires constant monitoring of the water surface, coastline and navigation signs. Floating signs, buckets and milestones indicate the fairway, canal boundaries and dangerous places, and ignoring them is fraught with accident.
Troubles, nets and unmapped straits are particularly dangerous. When you move across an unfamiliar body of water, keep the motor in a position that allows you to quickly lift it (if the design allows) or keep the speed to a minimum. Visual control of the bottom is only possible on clear water and at a certain angle of sunlight.
| Type of sign | Colour | Meaning | Action. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Left bank | Red. | Fairway boundary on the left | Leave left sideways |
| Right bank. | Green (white) | Fairway boundary on the right | Leave to the right side |
| Single danger | Black and red | Rock, reef, shipwreck | Go around from either side |
| Special sign | Yellow | Work areas, pipelines | Follow the instructions |
Using navigation maps, especially digitally on secure tablets or smartphones, makes it much easier, but electronics can fail, so a paper map or memory knowledge of the terrain remains a must.
Emergency actions and mooring
If the engine has stalled in the middle of a reservoir, don't panic. First, check the fuel availability and the condition of the fuel filter. If the problem is not solved quickly, use the anchor so that the boat does not drift by current or wind to a dangerous area or to the boat's passage.
β οΈ Warning: When water enters the hull, do not try to row to shore if the boat is heavy and low in the water.
The mooring is the point where you want maximum concentration, and you need to approach the pier or the shore against the current or against the wind, because in this case the boat is easier to control and stop faster, and if you approach at an angle of 30-45 degrees, slowly slow down.
What do you do when you roll over?
If an inflatable boat tips over, don't let it go. Turn the boat over with a leer tile or a timber. If the boat is filled with water, it will be heavy but floaty. Climb it with your legs hanging over the side for stabilization, and start scooping up the water. Don't try to stand up full-length until you have removed most of the water.
For a successful mooring, prepare the ends in advance. Throwing an uninvited phala in the water is a moveton and risk losing anchor or mooring. Always keep one end in your hand or securely attached to a duck.
The basic principle of safety is that speed should match your skills and visibility. In a questionable situation, discharge the gas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register a motorized boat in GIMS?
Registration is required if the boat is over 200 kg or the engine power exceeds 8 kW (about 10.8 hp).
What fuel supply should I bring with me?
The golden rule of the water motor is one-third to go there, one-third to go back and one-third to contingency (wind-scratch, rescue, tow) never plan on fuel consumption sideways.
Can you drive a boat without a license?
To drive boats with an engine capacity of more than 5 hp (in some cases up to 10 hp depending on the year of issue of rights and the type of vessel, but it is better to focus on 5 hp for safety), you need a certificate for the right to drive a small vessel.
What to do if water starts to flow into the boat?
Put on life jackets immediately. Identify the source of the leak. If it's bilge water from splashes, use a pump or a scoop. If a hole, try plugging it with improvised means (rag, cork) and move to shore or shallow water. If the water arrives quickly, give an SOS signal.