cruising through the water gives an incomparable sense of freedom, but it is the motorboat It requires the owner not only to be willing, but also to be very safe. Unlike paddle-boating, the use of an engine imposes a serious responsibility on the vessel and the people around it, and even a small error in the calculations or neglect of technical condition can lead to an emergency.
Many beginners mistakenly believe that it is enough to start the engine and press the handle of gas, but the water element dictates its own laws where it is important to start the engine. navigational skillsWeather reading, understanding of hydrodynamics, and the ability to read weather, and before you go on your first voyage, you need to be prepared in a theoretical and practical way.
In this article, we will discuss all aspects of a safe and comfortable pastime on the water, you will learn how to choose the right equipment, what are the nuances of small boat management and what to do in emergency situations, competent preparation will turn your walk into a real pleasure, not a stress test.
Choosing the Right Vessel for cruising
The first step to safe skiing is choosing the right boat. The market offers a huge range of options, from lightweight inflatables to the right boat. PVC-transe For family vacations, the most common choice is the hard-bottom stable boats that are better at keeping the wave.
The key parameter is loading capacity Never overload the boat beyond the standard specified in the product's passport, overloading drastically reduces stability and can lead to tipping even with a slight excitement.
It is also worth paying attention to the design. transomIt has to be securely secured and match the power of the engine you choose, and a weak transom is a direct route to losing the engine overboard at the most inopportune moment.
- 🚤 PVC boats: Light, transportable, ideal for fishing and calm water bodies.
- ⚓ Aluminum boats: Strong, not afraid of stones and driftwood, suitable for shallow water.
- 🌊 Fiberglass boats: Excellent seaworthiness, but require storage space and a trailer.
When choosing between an inflatable cylinder and a rigid body, consider the frequency of trips. If you plan to go out on the water every weekend, a rigid body will save you time for assembly and disassembly.
Equipment and life-saving equipment required
Safety on the water begins with the equipment of each passenger. lifejacketIt is important to understand that having a vest in a harunduk will not save a life - it must be worn and properly zipped before leaving the shore.
In addition, to operate a boat with an engine, certain clothes are required, they should be comfortable, do not hinder movement and preferably dry quickly. waterproof suits And spray protection.
⚠️ Attention: The use of life jackets by children under 12 years old is a mandatory requirement of the legislation of the Russian Federation. the absence of a vest on a child is a guaranteed fine and risk to life.
Remember to bring an anchor with a reserve of line, a scoop for pumping water and a reliable lantern if you plan to be on the water at dusk. Even during the day, the bright sun can quickly change into fog or a thunderstorm front.
To communicate with the shore, you need a waterproof phone case or radio. Mobile communication on the water is often unstable, so it is better to have an alternative channel or communication. signaling.
Preparation of the motor for the water
The engine is the heart of your boat, and you need to have visual inspections and checks of the main systems before you go out. fuel-systemHoses shall not be cracked and the joints shall be leakproof.
Checking the cooling system is a critical step: After starting the engine on shore (shortly so as not to overheat) or immediately after descent into the water, make sure that a stream of water ("control") comes from the control hole. pumper It does not work and the engine will overheat.
Always carry a spare spark plug, lower unit mount splints and a full tank of fuel with a margin of 30% of planned consumption. The run-off fuel in the middle of the reservoir is not just an inconvenience, but a potential emergency.
- 🔧 Check the tightening of the motor mount bolts to the transom before starting.
- ⛽ Make sure there is no water or garbage in the fuel tank.
- 🔋 Check the battery, especially if you have an electric starter.
If you use a two-stroke engine, strictly observe the proportions of mixing gasoline and oil. Using pure gasoline without oil will lead to bullies of the piston group in minutes.
Control and maneuvering techniques
Driving a motorized boat is very different from driving a car, there are no brakes, and the inertia of movement persists even after the gas discharge. distance to other objects and to anticipate their behavior.
When moving on a planing boat becomes very sensitive to the rudder shift. cheekbone All steering movements must be smooth and confident.
It's important to remember differentiator The boat's angle of inclination relative to the water surface, and by choosing the right trim with the transom stop (clips), you can significantly reduce fuel consumption and increase passenger comfort.
When approaching the shore or the pier, always consider the direction of the wind and current, you need to approach against the wind or current, as this gives you better control over the boat and allows you to naturally slow down.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to disembark passengers while the boat is in motion or is not securely anchored. Instinctive jump to shore can turn a light vessel over.
To stop the engine, use the regular emergency stop cable ("check") tied to the steering wheel's wrist, which ensures that in the event of a person falling overboard, the boat will not go into the "circular" without control.
☑️ Check before starting the engine
Rules of behavior in water and GIMS
Waterways are not chaos, they're a highly regulated system, and the basic rule of navigation is, "Always keep to the right side." When oncoming traffic, boats divert to the left, similar to car traffic.
There is a concept of a "vessel without manoeuvring," which includes not only large boats, but also tugs, anchor boats and, in some cases, sailboats, which are obliged to give way to them.
Speed is also regulated, near beaches, recreation centers and within populated areas, speed is often limited. waveThis can damage other vessels or injure swimmers.
| Situation | Who gives in | Action. |
|---|---|---|
| Heading course | Both vessels | Turn right |
| Intersection of courses | boat seeing another from starboard | Give in, don't cross your nose. |
| Overtaking | Overtaking | Go around from either side, but far away. |
| Wind and current | Wind/current | Concede against the |
Knowledge of navigation signs and turret conditions is mandatory for every water motor, red and green milestones indicate the fairway, and going beyond them on an unfamiliar body of water is fraught with stranding.
What do you do if you run aground?
If you feel a hit on the bottom, immediately release the gas. Don't try to back up full speed, it can damage the lower unit or the screw. Evaluate the situation: if the bottom is soft, you can carefully try to get off by piling on the side towards the depth. If the bottom is rocky or the engine is jammed, you better get into the water (if safe) and push the boat by hand. Always carry a long pole or paddle to push back.
Action in emergency situations
Even the most reliable technology can fail, and if the engine has stalled in the middle of a reservoir, the main thing is not to panic. First of all, check the fuel in the tank and the state of the cooling control. fuel-filter Or getting trash into the water intake.
If water enters the boat (breaking the bottom or overflowing over the side), immediately use all available pumping tanks. If the water becomes critically much, and the pump does not cope, you need to move to the nearest shore, even if you have to row with oars.
When a person falls overboard, the algorithm must be worked out to the point of automaticity: the helmsman shouts "Man overboard!", throws a lifeline to the victim and resets the speed. The return maneuver depends on the type of vessel, but the main thing is not to lose visual contact.
- 🆘 Always carry a whistle to give sound signals.
- 📞 Save the emergency number (112 or 101) in the quick dial.
- 🚤 Have a plan B: What to do if the engine doesn’t start at all.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to repair the engine on the go, hanging overboard, and especially not climb your hands into a working propeller. Stop the boat, turn off the engine and only then start the diagnosis.
If you're in the water, try to keep warm and not swim to shore unless absolutely necessary, if it's far away. The boat is visible to rescuers better than a human head. The flipped boat is your main floating life-saving appliance.
Keep warm: If you find yourself in cold water, adopt an embryo position (press your feet to your chest, embrace them with your arms) that will slow the loss of heat to vital organs and increase survival time before help arrives.
Maintenance after cruising
The maintenance of the boat and the engine does not end with turning off the engine. Once you return to base, you need to flush the cooling system with fresh water, especially if you have been riding on a salt water body. corrosion metal parts.
Remove the motor from the transom, if possible, or leave it in an upright position for a full drain of water. Check the condition of the lower unit for coiled algae or fishing line that can damage the osteoils.
After drying, it is advisable to wipe the PVC boat with a special means to protect against ultraviolet light. Aluminum housings require regular lubrication of hinges and fasteners to avoid acidification.
Regular maintenance prolongs the life of the machine. Change the oil in the gearbox and engine (for four-stroke engines) according to the manufacturer's regulations. spark plug Fuel filters will save you from launch problems in the future.
Proper preservation of the boat and engine after the season is the guarantee that next year you will spend more time on the water, cruising than doing repairs.
Do I need a license to drive a boat with an engine?
In the Russian Federation, the right (certificate for the right to drive a small vessel) is required if the engine power exceeds 8 hp (5.88 kW) or if the weight of the equipped vessel together with the engine exceeds 200 kg. For boats with an engine up to 8 hp, the rights are not required, but registration in the GIMS may be mandatory depending on the weight.
Is it possible to ride a boat in the dark?
Yes, but with the rules, the vessel must be equipped with running lights (white top, red and green side lights), and you need to carry a white light (lantern) to illuminate another vessel or object in case of danger.
What to do if water starts to flow into the boat?
Don't panic. If the water is slow, use a scoop or a pump. If you're fast, put on your vests immediately, grab your oars, and move to the nearest gently shore. If the boat sinks at a depth, use its inverted hull as a floating vehicle and give distress signals.
How to keep a boat in the winter?
The boat should be thoroughly washed, dried and treated with talc (for PVC), it is better to store in a straightened, but not inflated state at room temperature, away from rodents. The motor should be preserved: drain water, pour oil into cylinders, treat with anticortex and store in an upright position.