Are you driving a boat for the first time?
You might still not feel confident on the water after hours of training, completing your boating course, and renting a boat after doing your research.
That’s alright. Let’s chalk it up to water fright.
It’s common for boaters to feel nervous when piloting their boat for the first time. So, here’s something you have probably heard dozens of times: Relax!
Boating is a fun and leisure activity, and worrying about what will happen if you fall off the boat or if it capsizes will do no one any good. As a captain, you must make everyone feel safe, and you can exactly do that if you don’t know where to steer.
Are you feeling calm now? Now let’s build up that confidence of yours.
Tip #1 Identify Your Blind Spots
Before you shift the gear into drive, the most important thing to do is check the blind spots from the helming position. This refers to the view when you stand behind the steering wheel. If you are tied to a dock or pier, note how it looks from your position.
Tip #2 Support the Boat Without the Mooring
If this is your first time on a boat, you might feel a little ill from the swaying motion. Once your boat is on the water, work on keeping it steady. Hold it stationary for at least 5 minutes with the mooring; this takes practice but helps you develop essential boating skills.
Tip #3 Control Your Speed
Let’s say you are in a confined space and have difficulty taking your boat out. You move with the high throttle, and the jerk makes you feel like the boat is out of control. This usually happens when you don’t have a handle on speed. Hence, you need to practice driving at specific speeds. This will give you an idea about how slow or fast the boat goes at 1 knot or 3.4 knots.
Tip #4 Count the Seconds When Moving Out
Like a car, a boat takes a specific time to start and move onto the water. Whether you are reversing or going forward, count the seconds. This will help you on windy days when you are blown to the side. The delay in time might not feel too alarming because you will be prepared for it.
When cruising in rough weather, make sure to check the wind’s direction. This will help you determine whether there’s a storm coming or not. Always follow the weather report before heading out. Lastly, if you find yourself stuck in choppy waters, keep the boat steady until you see an opening.
If you are planning to buy a boat, the first thing you need to do is build a dock for it. Visit the website EZ Dock Texas for options such as floating docks, do-it-yourself docks, drive-on docks, and more. To request a quote, email them here. For more information, call (800) 654-8168.
