Tagged: piloting
Focus
Focus Relaxation is a highly valued part of the boating experience for most people, sail boaters and power boaters alike. Importantly, there are certain times when alertness is required to ensure captain and crew safety. You can probably think of many examples – swimming around those sharp stainless steel propellers; fending off dockside; picking up a mooring ball in a crowded anchorage; traversing a river packed solid with weekend boat traffic, etc. One time, unique to fast powerboats, is piloting at high speed. Above 40 knots it’s critically important to keep your eye on the ball. In contrast to [...]
Shifting Sands
Last night I had dinner with a friend at a local brew pub. While we sipped on a couple of cold beverages, we observed the river below winding its way out through the marshes to Ipswich Bay. Now, the Essex River has likely flowed in roughly the same path for at least 100 years, so the overall picture was not surprising. But, what was surprising was the large sand bar which seemed to be protruding into the narrow main channel between the town docks. It appeared some careful piloting was going to be required to avoid dinged props in this [...]
Steady As She Goes
It’s the start of the boating season and most skipper’s piloting skills are a bit rusty. Questions abound in terms of the boat’s ability to plane in open water; turn in close quarters at the gas dock; and reduce speed in mandatory low wake areas. Additional questions surface in terms of rock locations, tidal impacts, and basic piloting actions. Poor piloting can lead to collisions with high costs in terms of life and property. Consider a couple of points. One, take a quick glance at some graphical navigational examples to ensure you have the proper passing frameworks in mind. Two, [...]