Boat driving advice

[harley]

OK, so here I am, 62 years old and I've never driven a boat (other than a kayak or canoe). I've been out on them a number of times, but always as a passenger. But I'd like to be able to rent a boat, probably starting with a pontoon party boat in the bay, and take my family out for a nice time. I know about the boating safety courses and plan to take one, but what about the actual operation of the boat? Do I need to take a course? And if so, how can I find one? I live right on the shore of the Atlantic in MD, and I haven't been able to find a boating operation course anywhere within an hour's drive. I checked the Coast Guard Auxiliary, BoatUS, and USPowerBoating.com, and nobody seems to teach the actual operation of a boat. So maybe I should just rent one and take it out and figure it out? I did teach myself how to drive a stick shift as a teen, so maybe that's the way to go. I would appreciate any advice or suggestions y'all might have.

 

[HadEnuff]

You might try the folks from whom you'd be renting the boat. If they don't offer some sort of service to teach you how to actually operate the craft they'll be entrusting you with, they may know someone who will.

The actual operating of the boat, i.e. starting it, putting it into gear, steering, putting it into reverse etc is dangerously simple. Learning to maneuver it safely takes some practice, and a pontoon boat, in wind, can be exciting, if you are trying to get into a tight docking situation at a marina, or lakeside restaurant.

Everyone, no matter how much experience they have, had to start somewhere, so I'll be interested to know how you make out in your quest, and I would be especially interested to hear what the boat rental folks say when you ask them.

 

[Texas Proud]

I would also see what they have to offer... and if you do not see anything near you look for info on youtube...


The one thing that I hate the most is people who do not know who has the right of way... I have an 18ft boat and almost got hit by a 25 ft one because he did not know I had the right of way... I am not supposed to change my course when we are close to each other, but he decided to gun his engine and would have hit me in the side if I had not made a drastic turn...


Also remember there are no lanes.... people can be coming at you from 360 degrees... have to have your head on a swivel...

 

[W2R]

When I learned to drive a car, I had a driving instructor who went with me, showed me how to drive, gave me tips, and kept an eye on me until I was good enough to drive on my own.

When I learned to drive a boat, my late ex-husband was there, showing me how to do things, giving me tips, critiquing my skills, and keeping an eye on me until I was good enough that I could drive it on my own.

Learning to drive our boat was very similar to learning to drive a car. Personally I think that it might be a good idea to get someone who knows how to drive that type of boat, to go out with you at least the first few times.

 

[Midpack]

US Powerboating does offer hands on, on the water courses in many locations. Here’s one in Annapolis Powerboat Training Aug 18-19 and Sept 15-16. As noted above, you can learn a lot reading up, and actual operation is pretty simple, docking in and out is far and away the hard part especially alone - wind, current, prop walk, etc. If the course above is too far away, just call the nearest powerboat dealer and ask - they’ll know where you can learn.

Unless it’s a very small boat on a small body of water, I’d be very surprised if any boat rental operator would rent you a power boat of any size without you first clearly demonstrating you’re capable. The few that do will probably charge you a pretty penny additional if they have to come out to bring you back. And I suspect you’ll be liable if there’s any damage to the boat. In any event, I wouldn’t recommend you “just rent one and take it out and figure it out.”

This 16-hour hands-on, on-the-water course is for anyone who wants to learn how to safely operate a small motorboat and improve their boathandling skills. No previous experience is required!

On-the-Water Sessions
Engine & electrical systems
Starting procedures
Docking
Leaving & returning to a slip
Close-quarters maneuvers
Anchoring
Steering a range
Proceeding to a destination
Person in Water rescue

Classroom Sessions
Safety, preparation & weather
Maneuvering concepts
Registration & capacities
Equipment requirements
Preparation & fueling procedures
Navigation rules of the road
Aids to navigation
Environment regulations

 

[Ronstar]

Pontoon boats are quite simple. Its just start/stop, forward, reverse, throttle speed, and steering. The rental place should give you a quick overview. Lots of youtube videos also.

 

[pb4uski]

One important difference between driving a car and a boat is that a car goes where the front wheels are pointed... a boat steers like a car backing up... the aft end swings where you steer it and the bow responds accordingly.... an important difference when operating in close quarters.

 

[CRLLS]

There is a lot more to driving a boat than "driving" a boat. In controlled waters, one must know maritime rules including what the different bouys mean; How to approach waves; How to approach a dock in a crosswind or in moving waters and secure the boat properly. And much more. On the Atlantic, things could get pretty intense in a hurry. Plus you are responsible for the safety of your passengers.

I have been in and out of boating (lakes and rivers) since I was 12 yrs old never on big water until a couple of years ago on Lake Michigan. I would never suggest that driving a boat is a simple task, easily picked up in a 10 minute intro by a rental place. The bigger the boat, the more experience it requires. IMO.


I recommend taking classes even if they are >1 hr drive to get there.

 

[MRG]

I recommend taking classes even if they are >1 hr drive to get there.

+1 to everything you wrote. I want to focus on classes, please take them!

Years ago, a family member was involved in a tragic boating accident that ended with an accidental death. A young family member was in control when the accident happened.

There was an investigation and the young person's training and classes were instrumental in helping determine his innocence. Truly unfortunate accident that could have been a serious liability if the kid didn't have training.

 

[kgtest]

I would start by watching some free youtube videos, search for how to drive a pontoon starting a pontoon, docking a pontoon, pontoon safety and perhaps pontoon fails, so you know what not to do.

Always weat and have enough life jackets for each passenger, have a throwable beyond the jackets, and make sure you properly trim out the engine.

Pontoons are pretty resilient but one key is to always yield to bigger and unpowered boats, kayaks sailboats etc. That means basically just staying away from them.

 

[Texas Proud]

There is a lot more to driving a boat than "driving" a boat. In controlled waters, one must know maritime rules including what the different bouys mean; How to approach waves; How to approach a dock in a crosswind or in moving waters and secure the boat properly. And much more. On the Atlantic, things could get pretty intense in a hurry. Plus you are responsible for the safety of your passengers.

I have been in and out of boating (lakes and rivers) since I was 12 yrs old never on big water until a couple of years ago on Lake Michigan. I would never suggest that driving a boat is a simple task, easily picked up in a 10 minute intro by a rental place. The bigger the boat, the more experience it requires. IMO.


I recommend taking classes even if they are >1 hr drive to get there.

Agree that is you plan on going to a larger boat you will need much more training... and if you are in congested waters the same...



My BIL had a 45 ft sailboat and would cruise on the inter-coastal waterway... LOTS of traffic and you better know what you are doing or you could be in big trouble fast...



But if you are just going to a local lake without commercial traffic it is not as important to know all the rules...

 

[nhcycling]

+1

Driving a boat is simple. Operating a boat safely requires training, skill and practice. You can get into trouble quickly if you don’t know what you’re doing.

 

[harllee]

Do you have a friend that has experience with boating that you could take with you the first time you rent a boat? DH has his Coast Guard Captain's license (he is licensed to be a charter captain) and both of us have years of experience boating including bareboating in the caribbean. We had some friends who wanted to learn boating on a local lake ask us to go with them their first couple of times out. The friends had take the basic boating class but did not have any hands on experience. We were glad to go with them and give them some help. We got a free boat ride and a nice lunch.

 

[CaptTom]

However you go about it, hands-on practice is the key. As pb4uski points out, it's not like driving a car. Folks who learned on small sailboats or outboards, which you steer sitting at the stern, seem to "get it" better than those who were plunked down in front of steering wheel.

The boating safety classes (which I sometimes teach) are great for learning the rules, as Texas Proud pointed out. I'd highly recommend taking one from the Power Squadron, CG Auxiliary or other local organization. State-run classes sometimes focus more on laws and less on practical advice, but they all follow the same basic outline, so it's more about getting a good instructor than which organization they belong to.

For the record, the concept of "right of way" has been largely abolished in favor of "stand-on" or "give-way." The point being, both vessels have obligations, not rights.

If all else fails, there are paid captains who will do on-water training for a fee. The CG Aux and USPS have tried it, but liability issues always kill that idea. Probably with a small pontoon boat, you can find someone who'll do it for free, just for the boat ride.

 

[Brat]

Oregon requires that power boaters have a licence: https://www.oregon.gov/OSMB/boater-info/Pages/Internet-Courses.aspx

That doesn't address how to operate a specific vessel so if you rent a boat have the owner show you the ropes.

Years ago we rented a sailboat out of Bellingham for a vacation. The lessor asked us if we knew how to operate a sailboat. I turned to my son but also saw a current Latitude 38 on a display case that included a picture of my son and the Cal Maritime sailing team on the cover. I picked up the magazine, pointed to the picture and said "That is him." The lessor asked for my son's school ID and said "Congratulations!" (they had beat Stanford and Cal in a race). Even then the lessor escorted us to the boat and familiarized all with its operation.

In addition to knowing the rules of the road it is important that the renter know how that particular boat operates.

There are boat sharing clubs in many communities. IMHO that is better than owning a boat you rarely use.

 

[Mdlerth]

Open sea is no place for beginners

DW and I took sailing lessons from a private instructor who owned the boat. Classroom sessions first, then hands-on in the water. We found him through our county adult education agency.

You may live on the Atlantic side, but the Bay side of Delmarva would be a better place to practice.

 

[txtig]

I agree with the suggestion of having an experienced friend go with you on your first time. That would be a real confidence booster. Having said that, it’s just not that difficult. Just go slow, don’t get in a hurry (especially when approaching a dock), and practice maneuvers until you feel comfortable with operating the boat. I taught my two sons when they were young and they got the hang of it pretty quick. And, always, always be aware of your surroundings. I think the biggest danger is from other boaters, many of whom are drinking alcohol.

 

[PatSea]

Check with your nearest Power Squadron location. They have a new program called Jump Start that provides one on one on the water training on your boat and is designed for the new boater.

 

[HadEnuff]

I will give you the best advice I ever got, and it was about landing the boat in a dock space.
I got it from a wiley old charter captain.

"Don't go in any faster than you want to hit."

 

[Midpack]

I will give you the best advice I ever got, and it was about landing the boat in a dock space.
I got it from a wiley old charter captain.

"Don't go in any faster than you want to hit."

While there’s some truth to that, I’ve seen lots of boaters who go in too slow and get pushed sideways by wind and/or current before they’re in the slip. There’s a range of “right speed” depending on conditions, too fast and too slow are both bad.

And newbies sometimes forget that most powerboats (few have rudders) won’t steer if they’re out of gear - unlike a car. You go in under (forward) power, and finish in reverse, with very little time in neutral. Again, get lessons or go out with an experienced boater at least once.

https://www.boatingwithdawsons.com/...-your-fault-docking-power-boat-difficult.html

 

[Rowej]

OK, so here I am, 62 years old and I've never driven a boat (other than a kayak or canoe). I've been out on them a number of times, but always as a passenger. But I'd like to be able to rent a boat, probably starting with a pontoon party boat in the bay, and take my family out for a nice time. I know about the boating safety courses and plan to take one, but what about the actual operation of the boat? Do I need to take a course? And if so, how can I find one? I live right on the shore of the Atlantic in MD, and I haven't been able to find a boating operation course anywhere within an hour's drive. I checked the Coast Guard Auxiliary, BoatUS, and USPowerBoating.com, and nobody seems to teach the actual operation of a boat. So maybe I should just rent one and take it out and figure it out? I did teach myself how to drive a stick shift as a teen, so maybe that's the way to go. I would appreciate any advice or suggestions y'all might have.

When some friends of mine bought a new to them 42’ sportfish, they asked around at some of the marinas ship stores if they knew some people with a captains license. They found a local man with a captains license that they paid hourly for three days of lessons, each of about 5 hours to teach them docking, boat handling, electronics and some of the systems. They said it was the best money they ever spent. There are many people with captains licenses (6 pack licenses) that bring boats from the Bahamas to Florida daily. Many of these captains are hired to bring large boats from the northern states to the south and back as the owners fly. They are also frequently hired to bring boats to and from boat shows that are in the water. You should have no problem finding Captains in your area. My neighbor has been doing it for side money for about 6 years.

 

[l2ridehd]

Get training. You know zero about navigation, zero about weather, zero about docking, zero about ROW, and all of those things can kill you and your family or seriously injury you on the water. I am a sailor and have seen and helped many folks who should not have been on the water. Please don't add to the endangerment of others and yourself by not getting the necessary training to rent a boat. There are several schools in your area. Take some power boat or ASA classes to learn navigation, ROW, weather and basic operations before exposing your family to what could turn into a very dangerous situation. Make it a fun experience for them by learning what you need to know.

 

[pb4uski]

.... And newbies sometimes forget that most powerboats (few have rudders) won’t steer if they’re out of gear...

I get what you are saying but you do have some steering out of gear when coasting in neutral. For inboards you have a rudder and for outboards and I/Os the lower unit acts as a rudder so you have some steerage, just not as positive a response as when in gear.

I usually coast into the docking space in neutral when it is calm... when it is rough I'll power in and then give it a burst of reverse to stop. If the wind is strong and blowing me away from the dock, I'll secure the bow and then use reverse to bring the stern back to the dock.

 

[Midpack]

I get what you are saying but you do have some steering out of gear when coasting in neutral. For inboards you have a rudder and for outboards and I/Os the lower unit acts as a rudder so you have some steerage, just not as positive a response as when in gear.

I usually coast into the docking space in neutral when it is calm... when it is rough I'll power in and then give it a burst of reverse to stop. If the wind is strong and blowing me away from the dock, I'll secure the bow and then use reverse to bring the stern back to the dock.

Fair enough. It depends on the boat and conditions. I guess my point was most power boats don't steer like a car when maneuvering at low speeds. At low speeds (like docking) steering changes markedly when a boat is in neutral vs in forward or backward, a car will steer the same no matter.

 

[phil1ben]

Also have a boat and been boating for many years. In NJ you are required to have a license or to have completed a Boating Safety Class to operate a power vessel. The law differs from state to state and is more rigid in NJ because most of our navigable waterways feed into the Atlantic.



The point is that anyone can take a small boat out for 15 minutes in calm water with no traffic and likely return it to port. What you need to learn is how to navigate in a channel, what to do in bad weather, what to do when the engine won't start while out and about, how to pass a boat, how to use the radio etc......Also docking a boat in a strong wind takes some practice.



Take the course and equally as important take an experienced friend with you for the first few trips in your new boat. Enjoy!