Boating Tips

Carly and her husband George were thoroughly enjoying their afternoon trip along the waterway aboard their 30’ cruiser with their friends. Calm water, warm temperatures and a light cooling breeze had created perfect boating conditions.

As always when boating, they decided a little food was in order, so Carly offered to go below for “some snacks”. Somehow, we all enjoy eating while underway.

Inconsiderate Boater’s HUGE Wake

Just as Carly put her foot on the top companionway step, an inconsiderate boater overtook them, roaring past dragging a huge wake. George was caught off guard and didn’t handle the wake properly. He instantly started yelling at the overtaking boat and shaking his fist—neither of which did anything to help. In fact, he lost his focus and made things even worse.

Carly screamed as she lost her balance and tumbled the rest of the way to the cabin floor. Small items fell and smashed as the boat floundered in the wake tossing like a cork.

Upset and Injury

Carly suffered bruises and a broken arm, and their guests were shaken up. Obviously, the incident spoiled their holiday and was the topic of negative boating conversation for months to come, putting a dark shadow over their boating experience.

These types of incidents –some less serious and others much more serious, are happening more often than they should or need to.

What is The Solution?

We’ve seen and talked to many boaters who have wake horror stories. They are always quick to blame the wake thrower, but never themselves. It’s always “the other guy” who is at fault.

Unfortunately, there will always be inconsiderate wake throwers and there doesn’t seem to be enough law enforcement on the water. You can’t do much to change the offending boater’s wake but you should report the more serious cases. However, be prepared. We are told that both boats are to blame and in a court of law, it’s all about how much blame lies with each boat. Is it 70/30, 60/40, 50/50 etc.

So, what is the solution? We need more enforcement of the law and more education–for both the wake thrower and the one being waked.

Since each captain is responsible for his boat and the safety of his passengers, knowing how to counter-attack the on-coming or overtaking wake, rather than being hit like a lame duck victim—tossing like a cork, will minimize or neutralize the effect the wake has on your boat and passengers, thus avoiding the subsequent chain of events as happened to this family.

Don’t Let Boat Wakes Ruin Your Holidays!

Not knowing how to handle a big wake will almost certainly result in upset and/or injury. On the other hand, some defensive wake conquering techniques will minimize or neutralize the wake effect on your boat and passengers.

Learn Wake Victim Self Defense!

Boat Wake Lessons

Taking lessons from an expert boat handler to learn these techniques would be a worthwhile investment. Where do you find a trainer? That is the difficulty and the reason we have written the 34 page e-Lesson “Whoppin Wakes”. It includes everything you need to know about wakes and how to neutralize their effect on your boat and passengers, so that you can avoid the upset and injury as well as the negative discussion that always follows. After all, boating is supposed to be enjoyable.

A wake is the wave
behind a moving boat.
It is nothing to be afraid of
but you have to take note.

Whether you are driving a yacht
or paddling a canoe
There are many tips and tricks
in this e-Lesson for you.

Take appropriate defensive action
to conquer the monstrous wake;
Otherwise, you’ll be defeated and tossed
Like a helpless cork in the lake.

Don’t be a wake victim!

Be a wake Conquerer.

For more information see

www.boatingwithdawsons.com/news/070726.html

Doug and I were boating in the Bahamas for two months as you may have gathered from previous newsletters. It was a wonderful experience and we enjoyed life on the water in the Abacos during April and most of May. With our laptop on board, we were able to send and answer emails, make phone calls, send newsletters and look after our website.

But, like all holidays, it had to end so we headed to Florida, cleared customs in Lake Worth and headed north on the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway).

The unexpected

On the morning of May 24th, the unexpected happened–right out of the blue with no warning whatsoever. We were all on the bridge about to enjoy breakfast, while taking in the sights, as Doug followed the course we’d set out on the chart plotter.

Just as I was ready for my first mouthful of cereal, I felt faint, then hot, then had some tightness in my chest. A quick VHF call to Coast Guard with a medical emergency and minutes later, paramedics were on the bridge and confirmed I was having a heart attack. Within the hour, I was on the operating table undergoing angioplasty giving me two stents. I am on the mend and the cardiac surgeons in Florida said I should expect a full recovery–just have to go through cardiac rehab.

Other than being an extremely frightening experience for all of us, everything went like clockwork and very quickly–Coast Guard, Sea Tow, Ambulance, Paramedics, Hospital, Doctors, everyone. I was lucky.

But, when we explained what happened to boating friends, most said they wouldn’t have known what to do or hadn’t thought about it. They hadn’t discussed any emergency procedures.

We all hope it won’t happen, but we should all be prepared for the minor incidents like broken bones or sun burns, or cuts as well as the major incidents that could happen to us or a fellow boater.

What if something happens to your partner at the wheel? Could you take over the helm, get help and dock the boat? What if something happened to your First Mate? Could you look after him/her while calling for help, finding a dock and docking? Would you know how to use the VHF and who to call?

Your lifeline

There are so many “What ifs”, it would be frightening if I listed them all. But if you only have to deal with one life threatening incident, knowing what to do is so important. I encourage all First Mates to learn how to use the VHF radio–it is your lifeline. As neat as cell phones are, you can dial 911 but you need a physical address that you probably won’t be able to provide. You can call *16 and reach a marine operator who will transfer you to Coast Guard.

You can reach Coast Guard on VHF 16–24/7

On the other hand, you can reach Coast Guard on channel 16 on your VHF 24/7. They will co-ordinate with land emergency services for you, as they did for us in Florida. Just answer their questions and follow their instructions. As well, other boaters monitor 16 and may be closer so may be able to assist ahead of Coast Guard or other water emergency service. In our case, Coast Guard was 20 miles away but worked with Sea Tow who heard our call, was close by and offered to help. It was amazing how fast it all came together. When we pulled into the dock, the Sea Tow boat and the ambulance were waiting and the paramedics were on the boat in seconds.

Driving Lessons

I also encourage First Mates to take driving lessons; so that you can take over the helm, drive and dock the boat in emergencies. It will not only give you confidence, but also peace of mind knowing that you know — and it could also save a life.

Establish Emergency Procedures

It is a good idea for all Captains and First Mates to establish emergency procedures and review them will everyone on board. You never know, if you will have to deal with a medical emergency, man overboard situation, mechanical failure, or a minor or major accident, whether it is your boat or another boat you happen to be near.

Be Prepared

The important thing is to have emergency procedures and review them with all on board–just in case. Like the Boy Scout motto, it pays to “Be Prepared”.

After our recent glorious boating holiday in the Bahamas aboard a 41′ Symbol Motor Yacht, we prepared for the crossing from West End, Grand Bahama Island, to Lake Worth, Florida. It’s a stretch of approximately 60 miles and we had a chart plotter so it should have been a “piece of cake”. However…

The ocean was rough but it was the best it was going to be for a week or two, so we prepared for the trip, set our course on the chart plotter and headed out. Our top speed was 7-8 knots so the trip would take seven to eight hours. Doug had to work each wave for the whole crossing because once we got out there, we had waves coming at us from both quarters. They were 6′ - 9′ coming out of the northeast from a three week blow and the southeast from a 2 day blow creating a wicked cross chop that we had to handle as we headed west.

Computer Glitch

We compensated for the Gulf Stream and were headed straight to the markers at the Lake Worth Inlet according to the plotter. Then, we realized that the cursor on the chart plotter wasn’t moving. We were about three miles off the Florida shoreline and had no location on the plotter!

The seas were building as we approached the shallower shoreline and there was no room for error. From that distance, there was no way to tell where the opening in the shoreline was. Luckily for us, Doug never depends 100% on navigation software and he had been watching the shoreline closely, so had a pretty good idea of the approximate location of the inlet. He went totally to VPR (Visual Piloting Rules) as we didn’t have time and it was too rough to fire up the laptop backup system.

VPR to the Rescue

Doug stayed on the helm and while we were using the binoculars to locate the markers, we realilzed that an approaching ship was probably heading for the same inlet. Then it was confirmed when we heard the ship call the port authority notifying them of their desire to enter the port authority area dock. Quickly, we called the ship on the VHF and let him know we would follow him in.

From then on, it was relatively easy. We were still surfing down the waves coming in, and Doug brought her in beautifully. Of course, once inside, it was calm and that we were ready for.

Be Prepared for the Unexpected

This experience certainly backed up the recommendation that boaters should always have paper charts as well as electronic and use VPR all the time.

You need to be prepared for the unexpected.

Both recreational boaters and boating cottagers share the same concerns about safe enjoyment and environmental protection of our waterways. The following code is offered to assist all boaters; cruising yachtsmen, cottagers venturing up the shore for a cruise or going to and from the marina or anyone using smaller craft-be they resident or visitor. This code has been developed cooperatively by both the Ontario Boating Forum and the Georgian Bay Association to set responsibilities and expectations to help ensure that we continue to peacefully coexist.

Respect private property. Absolutely do not go ashore without permission if land is posted or has a cottage or building on the site. If you are a landowner, you are encouraged to post your property. Property owners should be polite and reasonable in asking trespassers to leave their property. Trespassers should comply promptly with a request to leave private property.
Anchoring near cottages. All stakeholders are entitled to maximum privacy. Anchor and camp out of sight of cottages whenever possible. While cottagers don’t own the water, they cannot move their cottage the same way that a boat can be moved. Conversely many bays have traditionally been used as anchorages.
Anchoring locations. Occasionally it may be necessary to anchor close to a cottage for safety reasons. This may be due to wind, water depth or other safety concern. When this occurs, boaters and cottagers should engage in open and friendly communication. If you have anchored close to a cottage because of an emergency or safety reason, explain your situation to the affected cottagers as soon as possible. If cottagers are unhappy about proximity, let the boater know that you are the owner of the adjacent land and would appreciate a little more space. Suggest an alternative anchorage that would be more suitable for both parties.
Going ashore on crown land. Always leave with everything that you brought ashore. This includes refuse. It also includes dog feces where reasonably possible.
Fires on crown land. When going ashore for a picnic, always abide by fire safety rules including temporary fire bans. Some sites are posted for “No Camp Fires”. In such areas, the best alternative is a cooking stove. If you must have a fire and you are in an area where fires are allowed, attempt to use safe public fireplaces and be sensitive to overuse of “deadfall” which upsets the ecological balance of the site. It’s best if you bring your own fire wood. Always drown your fire before leaving.
Minimizing noise from vessels or cottage. We are all entitled to quiet enjoyment of the water and shore. This applies especially during the evenings. Keep noise to a reasonable level. Use of PWC’s is a growing concern. Use of these or other noisy craft should be limited out of respect for both people and the environment Use of un-muffled exhausts is prohibited by law within 5 miles of shore.
No wake in anchorages. All boaters should make no wake in bays where boats are anchored. Beware of anchor lines, swimmers and small watercraft.
Responsibility for wake impacts. All boaters must be aware of the impact of their wake and abide by speed limits. Minimize your wake in narrow channels, near cottage docks and in government posted speed zones. All boats should minimize wake for small runabouts, kayaks and small sail craft whenever possible.
Respect the difficulty of manoeuvring larger vessels.
Smaller craft should maintain a reasonable distance from larger cruising yachts. Larger craft need longer to respond and can’t see smaller craft close to them. Please refrain from recreational activity such as tubing, fishing, windsurfing and swimming in major boat channels.
Gray and black water. We all have equal right to enjoy the water and responsibility to keep it clean. Polluting
the water with unlawful black water and other discharges is a crime. We can all go further by using environmentally friendly, biodegradable cleaning products, refraining from bathing in the lake, ensuring septic systems are operating within code and limiting gray water discharge in enclosed/confined bays to the extent possible.

(Reprinted with permission) 

On board the Sonsie in the Sea of Abaco
was a magnificent place for Doug and I to go. 
For two full weeks, Sonsie showed us the sights
from island to island–beautiful days and peaceful nights. 

We thank Harold and Kathi for a terrific fun time
and have captured some highlights in a little Brenda rhyme. 
The islands of the Abacos were a glorious sight
as we approached Marsh Harbour on a Continental flight. 

Harold and Kathi greeted us at the gate–
March 24th ‘06 was the revised arrival date. 
In only a few minutes, the mini van taxi
delivered us to the awaiting Sonsie. 

She was doing the Circle Route that she started last year,
Down the Mississippi, across the Gulf, Florida and now here. 
Grouper and Dolphin sandwiches at Wally’s across the street
was the start of a great time that just couldn’t be beat! 

Boutiques and margaritas and barbequed grouper
filled up our day making it just super duper. 
Delicious Spanish eggs started our Saturday,
then we planned for Hopetown, got ready, and were underway. 

Two dolphins off the starboard bow leaped into the air
just to say hello and let us know they were there. 
Roy and Elvie joined us for rotisseried pork and rice,
Bahamian rum cake and a fun game of dice. 

Sunday at Hideaways, we relaxed in the hammock and dinghy too.
From the top of the lighthouse we witnessed an incredible view.