A summer day on the lake is among the most tranquil activities. In 2020, the popularity of boating and renting boats soared, and the pattern has continued to grow.
Leading peer-to-peer boat rental businesses reported that since April 2020, their bookings had increased each month by an average of 700 percent compared to the previous year.
You must understand boat etiquette, or the proper and safe ways to operate your boat, before you take the helm of your vessel or one you have leased.
For example, a 24 ft wakeboard boat may come with an AutoWake option, an innovative autopilot system that helps you keep your focus where it belongs.
Since these boats were intended for an active lifestyle, you can expect an interior with room for the family, equipment, and everything else you’ll need for your lake adventures.
The fundamentals and improper boat operating behavior are discussed below.
1. Overloading the Boat
One of the most common reasons for swamping, capsizing, and sinking, particularly in small, open-built boats.
Even when empty, these vessels may have little freeboard (the distance between the boat’s rail or top edge and the waterline) and even less when completely loaded with occupants, coolers, and gear.
Small vessels are easily overloaded unintentionally, and an overloaded boat is more likely to capsize, even in comparatively calm waters.
When loading your boat, keep the heavy items low in the boat and close to the middle line. Secure the load if possible so it does not shift as the boat moves through the water.
2. Ignore the Traffic Laws
Of course, water lacks the highway lines and visual driving cues that we are all used to on roads.
As a result, boat drivers must grasp the “rules of the road” while out on the water to prevent collisions.
Boaters should travel on the right side of the water, just like American drivers do on the road. This is a straightforward rule when cruising on a lake or river where the shore is within sight, but it can be more difficult when boating on more open waters.
3. Accelerate Through No-Wake Zones
Ignoring no-wake zones is one of the quickest ways to be identified as a rookie boat skipper.
This is not only dangerous, but it is also illegal, and you may end up in hot trouble with the water patrol.
No-wake zones exist for various reasons, including wildlife protection, preventing speeding and large waves near docks or bridges, and protecting swimmers in crowded regions of the water. They are distinguished by orange and white buoys or signage.
As the boat captain, you must be aware of these zones and keep your speed below 5 miles per hour.
For most boats, this is as simple as shifting into the lowest gear and letting the boat idle until it is clear of the no-wake zone.
4. Forgetting to Put in the Drain Plug
Installing the plug is one of the most fundamental sailing techniques, but on boat launches across the nation, some boaters always forget to do so almost every weekend.
Numerous boat types have multiple plugs, which makes the issue worse. If the operator forgets to place any plugs, the boat will fill with water.
This, however, does happen to experts on occasion. Emergency personnel sometimes launch a boat and take off without plugging it in. Don’t assume that the drain plug is in the boat; double-check.
5. Drink Too Much
No matter how you look at it, captaining a boat is like driving; the captain must be vigilant and prepared to act quickly.
It is simple to start putting back a few too many cold ones while the travelers are having fun, but don’t. BUIs (boating under the influence) are heavily punished and may result in prison time, just like DWIs, and water patrols nationwide have stepped up their enforcement.
If no group member is ready to be the designated driver, be wise and hire a captain.
6. Pick Up A Skier Or A Tuber Solo
It’s thrilling to waterski or tube behind a powerful speedboat, but the skipper must pay closer attention to guarantee the skier’s or tuber’s safety.
Never pull someone behind a boat without a designated spotter to inform you of desired speed changes or stops.
A captain is unable to navigate while doing so. In addition, many states demand that a boat fly an orange flag and tow a person behind it to signal to pass the ships to give them more room.
Bottomline
It’s easy to make errors that could have severe consequences on the water if you’re new to boating, even if you are experienced.
Most boating mistakes are more embarrassing than anything else, such as failing to tie up the anchor before tossing it over the side or jumping from the boat to the pier and ending up in the water.
Many of them are brought on by haste, negligence, or both.
The advantage of these mistakes is that you can avoid them by enrolling in a basic boating course, remaining attentive, and consistently finishing a pre-departure checklist.
Never presume someone inserted the boat plug or pulled the anchor.