Instructor Resources

After checking an area, approach the anchoring spot slowly, heading into the wind or current, whichever is stronger. Stop the boat and lower the anchor over bow- do not throw it.

The end of the rode should be attached to the boat before releasing the anchor. Let out the anchor line as the boat drifts downwind. If the wind has too little effect, back the boat very slowly while letting the line run out freely. Avoid backing too fast, which could cause the anchor to bounce along the bottom.

When a scope of 5:1 has been let out, wrap the line around the bow cleat and reverse slowly against it until it becomes taut.

Moorings typically have a large buoy that is attached to an anchor on the bottom with chain. The driver should approach the mooring with it on his side of the boat to keep it in sight throughout the maneuver. Approach at minimum control speed from a position downwind of the buoy, or down current if stronger. Shift into neutral. Use reverse if needed to stop boat. Pick up and secure mooring pennant.

When backing up into the wind or downwind, use minimum control speed. When backing towards the wind the combination of windage and pivot point will help you hold course. It may be more difficult to maintain your course when backing downwind.

If the bow falls off too much you will loose steering control. Before this happens, shift to forward gear and bring the boat back on course. Then back up again with perhaps a slight steering correction to compensate for the wind’s effect.

To master this important maneuver you need to be aware of how your powerboat steers and reacts to changes in throttle and gearshift in different wind and current conditions. Place fenders at dock level and prepare dock lines before making the final approach. Be sure everyone knows what to do with the dock lines.

Come alongside the dock with the bow pointing into the wind or current, whichever is stronger. Approach the dock slowly at a 25 to 45 degree angle and use intermittent power to maintain minimum control speed.

When the bow is 1/2 to one boat length from the dock, make a smooth turn to bring the boat almost parallel to the dock by turning the wheel and briefly shifting into forward. Then shift to neutral. Turn the wheel toward the dock and briefly shift to reverse to bring the stern in as the boat stops.

To avoid a possible collision with a submerged object or another boat it maybe necessary to stop your boat quickly. To be able to respond promptly, keep one hand on the throttle and the other on the steering wheel at all times. All occupants should be in their seats and have a secure grip on the boat. As a boat rolls in a tight turn, it always slides sideways. There is a risk in some boats of the boat’s wake coming over the transom. To avoid this flooding problem, reduce throttle to idle rpm. Make a 90-degree turn. Shift into neutral.

Backing away from a dock usually offers the best maneuvering control. It also avoids a problem inherent to forward departures when the boat starts to turn and its stern swings into the dock, preventing the boat from departing cleanly.

Start by turning the wheel away from the dock, which rotates the propeller away from the dock. Shift into reverse, the stern swings away from the dock as the boat backs away. To avoid scraping the bow against the dock, make your turning angle slight.

When clear of the dock, turn the wheel in the opposite direction to bring the boat parallel to the dock. Center the wheel, pause briefly in neutral while counting 1-2-3, then shift to forward.

Backing away from a dock usually offers the best maneuvering control. It also avoids a problem inherent to forward departures when the boat starts to turn and its stern swings into the dock, preventing the boat from departing cleanly.

Start by turning the wheel away from the dock, which rotates the propeller away from the dock. Shift into reverse, the stern swings away from the dock as the boat backs away. To avoid scraping the bow against the dock, make your turning angle slight.

When clear of the dock, turn the wheel in the opposite direction to bring the boat parallel to the dock. Center the wheel, pause briefly in neutral while counting 1-2-3, then shift to forward.

Backing away from a dock usually offers the best maneuvering control. It also avoids a problem inherent to forward departures when the boat starts to turn and its stern swings into the dock, preventing the boat from departing cleanly.

Start by turning the wheel away from the dock, which rotates the propeller away from the dock. Shift into reverse, the stern swings away from the dock as the boat backs away. To avoid scraping the bow against the dock, make your turning angle slight.

When clear of the dock, turn the wheel in the opposite direction to bring the boat parallel to the dock. Center the wheel, pause briefly in neutral while counting 1-2-3, then shift to forward.

Use a pivot turn to turn your boat in a confined area. Starting at rest, turn the wheel hard over and shift into gear at idle rpm to initiate the pivot turn. Shift into neutral and turn the wheel hard over in the opposite direction, while counting 1-2-3. Shift into reverse at idle rpm to continue the turn, and repeat the steps until the boat has completed the turn.

Capsize Rescue – Centerboard Push

Before initiating a centerboard push rescue, ensure that the sailors are safely in the safety-rescue boat. Begin by grabbing the centerboard of the sailboat and push downward until the boat comes upright. As the boat begins to come upright, grab the gunwale and shroud to complete the righting process. The sailors may now re-enter the sailboat.

Capsize Rescue – Mast tip Lift

The mast tip lift method can be used when the sailors are still in the water. Using minimum control speed, slowly approach from a direction forward of the mast. This keeps the powerboat from running over the mainsail and avoids interference with the sail as the boat comes upright.

Make contact near the top of the mast and turn off the engine. If the mast tip is submerged too far below the water to reach, approach the boat perpendicular to the forestay, grab the forestay or shroud and walk hand over hand up the mast. Lift the mast tip and move hand over hand down the mast and shroud to bring the boat upright.

Towing another boat alongside is often used when bringing a disabled boat into a dock. The towboat should be positioned so that its propeller is far enough aft of the other boat’s stern to turn the tow in either direction.

Fenders should be rigged between the boats to prevent damage. Tie the boats together tightly using bow, stern and spring lines, so there is no movement between them. If a line is slack, it will reduce the maneuverability of the tow.

When coming alongside a dock, approach it at minimum control speed with the other boat on the dockside.