Boat handling lessons

Pricestavern · 08-18-2015, 08:51 AM

My wife, practice as she might, still does not feel comfortable handling the boat (16' whaler) in tight situations (docking, waiting to dock, boat traffic, etc.) and I know she'd love to have an instructor help her. Any suggestions, anyone?

WeirsBeachBoater · 08-18-2015, 10:02 PM

I have worked with some folks in the past, My schedule is busy this time of year, but I am willing to work with folks in the fall or in the spring. PM me

8gv · 08-18-2015, 10:08 PM

Practice does not make perfect.

PERFECT practice makes perfect.

Initial assistance from a seasoned captain will help.

Knomad · 08-19-2015, 08:21 AM

Having had a 28' Four Winns Vista cruiser on a slip in Melvin Village, you will have to learn how your boat handles under different conditions, especially docking. If you bought the boat through a dealer, take advantage of one of the senior staff people to work with you, on your boat with you at the helm. Make sure you do it a couple of times on a windy day.

Other than knowing the rules of the road, you also need to get familiar with the area you intend to boat. On the big lake, you need to be able to stay on the correct side of the spar buoys. You'll need to be able to use a chart and a compass.

Other than that, relax, take your time and practice.

Enjoy!

radiocontester · 08-19-2015, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knomad

................Make sure you do it a couple of times on a windy day.

Other than knowing the rules of the road, you also need to get familiar with the area you intend to boat. On the big lake, you need to be able to stay on the correct side of the spar buoys. You'll need to be able to use a chart and a compass.

Other than that, relax, take your time and practice.

Enjoy!

Thanks for the tips.....I'm really looking forward to the challenges ahead!

chocophile · 08-20-2015, 12:51 PM

I find that maneuvers that are easy on a calm day can be very tricky on a windy day. For example, trying to stay in line at the gas dock, docking in a tight area. Be sure to go out on a windy day to see how your boat handles.

Phantom · 08-20-2015, 01:36 PM

another aspect is ... that now Fall will soon be approaching and the boat handles COMPLETELY different with the canvas up (Kite effect) as ell as your vision is impaired.

All part of the Practice, practice

.

08-18-2015, 08:51 AM	#1
Pricestavern Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Valencia, Spain (formerly Rattlesnake Isle) Posts: 389 Thanks: 135 Thanked 142 Times in 82 Posts	Good Question My wife, practice as she might, still does not feel comfortable handling the boat (16' whaler) in tight situations (docking, waiting to dock, boat traffic, etc.) and I know she'd love to have an instructor help her. Any suggestions, anyone?

08-20-2015, 12:51 PM	#6
chocophile Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: 19-Mile Bay Posts: 117 Thanks: 15 Thanked 33 Times in 16 Posts	Wind! I find that maneuvers that are easy on a calm day can be very tricky on a windy day. For example, trying to stay in line at the gas dock, docking in a tight area. Be sure to go out on a windy day to see how your boat handles.

08-20-2015, 01:36 PM	#7
Phantom Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Berlin, Ma / Gilford Posts: 1,936 Thanks: 452 Thanked 603 Times in 340 Posts	another aspect is ... that now Fall will soon be approaching and the boat handles COMPLETELY different with the canvas up (Kite effect) as ell as your vision is impaired. All part of the Practice, practice . __________________ *A bad day on the Big Lake (although I've never had one) - Still beats a day at the office!!*

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08-18-2015, 10:02 PM	#2
WeirsBeachBoater Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 709 Blog Entries: 9 Thanks: 39 Thanked 148 Times in 65 Posts	I have worked with some folks in the past, My schedule is busy this time of year, but I am willing to work with folks in the fall or in the spring. PM me

The Following User Says Thank You to WeirsBeachBoater For This Useful Post:
upthesaukee (08-18-2015)

08-18-2015, 10:08 PM	#3
8gv Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,195 Thanks: 63 Thanked 764 Times in 497 Posts	Practice does not make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect. Initial assistance from a seasoned captain will help.

08-19-2015, 08:21 AM	#4
Knomad Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Center Tuftonboro Posts: 174 Thanks: 0 Thanked 33 Times in 19 Posts	Having had a 28' Four Winns Vista cruiser on a slip in Melvin Village, you will have to learn how your boat handles under different conditions, especially docking. If you bought the boat through a dealer, take advantage of one of the senior staff people to work with you, on your boat with you at the helm. Make sure you do it a couple of times on a windy day. Other than knowing the rules of the road, you also need to get familiar with the area you intend to boat. On the big lake, you need to be able to stay on the correct side of the spar buoys. You'll need to be able to use a chart and a compass. Other than that, relax, take your time and practice. Enjoy!