Boat Handling Hints

Boating terms and equipment

Stern                      -  the back end of the boat.

Bow                       -  the front end of the boat

Port side                -  left hand side of the boat

Starboard side      -  right hand side of the boat

Cleat                      -  metal fitting on deck to which moorings lines are attached

Fenders                 -  plastic air filled protectors that hang along the sides and stern of your boat to prevent damage when moored against quayheads, banks and other boats     

Mud Weight          -  the mud weight allows you to moor in sheltered broads such as Salhouse and Ranworth

Rhond anchor      -  ‘L’ shaped anchor supplied with your boat for mooring into soft banks

Starting the engine

1. Check the stop control has been returned to its run position.
2. Pull out the control to disengage the gearbox, put the throttle lever to about half power.
3. If the diesel engine is cold, turn the ignition key to the ‘pre-heat’ position for 35-40 seconds and then on to start.  If it is warm just turn the key to the ‘start’ position.  Turn the key back to the ‘run’ position once the engine has started.
4. Stay on the mooring until the engine has warmed up.
5. Before engaging gears, return throttle lever to ‘neutral’.       

Casting off

When you come aboard, bring the rhond anchor with you – do not throw it aboard from the shore as it may damage the boat or harm your crew.  When undoing the mooring ropes, make sure that they are coiled safely on deck and not trailing in

the water.  This particularly applies to the stern rope as it could become wrapped around the propeller.  When you are ready to leave, check that all the crew are aboard, the river is clear and that you will not get in the way of any other boat.

How to slow and stop

Always allow plenty of time to stop – you cannot simply brake as you do with a car.  To slow or stop, ease off the throttle and put the lever into neutral.  Your boat will gradually slow down and the natural resistance of the water will act as a gentle brake.  Engage reverse gear and gradually increase throttle to stop the boat.  This will make your stern swing, so be ready to correct it.

Steering

A boat does not steer like a car.  Its back end (stern) swings out when you turn the wheel.  You should always be aware of what the stern is doing, especially on cruisers with restricted rear vision.  A boat is also always under the influence of the wind and tide, and can drift in any direction.  You must always be aware of how your boat is drifting, and make allowance for it – it will soon become second nature!

Reversing your boat

When reversing your boat, or going astern, the boats steering becomes less effective because there is no flow of water from the propeller onto the rudder.

If the boat goes off the line you intend, gently engage forward gear and use the rudder to correct then resume reversing.

Accident  Procedure

If you are involved in an accident, please follow this standard procedure:

1. Stop as soon as you safely can
2. Check if anybody has been hurt, if so look after them first.
3. Inspect both boats and/or property and keep a record of the extent of the damage.
4. Obtain the registration details of the other vessel and the names and addresses of its driver its owner and, if possible, an independent witness.
5. Do not admit liability and immediately contact the boatyard to report the accident.  Insurance claims will only apply if the boatyard have been informed.
6. Complete a claim form on your return to the boatyard (whether people have been injured or your boat has been damaged or not)

The terms and conditions on your booking form will fully outline the details of your security deposit and damage waivers.

Running aground

If you should go aground, first check whether the cruiser is holed and taking in water. If it is, contact the boatyard immediately.   If not, attempt to take the boat off the same way you went aground, either by using the engine or the boathook.  Once free, check that the engine cooling water is flowing freely, and that the steering is working normally.

If you cannot free the boat, check your tide table to see if you can float off at high tide. If this doesn’t work seek help by contacting the boat yard.

Do not attempt to have the boat towed without professional advice.  This can be dangerous and expensive if incorrectly undertaken.

Mechanical failures

If you should have any trouble of any kind with your boat during your holiday, contact the boatyard immediately.

Never allow anyone to do repairs without the boatyard’s permission.