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9.3 Safe Operation
Getting Underway
After clearing the dock, make sure the power trim (if so equipped) is trimmed down. (This will
bring the boat up on plane more quickly and easily.) Give the engine sufficient throttle to bring it
to plane briskly, then back down to the cruising speed of your choice, based on the sea conditions
and your planned activity.
After coming on plane, raise the trim to a point where the engine is level with or slightly above
the plane of the water. This is usually with the bow at about 3° to 5°
above level. This will provide
the smoothest, most economical operation.
Keep a constant vigil for other boats and watercraft and be prepared to give way, or slow down,
if necessary. (We suggest you enroll in a boating safety course offered by the U.S. Power
Squadron or the Coast Guard Auxiliary.)
When coming off plane, allow the engine to come back to an idle speed until the boat slows
down. Shift to the neutral position.
Never allow anyone to sit on the gunwale while the boat is moving!
While underway keep a constant vigil for other craft that may be approaching, the gauges on
your boat, location of passengers and the general sound and feel of your craft. Often, a change in
the way the engine sounds or the boat feels will presage a problem. Your early attention may
prevent a more serious problem.
If you should strike an underwater object, bring the throttle to neutral and stop the engine.
Inspect the lower unit for damage. If none is apparent, proceed as before but heighten
your awareness of the engine and its operation to make sure a problem has not gone
undetected.
9.4 Towing or Being Towed
Sooner or later your will have the misfortune of having to be towed in or needing to tow
someone back to a safe landing. It is important that this be done properly so that a difficult
situation does not become worse. This comes under a longstanding, unwritten law of the sea that
one boater will aid another in time of distress. The 1971 Boating Safety Act grants protection to
those assisting others at sea as ”Good Samaritans” and absolves them of civil liability rising from
the aid being provided.
When being towed, it is best to have a line passed from the tow boat to the one being towed,
assuming the towing boat has a line of adequate size and length. The towboat should also tow the
disabled vessel from as close to amidships as possible. This reduces the
tendency to yaw. If possible, the towing boat should use a bridle attached to the
two stern ski tow eyes. The vessel being towed should attach the towline to the
bow eye that holds the boat onto the trailer. This provides an optimal tow
position and a strong tow point. Have the occupants of the boat being towed sit
aft of amidships, but not all in the stern. Attention should be given so the boat
remains balanced and on an even keel. Some boats tow better with the engine
tilted out of the water, others need the engine to act as a rudder to be able to
maintain a straight line. Start with the engine tilted. If that does not work well
lower the engine until it is about perpendicular.
You should never attempt to plane off the boat being towed.
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