Hold the wheel while your boat is moving.
Fishermen first attached motors to their boats to speed delivery of their catch to shore each day. It wasn't long before pleasure boaters discovered the motor to extend their days on the water in more enjoyable fashion. Pleasure motorboats range from small 8- or 10-foot open boats, used to cruise small rivers and lakes, to large ocean-going yachts. Their use varies, though many of the basic operations remain the same. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Check with your state's wildlife commission or state licensing board to find out what kinds of training or licenses you need to operate a motorboat in your state. Each state has varying rules and regulations. You also can find your state's list of regulations at Boat US Foundation.org. For example as of May 1, 2010, anyone under the age of 26 in North Carolina must complete a boating safety course before being allowed to operate a motorboat that has an engine larger than 10 horsepower (hp).
2. Plan your excursion before you take off from the dock. Make sure you have enough fuel for your intended trip and know where you can refuel when necessary. Load the boat with the supplies, including food, first aid and water that you'll need while out.
3. Check the weather report before you leave the dock. The forecast can change the course you decide to take once you are under way. Sudden storms can leave you in trouble if you aren't prepared.
4. Release your boat from the pier after you've started your engines. Lift the ropes from the pilings and secure the lines on your deck. Ease the boat out of the slip carefully.
5. Stick to the posted speed limit signs until you reach open water. Most waterways and canals require motorboats to move slowly enough so that they don't cause a wake.
6. Stand or sit at the controls of your boat at all times when you are moving. Smaller boats easily tip over if left unattended. While larger pleasure crafts may be more stable, you still need to watch for other traffic on the water while you're in motion.
7. Throw the anchor overboard and make sure it is secure before turning off the motor if you stop away from shore. Begin fishing or swimming or just enjoying the landscape once you have shut down the engine and secured the anchor.
Tags: your boat, your state, operate motorboat