OutdoorNebraska

Chapter 3: Operating Your Boat ... Safely 10 Casting Off ◆ Before casting off: • Keep your boat tied to the dock while you warm up the engine. • Make sure everyone on board is seated and wearing a life jacket. • Check that the engine is running properly and the departure area is clear of traffic. Then begin to cast off. ◆ If there is no wind or current: 1) Cast off the bow and stern lines. 2) Shift to forward and slowly move forward, gradually turning your boat away from the dock. ◆ If the wind or current direction is toward the dock: 1) Cast off the stern line. Move and secure the bow line to a mid-boat position on the dock. Make sure fenders are in place on the bow. 2) Put the boat into forward gear briefly, and turn the steering wheel hard toward the dock. Increase speed slowly until the stern is well clear of the dock. 3) Cast off the bow line. Back out slowly until you have room to shift into forward and turn away from the dock. ◆ If the wind or current direction is away from the dock: 1) Cast off the bow and stern lines. 2) Use an oar or boat hook to keep the boat clear of the dock. Let the wind or current carry the boat away from the dock. 3) Once there is sufficient clearance, shift into forward gear and slowly leave the area. Docking ◆ Before docking: • Reduce speed to the minimum required to maintain steerage. Use reverse gear to bring the boat to a stop well away from the dock. • Determine the wind and/or current direction while stopped by observing which way your boat drifts. If possible, make your approach into the wind or current, whichever is stronger. This will give you more control. • Have bow and stern lines ready, and put boat fenders in place. Never plan to stop a moving boat with your arms or legs. • When the area is clear of traffic, continue your approach. ◆ If there is no wind or current: 1) Approach the dock slowly at a narrow angle (about 20 degrees). 2) When close enough, have a passenger step on shore and secure the bow line. 3) Swing the stern in with a line or boat hook, and secure it. ◆ If the wind or current direction is toward the dock: 1) Approach slowly, parallel to the dock. 2) Let the wind or current carry your boat to the dock. Shift into gear briefly if you need to adjust position. 3) Secure the bow and stern lines. ◆ If the wind or current direction is away from the dock: 1) Approach the dock slowly at a sharp angle (about 40 degrees). 2) Use reverse to stop when close to the dock. Secure the bow line. 3) Put the boat in forward gear briefly, and slowly turn the steering wheel hard away from the dock—this will swing in the stern. Secure the stern line. Casting Off Wind direction toward dock Casting Off Wind direction away from dock Docking No wind or current Docking Wind direction away from dock bow line 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 bow line stern line 1 2 3 bow line stern line REMEMBER … These casting off and docking procedures are for small, single-engine boats. Procedures for large boats, sailboats, or boats with twin engines will vary. Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

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