Month: July 2020

You can do your best to avoid harsh conditions while boating, but you’ll eventually run into choppy waves, high winds, and rough water. Rough water can range from mildly frustrating to downright dangerous, but with these rough water boating tips, you can maintain safety and comfort for yourself, your boat, and your passengers.

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Check the Weather Before You Leave

Before you leave, check the local weather report, keeping a watchful eye for wind speeds and wind direction. If you see that winds will be high or storms are expected in the near future, it may be best to delay your trip and avoid the hassle of rough water.

Have More Than Enough Fuel

Boating in rough water consumes more fuel than traveling the same distance in smooth conditions. If there is any chance of rough water, especially on an extended, multi-day trip, make sure you pack plenty of fuel so you don’t get stranded.

Stay Calm

This is the most fundamental aspect of safe boating in rough water. If you panic, you’ll make bad decisions, but if you stay cool, keep your head, and think clearly, you’re far more likely to reach your destination.

Wear a Lifejacket

Rough water creates unpredictable situations. The people on your boat are the most important factor, but if someone goes overboard in rough water, even the best swimmer will have difficulty staying afloat. When the water gets rough, everyone should be wearing a lifejacket, especially children (who should probably be wearing a lifejacket anyway!)

Slow Your Boat’s Speed

A slower boat is easier to control and gives you more time to react. If waves are particularly high, a slower boat will also ride up and over waves, rather than crashing directly into them, which creates more control and more comfort for your passengers.

Secure Loose Items

If a large wave comes crashing into your boat, it helps to have all of your items secured to the vessel or stored in compartments. Coolers, fishing rods, tackle boxes, towels, purses, and other items can go sailing into the water, so make sure everything is tucked away in proper storage compartments before rough water even hits.

Approach Large Waves at an Angle, Not Directly

Slamming directly into a wave not only creates a jarring impact (even on the sharpest of V-hulls), but it can harm your boat and create a safety issue. To lessen the impact, approach a large wave at a 45-degree angle. In particularly rough water, you may need to act like a sailboat, zigzagging through waves to reach your destination safely.

A Better Hull for Your Rough Water Boating

If you follow these rough water boating tips, you’re sure to stay safe. However, rough water also calls for a boat with a perfectly designed hull. While no boat can ensure complete safety, our vessels are designed in-house to create the best ride possible, creating more comfort and stability in rough water. You can also use our Build Your Scout tool to customize your favorite craft to meet your exact needs.

Safety is key to having an enjoyable time on the water. View these essential boating safety tips to protect yourself and your passengers all throughout the boating season.

Customize a craft to fit your exact needs with our Build Your Scout tool. You can add features for fishing, boating, sporting, entertainment, and more to best enjoy your time on the water!

Wear a Life Jacket

You might think that because you can swim, you don’t need to wear a life jacket. But if you want to maintain complete safety on your boat, you should always wear your life jacket. This is especially important if you are fishing near the edge of the boat, or if the water is particularly choppy. Of course, never ski or go tubing without wearing a life jacket.

 

Minimize Alcohol Consumption

Boating is a fun activity that’s usually best on a hot, sunny day. We’d be naive if we thought alcohol was not consumed on boats during gorgeous afternoons like these! However, you should emphasize to your passengers that this is a boating trip, not a drinking cruise, and you expect them to keep consumption to a responsible level. As the “captain” of your boat, you should avoid alcohol so you can maintain control from start to finish.

 

Take a Boating Safety Course

If you want to be the best boater possible, a safety course is crucial. At a safety course—especially one approved or administered by the U.S. Coast Guard—you’ll get a reliable education on how to properly maneuver and steer your boat in a variety of conditions. You’ll also learn how to keep your passengers safe and how to properly dock. Even if you are an experienced boater, these classes can be crucial for long-term safety.

 

Check the Weather Before Leaving

More than any other hobby, boating depends on clear, calm weather and ideal conditions. Always check the local forecast before you leave on a boating trip. If there is any chance of stormy conditions, it may be best to wait. After all, your passengers will probably have more fun on a nicer day.

 

When in Doubt, Go Slow

It’s one of those obvious statements that all too many boaters forget—slow is best for boating. In open, unobstructed water, feel free to drop the throttle. Near other boats, around docks, and in shallow water, take it slow to keep your boat free from damage and your guests free from harm.

 

Be in Charge of Your Boat the Entire Time

Above all, it’s up to you to be in charge of the boat the entire time. It’s your craft, your property, and your responsibility. So, even if you’re not naturally a take-charge person, make sure your passengers understand that you will be calling the shots. You don’t need to be a task-mastering dictator, but someone needs to decide whether certain behavior is acceptable—be that person!

 

Purchase A Comfortable Craft for Safe Boating

With these essential boating safety tips, you’ll enjoy safe boating all year long. If you’d like to purchase a new craft, browse our selection of world-class vessels from Scout! We have everything from large offshore boats to small, shallow-water fishing crafts. Plus, you can customize your selection with custom features using our Build Your Scout tool! Try it today to design your ideal vessel.