www.iFourWinns.com

Ok as most of you know I'm new to boating. Just wondering what are some boating etiquette things to keep in mind while i'm out on the water??????

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2008 H200SS
4.3 merc
2008 Chevy 2500

What kind of boating do you do? Raft ups, towables, family cruising. First thing alway ASK if someone needs a hand at the docks or ramp, never just grab the boat. Always take off your shoes before getting on someones boat.

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I plan on doing some water sports. I was asking just in general like passing another boat anchoring, or while at the docks and slips.

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2008 H200SS
4.3 merc
2008 Chevy 2500

The most important things can be learned from a boating course, even an online one. Beyond that - as simple as it sounds - the Golden Rule will serve you well. Just try to be considerate and helpful. When you think about all the complaints you hear on boating boards about other boaters, it usually comes down to them being inconsiderate. The easiest example is the guy who backs his boat onto the launch ramp, and THEN spends 30 minutes prepping his boat to launch, while everyone else waits. Just always remember, you aren't the only one there.

Another great idea for a new boater is to launch & load the first time at a time when the lake & ramp is not crowded. The first time you launch can be a bit daunting. Take a day off during the week and go do it, to get a feel for what's involved and what your "routine" will be. That way you don't have to worry about holding anyone up, or feeling pressured by others.

No matter what you do, don't ever allow yourself to feel pressured to the point of forgetting basic safety stuff. Remember that there is a certain percentage of boaters (as with any group) who are going to be offensive no matter what you do. Don't let them bother you.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

A couple things beyond the obvious that I think are important is to never follow someone towing tubers/skiers. That always makes the driver of that boat nervous.


Always look over your shoulders before making sharp turns. Boats don't have side mirrors so use your head.

Make deliberate and obvious turns when approaching head on so the other boat can tell which way you're going instead of doing the "2 step" dance.

Don't anchor so close to a group that any drifting you might do will be a cause for concern for people already anchored. No wake means NO WAKE! I HATE when my boat gets banged around by people going "slow" but throwing a wake. Bass boats are notorious for this.

If the no wake zone is small around the ramp use your common sense and don't throw a wake there even if you technically don't have to be at idle.

Don't leave your boat tied up to a dock that has limited space at the ramp for any longer than necessary. Best to have one person who can drive the truck/trailer and one who can load the boat. You'll look like pros.

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Former owner of:
1996 Four Winns Horizon 200 5.8L VP
2006 Four Winns Horizon 260 8.1L VP
2007 Sea Ray 290 Sundancer

Current boat
2004 Sea Ray 290 Sun Sport Twin 350 Mags

Check out http://www.boatus.com, they have an online safety course, or check with your local DNR to see for in-person courses. There's a lot of info in there also regarding sailing and PWC's, but it's good info to know and be exposed to. You'll also learn what the various markers mean.

Now is the perfect time to practice launching, we did the same thing last year so we would be more comfortable with the whole process and not tick too many people off.

The biggest rule for etiquette would probably be using common sense.

Next in line would be to stay far away during the opening weeking of fishing season. It gets pretty brutal around here.

For watersports, stay a reasonable distance away from anchored boats as there are usually people swimming in the area. Close to docks and slips are generally no-wake zones.

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-Rob.


Current boat: 2011 Yamaha AR210
Previous boat: 1998 Horizon RX 4.3GL SX

I have to echo Mike's comments. If you haven't experienced it yet, you will. That is, someone who is completely unprepared at the launch ramp. Be as prepared as you can, but as Mike said take your time and be safe. When "giving way" to other boats the rule is the smaller more manuverable craft should always "give way" to the larger and sail boats always have right of way. My own personal rule of thumb is: I'll "give way" to any craft. I'd much rather avoid any confusion or chance of collision. I change my course way before it becomes an issue. Same as the unprepared boater on the launch ramp, you'll also encounter boaters that will remain on the same course no matter what. Just go around them and go about your having an enjoyable day on the water. If your unfamiliar with the waters your boating in, slow down and keep a keen eye on your depth finder. You can find yourself in very shallow water very unexpectedly. I'm not a fisherman, but if you see someone fishing from a boat, try never to cut between them and the shoreline or point. As my dad used to say "use your head for something other than a hatrack" and you'll be fine.

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2008 H210SS VP 5.7 Gi/SX
2011 Ford F150 FX4 EB

Remember, you are responsible for your wake even if you are not in a no wake zone.

If you see someone with a problem, stop. Next it could be you that needs help

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Inboard, outboard, onboard never bored
KUT 'N LOOSE
'99 258 VISTA

We raft up an awful lot and there really is not much worse beyond an approaching storm than to be waked by some "go fast boat" as we call them in NoVa, as they parade around a cove that has maybe 50 boats rafted up in 10 or so groups. As someone already said, you are responsible for your wake. If you see stopped boats or boats going really slowly, slow down and mind your wake.

Look all around when making turns as someone maybe closer than you think.

Don't fiddle around at a gas dock when others are waiting in line and trying to hold a position. Get your gas and get going.

Make sure you and your guests contain any loose objects like wrappers, towels, empty cans, coats, jackets, hats, etc so they don't fly out and land in the water.

If you set a stern anchor, place a bouy out so folks know it is there and they don't run over your line.

When rafting up, radio your group to ask permission and which side they want you to come around to.

Don't blast your music too late at night or too early in the morning as others maybe sleeping.

That's my "short list"

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2008 Four Winns V358 (T 6.2L Merc Bravo III's with DTS and SeaCore)
2006 Sea Ray 340DA
2006 Sea Ray 320DA
2005 Maxum 3100 SE

Thanks for all the info. I just don't want to be the inconsiderate #$%@ and not realize it.

I have taken an online boating class already and keep going over then manual just to learn somethings that I might have missed. I'm also trying to work a classroom one into my work calander, but being in the military can be a little tough at times.

I'm glad my dealer in giving me a sea trial when my boat gets here I have never launched a boat before, so i'm clueless.

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2008 H200SS
4.3 merc
2008 Chevy 2500

As long as you keep that attitude, you'll be just fine. It's the people who don't give a damn what anyone else thinks who are the problem.

On the "blasting music early and late," I would add, don't pull into a cove blasting your music if someone else is already in that cove. There's a good chance they're there to enjoy the peace, and they'll really appreciate you doing the same and respecting them. Again - to me, that's just common sense and basic consideration for others. On the other hand, if you pull into an occupied cove and the people there are blasting their music and raising a ruckus ("I heard a ruckus!"), don't expect them to stop just because YOU arrived. Remember that sound travels VERY far and clearly over water. Yes, that also means that if two boats are sitting in a cove and the conversation on one of them is, "Look at those dumbasses on that boat over there," they'll probably hear you .

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

I think everyone here has covered a lot of the big things.

Two other things I would add are...

If you can take a day during the week to practice putting your boat down the ramp, take the time to practice docking. This for me was the most challenging thing when I got started.

Also have a plan when you get to the ramp that you can repeat the same way every time. A routine will ensure that you don't get in line with all your straps tied to the boat or go down the ramp without your drain plug. The first few times it will be somewhat stressful and while you don't want to be inconsiderate you don't want to rush it either b/c someone (who thinks they are a pro) is giving you the evil eye. Taking your time and doing it right is always gonna be quicker than doing it fast and wrong.

\\

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Walter

2003 248 Vista - VP 5.0 GXi
2009 Toyota Tundra SR5 5.7L 4x4

THE DRAIN PLUG......OH MY GOD WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH THE DRAIN PLUG???? Man I can't remember how many times I've seen a newbie launch without the drain plug in. All kidding aside you should take a USCG approved safety class especially if you have a family and will have children on the boat with you. You must always have enough PFD's (Personal floatation devices) on board to have one for every person. And remember boats don't have brakes!!!!!! you certainly don't want to use the dock as your stop and end up with a nice scar on that new hull. Good Luck and I hope you enjoy boating as much as I do.

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2008.Fourwinns V358
1999 SeaRay340 Sundancer
1989 SeaRay 260 Cuddy

Slow and steady is the mantra we all should remember. Let the water and wind do your work. If you have ever taken a cruise on a large ship, they never rush to the dock and tie up, rather they go slow and steady and watch what the wind and water are doing before making a move.

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2008 Four Winns V358 (T 6.2L Merc Bravo III's with DTS and SeaCore)
2006 Sea Ray 340DA
2006 Sea Ray 320DA
2005 Maxum 3100 SE

Jason, odds are that you taking the online course and asking your very question on here are all that you need. As many have said, use your head and common sense and courtesy will guide your way. Obviously, the steps you have taken thus far show that you have both. You'll be fine.

The first rule of etiquette that I practice (if it is really "etiquette" at all) is to assume that nobody else who is running their boat on plane knows what they are doing. Following that rule, I've trained myself to keep an eye on every boat that I can see while enjoying myself at the same time.

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Paul
2007 Four Winns Horizon 220
Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI w/ Bravo III Drive
2004 Ford Explorer Limited (V8-AWD)
Pomme de Terre Lake (Southwest Missouri)