Non-Boater Boat Skills

[Geoff R]

Hello Everybody,

As a boater I am amazed to hear most guys say to me that they never knew that handling a boat can be quite difficult.
Now I am not saying that is impossible or very hard but I think that as boaters we may take the knowledge we have in handling our boats for granted.
How many times have you stopped to start fishing only to realise that your motor has been left in the water and has snagged on a submerged object. I have done this a few times and when I have asked the N.B. to get it out of the water they don't know how.
What about when you have hooked an absolute ripper and you need to get in to ground of your choosing to fight a fish, and you ask them to "KOTA" you out in to the open.

I reckon it's a really good Idea to make sure all crewies have a decent understanding of how your craft works, and not to get upset if they make a mistake. Confidence and competance in handling a boat comes with time on the water, hell my first 1 hour old Yammie 25 is still on the bottom of Melville water somewhere and I only learnt through that mistake.

Take the time when you launch to ensure that your non boater knows the basic's on your boat and it may stop you and your boat to coming to grief or it might help you to land more fish.
OH and Davo "What happen's on tour "at the bridge" stays on tour"
Regards Geoff Paulic

[Bear]

You're spot on there mate.

Going out with you has made a big difference when it came time for my own boat. Boaters should not be afraid to teach the non-boaters. It helps all of us.

Thanks Geoff.

[Richo]

Yep, thanks Geoff your a great teacher mate..... can`t wait to get a boat of me own now...;)

richo

[Ravin]

Spot on Geoff :) Ten minutes of basics can make a big difference & in a case like mine save you an unplanned swim backwards of the bow :D :eek:

[Mim]

I agree Geoff.

I am starting to learn how to use the Minn Kota and now that we have a seat up the front (almost) There will be no stopping me. Boaters take people out in the comps and expect nothing from the non-boater other than a bit of courtesy. If all us non-boaters learnt a little bit, then the boater may get a chance to have a little break and just enjoy the fishing. Boaters work really hard, specially when there is a breeze and they are trying to position the boat infront of a snag.

I am not going as the boater in Walpole for this reason, I am not good enough yet, but with practice JP and I can swap and change, which will give both of us a chance to fish with either a boater or a non-boater and increase our skill levels

Mim

[Dave W]

I don't know what it's like in W.A. but over here in N.S.W. you don't need a boat license if you're travelling under 10 Knots (I think?) - makes it easy to give a 'learner' the tiller and say go for it:D

A word of warning though, the first thing I explain to novices is the 'throttle down' concept - if you're getting into trouble, just back the trottle off, the boat then stops - you'd be amazed how many people panic and forget this very basic principle.....

[Geoff R]

Definately Dave, but that just re-affirms what I am saying, a non boater needs to have a bit of confidence when handling your boat and the only way they will get it is from trial and hopefully few errors.

[Stuie_02]

Hi everyone

I was wondering is there any boat training classes. As someone who doesnt have a boat but does get out fairly regularly i would like to see some classes. Being a smaller boat as well you tend to get bounced around alot from the wakes of larger boats. Being unfamiliar with some basic knowledge like ramp equitte and so on.

I know there are rule but some people are very unfamiliar with being nice on the ramp, passing smaller boats etc.

Cheers
Stuie

[rodmy]

Yes I am getting my 1st boat soon, yet to learn how to back a trailer yet alone launching techniqes no one seems to know anyway or anyone who can teach u.

I have tried driving schools no help.

[bubble]

Having moved from Melbourne to the Gold Coast (somebody had to do it) I needed to get my licence....I have been around boats since I was 7.
Anyway, the ABC (Australian Boating College) runs courses for the QLD licence and I found them to be excellent and would recommend them to anyone. They also cover boat handling skills in an 'on the water' session. I was so impressed with the course I will be booking my wife and a friend of hers on it. There were in fact two women on the course with me.

I would highly recommend a course with a local trainer and ask to be shown boat launch and retrieve techniques, ramp etiqette etc and do not be afraid to ask questions.

Bubble

[jm0771]

Hey Guys

I think it is a very good idea to get some form of training before hitting the water.You need a licence to drive but (in WA) you can go out and buy a boat and jump straight in with out knowing anything.How many times I have seen people with no idea out on the water it's a bit scary.I did some courses with the Swan Maritime Institute-TL3,OH&S,first aid,marine radio operaters cert.
The TL3 (power boat handling certificate) is a very informative and enjoyable course.You have theory and practical elements.It covers everything you will need to know to take to the water with confidence.

Swan Maritime Institute-Ph(08) 9451 9105 Fax(08) 9358 033
PO Box 260,Palmyra,W.A 6157

[Dave W]

Originally posted by rodmy
Yes I am getting my 1st boat soon, yet to learn how to back a trailer yet alone launching techniqes no one seems to know anyway or anyone who can teach u.

I have tried driving schools no help.

When I first started driving with trailers my old fella took me to a local car park on a Sunday and made me drive around backing into parking places - it's pretty amazing how quickly you pick it up if you practice for a few solid hours, rather than twice every time you go fishing...:)