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Size
Really Does Matter (21-3)
by Dusty Miller
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 For
years, boaters dream of upgrading to a larger model
such as a trawler or express cruiser with plans to enjoy
extended trips down to Florida or beyond. An upgrade
from a runabout to a large cruiser is a big step, but
by learning important boat handling fundamentals and
pertinent safety requirements in a small boat, the transition
to a cruiser is a lot smoother and much more enjoyable.
It’s easy enough to land a small boat without
paying too much attention to the effects of the wind
or momentum. If the landing does go awry, the boat is
light enough to allow someone on the dock to easily
pull it in with a line. However, if you learn to land
a small boat properly (and using momentum and the right
approach angles), you’ll be quite adept by the
time you take the plunge with handling a cruiser.
In many ways, a small boat is harder to control than
a larger one. A crosswind can quickly take you for a
short ride, waves can easily throw you off your course
(or even into the dock or another boat), and you don’t
have a lot momentum. So, you really have to pay attention
to the way the boat is moving and make quick corrections.
If you get distracted or are not focused, you can be
off course in seconds. Fortunately, it’s usually
relatively easy to regain control, but it’s far
better to stay attentive until you have safely docked.
Owning a small boat also forces you to learn many other
common fundamentals. For example, when boarding a smaller
vessel it’s too easy to find yourself spread-eagled
over open water between the boat and the dock (with
a dunk in the lake being the only way out of the situation!).
Addition-ally, if you don’t stow gear or equipment
carefully, they’ll easily be blown out of the
cockpit while underway.
Passenger weight must also be properly distributed.
Too much weight in the stern can make it difficult or
impossible to get on plane and too much weight in the
bow can make it very hard to steer. In extreme cases,
a poorly balanced load can make the boat vulnerable
to swamping.
When it comes to safety equipment, the regulations are
just the minimum requirements, a starting point. It’s
always wise to bring along more than you need. A few
paddles, two or three throwing lines and several PFDs
are just a few examples. It’s also a good idea
to carry a spare prop and prop wrench in case you bend
a blade.
While the safety equipment has to be properly stowed,
it also has to be quickly accessible. For instance,
if you’re swamped you need to know where the lifejackets
are immediately. If you have to crawl under the bow
and move the anchor and rode to get them, it may be
too late. Also, be sure flares are up to date, fire
extinguishers have been recharged and on schedule, and
you know where everything is when you need it.
Before you set out, check the bilges for water, the
oil and fuel levels, and even test the blower and the
bilge pump(s) to ensure the manual switch and/or float
switch are working.
All these basic points are applicable for when you upgrade
to a larger craft. I strongly encourage everyone who
sets out in a small boat to use experience as a learning
curve. Take some lessons and practise handling your
boat right away until it becomes second nature and understand
the safety rules. It will provide a lot more enjoyment
and you’ll discover boating is one dream that
can be as much fun and as real as you imagined!
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