How to Avoid Boating Accidents: Safety Tips for Driving a Boat
You will need to pop the boat in and out or reverse 3-5 times to get enough momentum without prop interference to have the rudder get a good hold of the direction. Once you feel the boat going to the left, you can put the boat into reverse-idle and leave it there. You should now be holding a straight line or turning slightly to the left. Pop the boat in and out of gear, wait until the engine engages in reverse, leave it there for a second, then click back to neutral.
When I first started driving the boat, my biggest obstacle was overcoming nerves. Take my word for it, there’s nothing to be nervous about. Next, turn the battery switch to the on position and head over to the captain’s seat. Once seated, attach the emergency stop lanyard to your person. This lanyard is typically a bright red cord attached to the emergency stop switch. Thirdly, when the prop does grab as you lose speed, it causes the back of the boat to rise out of the water due to hull shape.
If it’s windy, I would recommend positioning the front of the boat downwind, in the opposite direction of the wind. Pontoon boats don’t have small turning circles, so you should think in advance before turning in the water. Place the throttle into forward shift and start off slowly with little bursts of power. Next you will need to start turning using the steering wheel. If you have a clear path in which to drive back into, make small and controlled bursts on the throttle to back the boat out of the slip. Using the pontoon’s throttle should be something done with a very gentle motion.
Although there are no numerical speed limits on the water, citations may be issued for excessive speed or reckless operation. Use common sense, and operate at a safe speed at all times — especially in crowded areas. Maintain a 50-foot distance from other PWC’s, vessels, persons, shore, or stationary platform or other object unless operating at headway speed. As long as you are safe, take care, and are krazy a responsible captain, I genuinely believe that within 10 minutes you will be entirely comfortable operating one of these amazing vessels. As you can see, it’s actually incredibly simple to drive a pontoon boat.
You will see that the bow is starting to rise to an angle with the speed. In no wind, condition engages reverse and slowly steer away from the berth, marina or pontoon. Once you came to a safe distance balance your boat and proceed.
While there happen to be a handful of accidents each season. It is better to be prepared and take account of all safety precautions. After all, boating is all about fun, leisure, and relaxation. Plus you would not like to ruin all the excitement of everyone who comes to celebrate your big day as the captain of your boat. If the boat has trim tabs or a trimmable drive, try trimming the bow up and down a bit.