Safe Boating

Cruiser Handling Guide - In the Channel

Many rules apply to the rights of way for boaters. They appear elsewhere in this manual. You must know and observe these rules all the time. Generally, in a channel, you keep to the right, so that oncoming boats will pass to your port side. However, there are some techniques you can use to follow a straight line, even in a crosswind.

a. In very close channels, such as around docks in a marina, putting both engines in gear may propel the boat faster than you wish – even when both throttles are at idle. You can slow down by using only one side at a time.

1. In a crosswind, using only the downwind engine will help counteract the force of the wind. Use the upwind engine only when you have to turn. If the wind is strong, you might also use the downwind engine in reverse to slow you down in the turn while, at the same time, helping to swing the bow the direction you want to go.
2. Maintain a position in the channel as far to the windward side as you can. This leaves you more maneuvering room if an engine stalls, or if someone suddenly pulls out of a slip in front of you.
3. When the crosswind is strong, you may have to point the bow into the wind to maintain a straight line. When this happens you are actually crabbing down the way. (will definitely need an illustration here)
4. When the wind is not a factor engaging the engines one at a time will help you keep a straight line at the pace you desire.

b. In more open channels, the same techniques will help you hold a straight line.

1. use the downwind engine
2. keep as close to windward as you safely can
3. if necessary, point the bow into the wind so you crab down the channel.
4. look back as well as forward. When you have a cross current or cross wind, your bow may still be pointed at the next marker, but your boat may be sliding downwind out of the channel. To check this, regularly look back at the last marker to see that your line of travel is still in the channel.
5. Maintain proper speeds. If the speed limit says 6 miles per hour or 10 kilometers per hour, do not trust your speedometer. It may not be accurate at such low speeds. Your best bet is to have both throttles set at idle. Otherwise you might be hauling a lot of water behind you, kicking up a wake and breaking the law.