How to Drive a Boat, Part 2
In our last blog post, we went over tips on how to drive a boat, stopping with leaving the dock. Driving a boat definitely takes practice, but having some tips in mind before driving a boat for the first time can speed up your learning curve, so you can begin to enjoy your time on the water to the utmost.
One of the best ways to maximize your fun on the water is though a boat diving board by Lillipad Marine. Our Diving Boards will take your boating experience to the next level as you jump for hours. Designed with safety, style, and ease of use in mind, our boat diving boards can be installed easily and will last for years to come. Below, we’ll continue our tips on how to drive a boat. Once you’re finished reading, head on over to our website, and order your boat diving board today!
MORE TIPS ON HOW TO DRIVE A BOAT
Speed of Your Boat
One of the biggest causes of boating accidents out on the water is running into other boats. Speed most definitely plays a factor here. Lillipad Marine notes that many people do not know the speed limits of the lake or body of water that they are on, although almost all lakes have them. In general, the speed limit goes down on the water when the sun goes down, dropping to around 25 mph or so. During the day, boat speed limits can be 45 mph or more. It’s a good idea to check the speed limits of the body of water you are on. You can get a speeding ticket on your boat. You also need to stay a good way away from shore while cruising in your boat, probably somewhere around 100 feet away or so.
Right of Way
The boat on the starboard (right) side always has the right of way when two boats are crossing paths. A boat that is passing another also has the right of way. Powerboats (or boats with motors) must yield to sailboats that are sailing and windsurfers unless the powerboat is going slower. Lillipad Marine, a maker of the best boat diving boards, recommends brushing up on boat etiquette before leaving shore.
Priority of Vessels
Out on the water, some vessels have priority over others. Lower priority boats must stay out of the way of higher priority boats unless they are being passed. The order of boat priority from highest to lowest is as such:
- A boat that is unable to move or is stranded
- A boat that can move but is restricted in some way
- A fishing boat
- A sailing boat
- A powerboat
This rule should be common sense, and if you are in doubt, always yield the right of way. If you are on the open ocean and come across a shipping boat that is much larger than you, it’s always best to just let the bigger boat have priority.
Driving Your Boat
Driving your boat on the open water is very similar to your car. You turn the steering wheel the same way, and give your boat gas when you want to go. Pay attention to the gauges as you drive, watching for any warning signs, such as an overheated engine sign.
Docking Your Boat
Inevitably, docking your boat takes the longest to learn and does require having an intimate knowledge of how your boat slows down and having the timing down of when to jump out and grab it. Lillipad Marine, a maker of boat diving boards, recommends that you have patience with yourself while you learn to dock your boat. This may take a while to learn, so don’t beat yourself up when you don’t get it right.
The trick to docking your boat is to go very slow — so slow that it seems like you are inching. Don’t feel like you need to hurry because other boats are waiting. It’s better to take your time and be successful at docking than to rush it and have to start all over again.
Final Check
Once you’ve docked your boat, check all of your gauges, ensuring your battery is switched off. This way, if a light switch accidentally gets left on, your battery won’t be drained by it. Now is a good time to refuel your boat, check for any damage if you think you might have hit a rock or something while out and about, and store everything in its place, such as your life vests. Now, you’re ready for your next boating adventure!
ADDING A BOAT DIVING BOARD TO YOUR BOAT
While boating it and of itself is fun and exciting, by adding a boat diving board to your boat, you will most definitely up the ante. Lillipad Marine makes the best boat diving boards that will last you a long time. Designed with heavy wall aluminum extrusions, stainless steel hardware, and urethane spring components, our Diving Boards are durable and are made for the entire family. Use only in 15 feet of water or deeper, and make sure your boat is at least 18 feet long with a solid, flat surface for mounting.
Lillipad Marine has specifically designed our Diving Boards to have little stress and effect on your boat, with an innovative design that distributes the energy throughout the framework of the boat diving board. You will still be able to dock with ease, and you can match your boat diving board to your boat with our different color selections. Our Diving Boards fold down when not in use for easy storage and transport.
We’ve designed our boat diving board to be easy to use and assemble, with only three component parts to stow away. Also, we offer our Lillipad Diving Board Protective Cover that is recommended for use when you are storing your boat diving board. This boat diving board cover protects it and makes it easier to keep track of the component parts.
Our Lillipad Diving Board is designed to be a one-size-fits-all style. However, you can mount your boat diving board in two different ways for different types of boats. We’ll help you decide which is right for you when you order your boat diving board today from us. In addition, we offer a Stabilizer Handrail to make climbing up onto your boat diving board a bit simpler for those who may have balance problems or just want an extra hand up.
LILLIPAD MARINE’S REVO LADDER
Lillipad Marine now offers our brand new Revo Ladder, which can be used as both a boat boarding ladder and as a dock ladder. This boat ladder has been designed to extend to 48” in length, but fold up to 16” while on deck. This ladder can be used interchangeably, depending on your needs. You can mount it onto your boat, and then use it on your dock. Eliminate those awkward climbs in and out of your boat today by ordering our Revo Ladder today!
Lillipad Marine’s mission is to make your boating life fun and easy. Through our amazing boat diving board, our Stabilizer Handrail, and our new Revo Ladder, your boating life is set to soar like never before. Order yours online now!