VHF radio

Although a VHF radio is not required on recreational vessels, I strongly recommend equipping your boat with a radio. A fixed mount radio is the first choice with the option of purchasing a handheld radio for use in your dinghy or kayak.

In an emergency a VHF radio becomes your lifeline to the Coast Guard and other vessels nearby. You may use it to contact marinas to reserve moorage and stay in touch with your fellow boaters. Marine weather forecasts are available on the VHF radio.

If you have a radio on board, the operator must hold a Restricted Operator Certificate – Maritime (ROC-M).

Turning in confined waters

This technique applies to single inboard engine vessels with a straight shaft. Backing and filling is a technique to turn a vessel around in confined waters.

“There is no need to shift the wheel when operating astern. The vessel is not moving astern and the rudder only has the prop suction current flowing across it and has little, if any effect. I have seen many boaters get into trouble by wasting time shifting the rudder each time they operate astern. Many boaters are used to this technique because they are familiar with outboards or inboard/outboards. When they move to an inboard-powered vessel they tend to bring this habit with them. One method to demonstrate the P effect is to go astern while moving ahead with the rudder amidships. The stern will swing (walk) despite the rudder.

An easier way to back and fill is simply place the wheel opposite to the side the vessel backs to and leave it. The objective is to continue the swing produced by the rudder while operating ahead using the P effect of the prop to move the stern when operating astern.”

D. Bruce Stott
President
 Gulf Islands Cruising School Ltd.

Yachting Magazine Nov. 2004

Letters to the Editor

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