Boaters Safety Unit 1

propeller

rotates and powers a boat forward or backward

Anchor Bend Knot

A type of hitching knot, the anchor bend is used to secure a rope to an anchor or a ring. If additional security is needed, a half hitch can be tied at the end.

steering nozzle

Device used for directing the stream of water to the left or right at the stern of the PWC, which steers the PWC

Remember ...

It is very important to have proper lighting on trailers, including turn signals and tail and brake lights. Also make sure you have a jack that fits properly under the trailer—most car jacks are too large to fit under a trailer.

Some states have laws that refer to boat lengths as "classes." However, the U.S. Coast Guard no longer uses these designations to indicate length.

class length class A Less than 16 feet class 1 16 feet to less than 26 feet class 2 26 feet to less than 40 feet class 3 40 feet to less than 65 feet

beam

maximum width of a vessel

transom

Vertical surface at the back of the hull

PWC

Length

swamp

To fill with water

The Capacity Plate

A boat operator should never take a boat on the water with too many people or too much gear on board. Boats loaded beyond their capacity will swamp or capsize more easily and will be more difficult to control. Look for a capacity plate near the operator's position or on the transom of the boat. This plate indicates the maximum weight capacity and/or the maximum number of people that the boat can carry safely in good weather. You should not exceed either the stated maximum weight capacity or the maximum number of people. Maximum weight is the combined weight of passengers, gear, and motors. In many states, it is a violation to exceed capacity. Federal law requires single-hull boats less than 20 feet in length to have a capacity plate. (However, PWC and sailboat manufacturers are not required to attach a capacity plate.) Always follow the recommended capacity found in the owner's manual and on the manufacturer's warning decal. Never exceed these capacity recommendations.

Measuring Length Overall

A vessel's length overall dictates the equipment the vessel must have to comply with federal and state laws. Length overall is measured from the tip of the bow in a straight line to the stern of the vessel. Bowsprits; rudders; outboard motors and motor brackets; handles; and other fittings, attachments, and extensions are not included in the measurement.

Multi-Hull

Advantages Another example of a displacement hull, the multi-hull has greater stability because of its wide beam. Disadvantages Needs a large area when turning.

Deep Vee Hull

Advantages This planing hull gives a smoother ride than a flat bottom hull in rough water. Disadvantages Takes more power to move at the same speed as flat bottom hulls. May roll or bank in sharp turns.

Flat Bottom Hull

Advantages This planing hull has a shallow draft, which is good for fishing in small lakes and rivers Disadvantages Rides roughly in choppy waters.

Round Bottom Hull

Advantages This typical displacement hull moves easily through the water even at slow speeds. Disadvantages Has a tendency to roll unless it has a deep keel or stabilizers.

After Fueling a PWC

After fueling, open the engine compartment before starting the engine and sniff to check for gas fumes. Check the entire fuel system for leaks and inspect fuel system connections frequently. Engine vibrations and the pounding from operating on rough water can loosen connections. Avoid fuel spills when fueling in or near the water. Do not tip the PWC in order to fill it all the way up. The tank is designed to leave space for the fuel to expand. If the tank is overfilled, the fuel may expand and spill into the water. After fueling, open the door of the engine compartment and sniff to check for any evidence of gas fumes. Do this before starting the engine. If you do smell gas fumes, determine the source and make repairs immediately.

Jet Drives

Jet drives propel a vessel by forcing a jet of water out the back of the vessel. Directing this jet of water steers the vessel. Personal watercraft are the most common type of vessels that use a jet drive. Jet drives also may power larger vessels (jet boats) and are used commonly for vessels designed for shallow water conditions. Jet boats can have inboard or outboard jet drives.

On the Road With a Trailer

Drive cautiously. Drive at moderate speeds and avoid sudden maneuvers. On long trips, pull over every hour or so to check the towing vehicle, trailer, tires, trailer coupling, and gear in the vessel. Allow for the added length and weight of the trailer. Make wider turns at corners and curves. Allow extra time and distance for stopping and for passing other vehicles. Steer wider on corners to clear curbs.

Remember ...

Evaporating gasoline creates vapors or fumes that are heavier than air. These fumes settle to the bottom of the boat where they could explode if enclosed areas, such as the bilge, are not ventilated properly to remove fumes.

Float Plan for Extended Outings

For extended outings on the water, leave a float plan with a relative or friend, or at least a local marina. You should leave a float plan that: Describes the vessel, including its registration number, length, make, horsepower, and engine type. Includes the description and license plate of the tow vehicle and trailer. Gives the number of passengers, their names and addresses, and a contact in case of emergency. States where you are going, the detailed route, your planned departure time, and your expected return time. Include the location of all stopping points, dates, and times. Gives the phone number for local authorities in case you fail to return when expected. If boating on waters under U.S. Coast Guard jurisdiction, give the phone number of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Float Plan for Shorter Outings

For shorter daytime outings on the water, at a minimum you should: Contact a responsible person before you go out and tell him or her where you will be boating and when you plan to return. Give your contact the phone number for local authorities in case you fail to return when expected. Contact this person again when you return or if you decide to extend your time out on the water.

Round Turn and Two Half Hitches

Handy for tying down a bulky load or tying a boat to a mooring post, the round turn and two half hitches is versatile. It is a secure knot that does not jam and is easy to undo.

Remember...

If launching or retrieving a sailboat with a raised mast, watch out for overhead wires.

bilge

Interior of the hull below the floorboards; lowest part of a vessel's interior where the sides of the vessel curve in to form the bottom

Boaters Tip

Novice boaters should practice towing, especially backing up, in an open field or empty parking lot before their initial launch and retrieval. This will give you a feel for the trailer and how it maneuvers in relation to the towing vehicle.

Calculating Your Boat's Capacity

On boats less than 20 feet in length with no capacity plate, use the following rule of thumb to calculate the number of persons (weighing 150 lbs. each, on average) the boat can carry safely in good weather conditions. Number of people (boat length (ft.) boat width (ft.)) 15 For example, for a boat 18 feet long by 6 feet wide, the number of persons is 18 times 6 (or 108) divided by 15, which equals seven 150-lb. persons (or a total person weight of 7 × 150, or 1050 lbs.).

remember

On outboard boats, the capacity plate also will display the recommended maximum horsepower rating of the boat. Your boat's motor should never exceed this rating.

intake

Opening in the hull that draws water toward the impeller

Launching Your Boat From a Trailer

Prepare to launch well away from the boat ramp so that you don't block ramp traffic. Transfer all equipment and supplies to the vessel. Disconnect trailer lights from the towing vehicle. Remove all tie-down straps before backing down the ramp but leave the trailer winch line securely attached to the vessel. Make sure the vessel's drain plug is in place. Tie a rope to the vessel's bow to use to control the vessel if necessary during launching.

Do Not Power Load Your Boat

Propeller wash can erode the sediment just beyond the ramp surface, creating a large hole. The eroded sediment is deposited behind the propeller, creating a mound. Trailer tires can get stuck in these holes, and boats can run aground on the mound.

After fueling your Boat

Put the fill cap on tightly to prevent vapors from escaping. Wipe up any spilled fuel and properly dispose of the used paper towels or rags on shore. Open all windows, ports, doors, and other openings. If your boat is equipped with a power ventilation system (exhaust blower), turn it on for at least four minutes before starting your engine. This will help eliminate fuel vapors in the bilge. Before starting the engine, sniff the bilge and engine compartment for fuel vapors. Continue ventilating until you cannot smell any fuel vapors. Consider installing a gas vapor detection and alarm device. Start the engine and then reload your passengers.

Boater's Tip

Use at least two experienced people to launch and retrieve your vessel—one to drive the towing vehicle and one to operate the vessel. If launching and retrieving by yourself, it is recommended to place wheel chocks behind the wheels of the towing vehicle.

gunwale

upper edge of vessel's side (generally pronounced "gunnel")

port

left side of a vessel

inboards

length

outboards

length

keel

main centerline (backbone) of a vessel or the extension of hull that increases stability in the water

cleat

metal fitting on which a rope can be fastened

How Planing Hulls Operate

planing hull performing like a displacement hull displacement Mode Displacement Mode a planing hull, when operated at very slow speeds, will cut through the water like a displacement hull. planing hull in plowing mode Plowing Mode as speed increases, a planing hull will have a raised bow, reducing the operator's vision and throwing a very large wake. Avoid maintaining a speed that puts your boat in plowing mode. Planing hull in planing mode Planing Mode your boat is in planing mode when enough power is applied so that the hull glides on top of the water. Different boats reach planing mode at different speeds.

stern

rear of a vessel

starboard

right side of a vessel

Example of a Capacity Plate

Although federal law requires capacity plates only on boats less than 20 feet in length, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) requires a capacity plate on all boats less than 26 feet in order to be certified by NMMA.

Inboard Engines

An inboard is a four-stroke automotive engine adapted for marine use. Inboard engines are mounted inside the hull's midsection or in front of the transom. The engine turns a drive shaft that runs through the bottom of the hull and is attached to a propeller at the other end. Many personal watercraft (PWCs) have two-stroke inboard engines that burn oil as a lubricant along with the fuel. New-technology two-stroke PWC engines are direct-injection engines and burn cleaner than conventional PWC engines. Steering of most inboard vessels, except PWCs and jet-drive boats, is controlled by a rudder behind the propeller.

Outboard Engines

An outboard is a portable, self-contained package of an engine, gear case, and propeller that is attached to the transom of a boat. A growing number of outboard engines are of four-stroke design, but many are still conventional two-stroke engines that burn oil as a lubricant along with the fuel. New-technology two-stroke outboards are direct-injection engines and burn over 75% cleaner than conventional two-stroke outboards. Steering of outboard boats is controlled by a tiller or steering wheel that swivels the entire engine to direct propeller thrust.

Retrieving Your Boat Onto a Trailer

Back the trailer into the water so that approximately two-thirds of the rollers or bunks are submerged in the water. Set the parking brake of the towing vehicle, and put it in park (or first gear if you have a manual transmission). Move the vessel onto the trailer far enough to attach the winch line to the bow eye of the vessel. Finish pulling the vessel onto the trailer by cranking the winch. Stay out of the way of the direct line of the winch cable in case it snaps or you lose control of the winch. Do not load a vessel using engine power because this can cause damage. Shut off the engine, and raise the engine or outdrive. Pull the vessel out of the water. Prepare for the drive home well away from the boat ramp so that you don't block ramp traffic. While on land at the ramp area, remove and dispose of all weeds from the vessel and trailer, remove the drain plug to release bilge water, and drain any live wells. This will help prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance plants and animals. Secure the vessel on the trailer and the gear within the vessel, following the same instructions listed in the earlier section, "Before Leaving Home With Your Boat and Trailer."

Backing the Trailer Into the Water During Launch

Back the trailered vessel into the water far enough so that the lower unit of the engine can be lowered and submerged while the vessel is still on the trailer. Practice towing and backing up in a parking lot As an added precaution, always set the parking brake on the towing vehicle. Lower the engine or outdrive, and start the engine. If your vessel is still on the trailer and you have engine trouble, you can retrieve the vessel easily. Once the engine is warmed up, back the trailer further into the water until the vessel floats. Undo the winch line, put the vessel's engine in reverse, and back slowly off the trailer.

Float Plan

Before going out on a boat or PWC, it is always a good idea to tell someone where you are going and ask them to take action if you fail to return on time.

Courtesy on the Boat Ramp

Boat ramp traffic jams can be prevented if everyone practices common courtesy at the ramp. Be sure you observe these simple courtesies. Prepare your vessel for launching or for the drive home well away from the ramp. Use at least two experienced people to launch and retrieve the vessel—one to drive the towing vehicle and one to operate the vessel. Never block a ramp with an unattended vessel or vehicle. Move the vessel away from the launch lane immediately after removing it from the trailer. Return briefly to pick up the vehicle driver once he or she has parked the vehicle and is back at the ramp. When retrieving, do not pull your vessel into a launch lane until the towing vehicle is at the ramp. The line is formed by vehicles with trailers, not by vessels in the water. Drop off the vehicle driver, and wait offshore and clear of the ramp until he or she arrives with the trailer.

Engine Maintenance

Checking oil levels Engine maintenance is important. Follow a regular maintenance program. Keep your engine clean and tuned properly. Refer to your owner's manual for a maintenance schedule. Check the oil and fluid levels before every outing. Change the oil according to the owner's manual. As the engine ages, increase the frequency of oil changes. Clean oil extends engine life. Tighten battery connections. Clean battery terminals by disconnecting the terminals and removing corrosion with a wire brush. If the battery is weak when you start the engine, recharge it. Inspect the engine for anything that shows signs of wear or requires tightening, such as hoses, belts, and bolts. Make sure everything is fitted properly, including the engine cover. Never use automotive electrical parts. Use marine parts only. Use of automotive parts rather than sealed marine parts (such as alternators, starters, fuel pumps, and other electrical parts) could cause a spark that could ignite a fire.

impeller

Device used to pump and force water under pressure through a steering nozzle at the rear of the vessel

Boat Maintenance

Keeping your boat well-maintained will extend its life and give you and your family many more years of enjoyment. Pre-departure check of a boat before launching Examine the interior and exterior of the hull when it is out of the water. Check for oxidation, a common problem on aluminum hulls, that appears as white powder spots. Use fine sandpaper on oxidized areas until spots are replaced by bright shiny metal. To protect the environment, use only environmentally safe, non-phosphate detergents to remove oil and algae from fiberglass hulls. Avoid abrasive materials, which can remove the shiny top layer (gel coat). Patch holes immediately with a fiberglass patching compound. Check through-hull fittings to make sure they are not cracked or leaking. Remove all puddles from the interior before and after every outing. Store boats in a dry area out of the sun. If you must store the boat for a long period of time, place the trailer on blocks to preserve the tires. Keep the boat covered, leaving an opening to circulate air. Hang canoes upside down. Clean all lines (ropes). Dirt and sand cause deterioration. Keep lines out of the sun when not in use, and replace weakened or fraying lines. Clean sails with a soft brush. Examine them for small tears or open seams that can be repaired by taping or sewing. Refer to the owner's manual for a maintenance schedule.

length overall

Length of the hull excluding any attachments

tiller

Lever used to turn a rudder to steer a boat

sheets

Lines (ropes) used to control the angle of the sails to the wind

halyards

Lines (ropes) used to raise and lower the sails

Boater's Tip

Make sure you have enough fuel before casting off. Operating at two-thirds throttle instead of full throttle will conserve fuel. The following rule will help prevent running out of fuel: One-third to get out One-third to get back One-third in reserve for emergencies

intake grate

Screening cover over the intake, which prevents large debris from entering

Before Leaving Home With Your Boat and Trailer

Secure the vessel on the trailer and the gear within the vessel. Secure all gear in the vessel firmly to keep it from shifting. Arrange the gear so that its weight is balanced side-to-side and front-to-back. Secure the vessel to the trailer with several tie-down straps and/or safety lines to prevent the vessel from shifting. Use extra tie-down straps in case one fails. Never trust the bow winch alone to hold your vessel onto the trailer. Put the engine or drive unit in the raised position and secure it. Attach the safety chains between the trailer and the towing vehicle, crisscrossing them under the trailer tongue. Tighten lug nuts on trailer wheels before departing. Inspect and maintain trailering equipment. Check the pressure of all tires on the towing vehicle and the trailer. Make sure you have a spare tire in good condition for both the vehicle and the trailer. Tighten the lug nuts/bolts on the wheels of both the towing vehicle and the trailer, and grease wheel bearings. Make sure that all lights and brakes on the towing vehicle and the trailer work properly. Examine tie-down straps, lines, winch, safety chains, and hitch for signs of wear. Replace or adjust as necessary.

Fueling a PWC

Serious accidents also can occur when fueling a personal watercraft (PWC). Spilled or leaked fuel can ignite and explode, especially in an enclosed space. PWC operators should pay particular attention to these fueling guidelines.

Before Fueling your Boat

Serious accidents can occur when fueling. Never fuel at night unless it is an emergency. If you must refuel after dark, use only electric lights. To protect the water environment, try to refuel away from the water or on a commercial fueling ramp. Follow these procedures in order to fuel safely and responsibly. Before beginning to fuel: Tie the boat securely to the fuel dock. Ask all passengers to leave the boat and go onto the dock. Do not allow anyone in your group or others at the fuel dock to smoke or strike a match. Check to see that fuel lines, connections, and fuel vents are in good condition. Turn off anything that might cause a spark—engines, fans, or electrical equipment. Shut off all fuel valves and extinguish all open flames, such as galley stoves and pilot lights. Close all windows, ports, doors, and other openings to prevent fumes from entering the boat. Remove portable fuel tanks from the boat and fill them on the dock. Make sure that your fire extinguisher is within reach.

rudder

Steering device, usually a vertical blade attached to a post at, or near, the stern of the boat

Stern Drives

Stern drives are known also as inboard/outboards (I/Os) because they combine features found on both inboard and outboard engines. Stern-drive engines are four-stroke automotive engines adapted for marine use and are mounted inside the boat. A stern-drive engine is attached through the transom to a drive unit (also called an "outdrive") that is essentially the lower unit of an outboard. The engine turns a drive shaft that is attached to a propeller at the other end. Steering of stern-drive boats is controlled by the outdrive, which swivels like an outboard engine to direct propeller thrust.

Bowline Knot

The bowline is a multi-purpose knot that is essential for boat operators to know. Forming the knot creates a fixed loop on the end of the rope or line—a loop that can be used for hitching, mooring, or lifting.

Clove Hitch

The clove hitch is handy for temporary fastening, such as when tying up to a piling. It's particularly useful because—with experience—it can be tied with only one hand. For extra fastening power or for longer periods of time, add two half hitches after tying the clove hitch.

Figure Eight Bend

The figure-eight knot has several uses, including connecting two ropes to make a longer line or making a "stopper" knot in a single line in order to prevent the line from slipping through a hole or a gap in a block or a cleat.

drive shaft

The long stem connection between the motor and the impeller

coupler

The part of the trailer that attaches to the ball hitch on a towing vehicle

Towing Hitch

The towing hitch must be appropriate for the loaded trailer. The coupler on a trailer connects to a ball hitch on the towing vehicle. A frame-mounted hitch on the towing vehicle is better than a bumper-mounted hitch. If you are using a bumper-mounted hitch, do not exceed the weight rating of the bumper. Make sure the size stamped on the ball hitch on the towing vehicle is the same size that is stamped on the trailer's coupler. If the ball hitch is too small, a bump in the road could cause the coupler to lift off the hitch. "Tongue weight" is the amount of the loaded trailer's weight that presses down on the towing hitch. The tongue weight should be about 10% of the combined weight of the vessel and trailer ("gross trailer weight" or GTW). If the tongue weight is too light, the trailer will tend to swing from side-to-side (or "fishtail"). If the tongue weight is too heavy, the rear wheels of the towing vehicle will be weighted down, making it difficult to steer.

Choosing the right Trailer

The trailer and towing vehicle should be designed to fit your boat. Trailer parts Use the size of your vessel to determine the dimensions of the trailer needed. Today, most trailerable boats are sold as a package with a trailer of the appropriate size. Look at the load capacity of the trailer stated by the trailer's manufacturer. If the combined weight of your vessel and its engine is more than 90% of the recommended load capacity, buy the next larger trailer. This is because your gear (fuel, life jackets, anchors, lines, etc.) will increase the overall weight by at least 10%. Check the owner's manual of your towing vehicle to ensure that your vehicle is rated to tow the combined weight of your vessel, engine, and trailer.

Displacement Hulls

There are two basic types of boat hulls—displacement and planing. Boats with displacement hulls move through the water by pushing the water aside and are designed to cut through the water with very little propulsion. if you lower a boat into the water, some of the water moves out of the way to adjust for the boat. If you could weigh that displaced water, you would find it equals the weight of the boat. That weight is the boat's displacement. Boats with displacement hulls are limited to slower speeds. a round-bottomed hull shape acts as a displacement hull. Most large cruisers and most sailboats have displacement hulls, allowing them to travel more smoothly through the water.

capsize

To turn on the side or turn completely over

Trailer Safety Chains

Two strong safety chains should be crisscrossed to support the trailer's coupler if it becomes disconnected from the towing vehicle. The chains should be strong enough to hold the combined weight of the vessel, engine, and trailer. Crisscross the safety chains under the trailer's coupler when attaching them to the towing vehicle.

Parts of a Sailboat

Use of the wind is one of the oldest forms of powering a vessel. Sailboats range in size and complexity, but all have basically the same four components. The hull carries the passengers and supports the rigging. The rigging includes many parts of the sailboat, such as the lines (sheets and halyards), mainsail, headsail (jib), boom, and mast. The keel or centerboard is attached to the bottom of the hull and keeps the boat from sliding sideways through the water. The rudder is used to steer the sailboat, turned by a tiller or steering wheel.

Cleating Hitch

Used to attach a line to a cleat on a dock, the cleating hitch is formed by wrapping the line around the base of the cleat, then forming one or more figure eights around the cleat. The knot is secured with a half hitch.

While Fueling your Tank

While filling the fuel tank: Keep the nozzle of the fuel-pump hose in solid contact with the tank opening to prevent producing a static spark. Use caution and fill the tank slowly to avoid spilling fuel into the boat's bilge or into the water. Use an oil-absorbent pad to catch drips or spills. Never fill a tank to the brim—leave room for fuel to expand.

bunks

Wooden supports on which the vessel rests while on the trailer

What You've Learned

You've completed the material of Unit 1 of the online boating safety course! You should now: Be able to identify the different types of hulls and their performance characteristics Be able to identify the basic parts of a boat, personal watercraft, and sailboats Be able to identify the different kinds of engines and drives commonly found in recreational boats and their uses Be able to locate and understand a boat's capacity plate Know how to file a proper float plan Be able to fuel a boat safely Be able to launch and retrieve a boat from a trailer safely and courteously Know the basics of boat and engine maintenance

personal watercraft

a small vessel that uses an inboard jet drive as its primary source of propulsion, and is designed to be operated by a person or persons sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel rather than inside the vessel

Planing Hulls

boats with planing hulls are designed to rise up and glide on top of the water when enough power is supplied. These boats may operate like displacement hulls when at rest or at slow speeds but climb towards the surface of the water as they move faster. boats with planing hulls can skim along at high speed, riding almost on top of the water rather than pushing it aside. Flat-bottomed and vee-bottomed hull shapes act as planing hulls. Most small power-driven vessels, including personal watercraft (PWCs), and some small sailboats have planing hulls, allowing them to travel more rapidly across the water.

hull

body of a vessel; basic structure or shell

draft

depth of water needed to float a vessel

freeboard

distance from water to lowest point of the boat where water could come on board

bow

front of a vessel