Approach/Depart a Buoy/Mooring
Purpose-Value:
- Practice and develop the boathandling skill of approaching and departing from a buoy as if it were a mooring buoy.
Setting Up the Drill:
- Equipment: 4 to 6 buoys (used for Backing Slalom)
Conducting the Drill:
- Each operator selects a slalom buoy, approaches it, and comes to a stop so that a person can touch it.
- Each operator backs away from the buoy without hitting it or entangling the ground tackle.
Teaching Tips:
- Approach with bow into the wind or current (whichever has the greater effect on the boat).
- Use minimum control speed (use of reverse is not allowed when doing this drill).
- Keep the buoy on the operator’s side of boat to enhance visibility – don’t point the boat directly at the buoy.
- Bring the buoy alongside for easier access and forward of the boat’s pivot point and touch it by hand or boathook.
Common Errors:
- Making approach at a speed greater than minimum control speed.
- Making approach with the bow pointing at the buoy.
- Using reverse to stop the boat.
References:
- Safe Powerboating Handling On-Water Skill Standards 2.3, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 and their rubrics
- Start Powerboating Right! textbook pg. 76
