by Sailorman Chuck

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Boat Checkout Session

You will be required to satisfactorily demonstrate your boating handling knowledge prior to the charter company releasing the boat to you. Don’t get worried about the checkout session. The charter company is as interested in renting the boat to you as you are in renting the boat. They will work with you.

 

A suggestion is that you be well rested for the checkout session. Most of the time is spent in familiarizing you with the boat systems and operation. Take good notes and make sure you understand the information that is being conveyed. Ask questions and use the “Boat Safety Checklist”.

 

Questions that you may be asked:

 

1. Anchoring. The standard suggestion is to pay out 5:1 ratio of anchor rode (5 feet of anchor chain or a combination of line and chain for each foot of water depth).  You will also be asked about anchoring in stormy conditions. A good response is to add anchor rode. A 7:1 ratio is a good start; however, this could be more under bad conditions. It is a good idea to set a second anchor. Set the anchors at about a 45 degree angle from the bow of the boat. I usually set two anchors under all conditions. It is often easier to set the second anchor by using the dinghy. Make sure that you send a diver over the side to visually check the set of the anchor. Make sure that both flukes are buried and that you are not anchored on coral. DO NOT ANCHOR ON CORAL REEFS. This is bad for the environment, it damages a beautiful living thing and it may cut your anchor rode. All of these are bad things.

2. Mooring. Approach the mooring buoy at a slow speed and headed into the wind. The forward motion of the boat should stop at or just past the buoy. Use a boat hook to retrieve the line attached to the mooring buoy or use a docking line with a loop in it to snag the buoy if no mooring line is attached.

3. Dinghy handling. Demonstrating this skill may not be required.

 

You will also need to demonstrate your boat handling skills. This will usually involve ,involve the following activities onboard the boat; however, do not consider this list to be all-inclusive:

 

1. Departing the dock. You and your crew should discuss roles. Make sure that you have someone assigned to handle the bow line, the stern lines, the dinghy and the helm. It is good practices to have the same person perform the assigned role each time that you perform the maneuver.

2. Maneuvering the boat in tight quarters such as a narrow channel or a crowed anchorage. Remember to test the propeller torque at the dock. The stern will pull one way or the other when in reverse. You can test this while in the slip if time allows. This is useful to know when maneuvering the boat in tight quarters. While moving forward at a slow speed, turn the boat in the opposite direction of the reverse gear propeller torque. As the boat turns, reduce the engine RPM and switch to reverse, add some power and swing the helm full to the opposite stop. The boat should begin to swing in position. If you work this correctly, you can come close to spinning the boat on its keel with very little forward or reverse movement. This is a good maneuver to practice prior to your charter. It is not only good seamanship, it also looks pretty cool.

3. Docking. You may be asked to demonstrate your skills at docking. Just take it slow and make sure to use the wind to your advantage. Keep a cool head and don’t rush. This should be a slow and safe maneuver. Have the crew in place and it is a good idea to have the same crew assignments as for departing the dock.

4. Mooring. You will most likely not be asked to moor the boat. You will be asked about the procedure that you will use to perform this maneuver.

 

So, what happens if you make a big mistake? Well, the person performing the checkout will provide some instructions and advice. They may ask you to try the pesky maneuver again. This may be good enough to send you on your way.

 

But, what if this is still not good enough for the charter company to trust you with their equipment? The charter company will likely require you to hire a captain for a few days or for the entire charter. This may be the best way to gain boat charter experience and to learn how to sail big boats. The charter company has a list of charter captains who will make sure that you enjoy your charter. The fee varies by location; however, you should find that the price is reasonable.

Most of the checkout session will be conducted at the dock. Make sure to use the checklist and ask enough questions to feel comfortable with your knowledge of the boat’s systems and operation.

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