Knowing your way around a boat's engine and electrics is only half of it. These topics cover handling the boat itself: driving it and trimming the outboard, tying it up, the knots and rope work you'll use every trip, towing another boat, what to check when you break down on the water, looking after your lifejacket, and planning a longer passage along the coast.
Driving a small boat
Open ›The basics of driving an outboard-powered runabout, from leaving a pontoon to manoeuvring in tight spaces, and trimming the outboard.
Ropes and knots
Open ›A handful of knots covers most jobs on a boat, if you know which suits each. I show when to use a bowline, clove hitch or sheet bend, and how to undo them again.
Towing another boat
Open ›Sooner or later you'll need to tow someone home. I show how to tow a boat astern, covering tow rope length, rigging a bridle on the transom cleats and keeping the line out of your prop.
Breaking down on the water
Open ›Your motor has stopped out on the water and won't restart. I show the simple checks first, like the kill switch lanyard, fuel and battery, plus the tools and spares worth carrying every trip.
Servicing an inflatable lifejacket
Open ›An inflatable PFD that has gone off, or is due for its regular check, needs re-arming. I check the bladder holds air, then fit a new CO2 cylinder and automatic firing mechanism by hand.
Planning a coastal passage
Open ›A coastal trip needs more preparation than a day on the river. I get my trawler ready for sea, then find a weather window and cross a bar on the way.
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