Test Your Boating IQ – Do You Really Know How to Handle the Helm?

We've got a test for you.

Owning a boat does not make you a good boater. Below is your chance to compare the way you drive a boat with a qualified boat driver. It's very simple -- rate yourself in the 10 driving categories below, compiled by the Power Boating Academy, and check your corresponding score. Consider your skill and action in each category, then honestly rate yourself using a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being poor and 10 being highly skilled. When completed, total your points for an honest evaluation to see how you compare to other boaters.

1) Docking

Do you and your onboard crew always dock like you are a Formula 1 race car pit team, or do you more closely resemble a humorous YouTube boat ramp video? Basic points if you manage to dock without bumping anything, and high points if you are confident that docking is never a problem. Even better if you park your boat parallel to the dock and about 2 inches away from it. I would honestly give myself, (1–10), a score of: ______

2) Knot Knowledge

Can you tie docking lines in different situations using appropriate knots so your boat is secure, and then untie the knots without breaking your fingernails? Can you tie up without using extra dock space in order to be courteous to others? I would honestly give myself, (1–10), a score of: ______

3) Planning

Prior to all boating, do you always take the time to conduct the important pre-departure checks, such as weather, water conditions, fuel, charts, clothing, and so forth? Do you always perform boat checks to ensure your boat is safe and fully fit to go? I would honestly give myself, (1–10), a score of: ______

4) Briefing

Prior to leaving the dock with one or more passengers, do you conduct a briefing that includes the location of life jackets, paddles, throw device, phone, anchor, bucket, and details of the trip length and route? If they don’t know this, they can’t help in an emergency situation. I would honestly give myself, (1–10), a score of: ______

5) Passenger Consideration

Are you aware of passenger concerns such as the ability to swim, sea sickness, fear of rough water, and then arrange them in optimum seating positions? Do you take steps to resolve these concerns, or do you just say, 'why worry about them?' I would honestly give myself, (1–10), a score of: ______

6) Turns

Your boat has no brakes. A sharp turn may be your best defense against hitting an unexpected object. Do you know your boat’s absolute limit for quick turns in various water conditions, without projecting unsuspecting passengers over the side? Do you practice these turns? I would honestly give myself, (1–10), a score of:______

7) Situational Awareness

There are two ways to best follow what is unfolding around you as you drive your boat. One is to always pay close attention (the degree of difficulty for this tip will vary between people and circumstance). The second method is to assign a volunteer first mate. Do you do both? I would honestly give myself, (1–10), a score of: ______

8) Marine Regulations

Do you have an understanding of the basic rules for boats and are you able to assess them instantly and proceed accordingly? For example, when another boat appears to your left or right, do you quickly figure who has the right of way and proceed accordingly? Or, when you encounter a navigation buoy do you know on which side to pass? Or, do you know the distance from a shoreline you must be to run on plane? I would honestly give myself, (1–10), a score of: ______ (Give yourself an extra point if you have right of way, but sometimes give way to others, just to be safe)

9) Your Wake

Are you aware that even small wakes erode shorelines? Your wake will slip between rocks and suck out earth. You are liable for damage. The next time you are running in a no wake or restricted speed zone, try pulling your shifter into neutral. If your bow drops even just 2“ you were speeding. Do you always comply with posted speed limits, knowing that one mph over-speed will change your wake from harmless to destructive? I would honestly give myself, (1–10), a score of: ______

10) Other Boater’s Wake

Do you know how to effectively manage wakes from other boats as well as run in choppy water without bumping? Can you set your controls and speed so as to deliver a safe comfortable ride? Give yourself an extra point if you have cancelled boating trips because you believed the water was too rough. I would honestly give myself, (1–10), a score of: ______.

Scoring

If your total score is 100, you win a lifetime subscription to BoatBlurb. If your total score is between 81 and 99, you are on the right track. If your score is between 60 and 80, there are boating skill courses that you can take. If your score is below 60, you should sell your boat and take up knitting. While these pointers alone do not identify a skilled boater, they are a great place to start. Be safe, and stay up to date on your knowledge and skills. #tips