Learning from the beginning

[tinytugRPDP]

Is there any type of basic operational information? This is my first tug ( R-23). This my first power boat in more years than I want to say. I need to start at square one to learn and do it right. Any help would be Really appreciated.

 

[Midwestboater]

"Powerboat Handling" by Bob Sweet is well done and easy to use. If you want something to read all winter there's the Chapman "Piloting & Seamanship" at 900+ pages - - covers absolutely everything!

 

[Midwestboater]

Also recommend picking up "Chart No.1 - - Symbols, Abbreviations, and Terms" to help in learning chart background. Checked my bookshelf and also found Bob Armstrong's "Getting Started in Powerboating" which covers basics and includes some good tips. If you plan to use your boat in a distant area I also like to purchase the appropriate chart(s) to get familiar with it. This can be done electronically but something about spreading out charts on the kitchen table still appeals to me... especially when it's ten below and you can dream about a future trip!

 

[Bruce Moore]

Check out the factories As the Prop Turns series on Youtube. This one will get you started: Close Quarter Maneuvering.

Cheers,

Bruce

 

[j&lgray]

After you take the basic boating safety courses that are available online and through the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Power Squadron, suggest you find a coach who can take you on the water with your boat and you will learn more by doing. A good coach has a Captain's license, lots of experience and knows your boat and the conditions that you will be cruising in. In one day, you will get off on the right foot and literally learn a boat load of lessons.

I know, I am one but I am in Puget Sound, Washington.

 

[dmecimore]

Hello tinytug.

I'm in the same "boat" as you. Brand new R23 and have done very little boating in the past 30 or so years.

Sending you a PM also.

Doug

 

[FWTMD]

Winter is coming. There is much you can do from your armchair by the fire, waiting for next season.

Find online and download the Coast Guard rules of the road. Horn signals. Who has right of way. Lights. Take the time to create cheat-sheets of things like horn signals to have by the helm next season.

What are ALL of the safety gear items you need by law? Where are they? In good condition?

Go through the Fluid webinars, and build out your checklists of regular maintenance items. Then one by one, study how to do them. Even if you plan to pay help to do it, you want to understand it. Step one to safe boating is a safe boat.

There are a TON of "how to dock" and other operating videos in YouTube. Watch. Read the books and online magazines.

 

[tinytugRPDP]

Thank you, all great help. I had a sailboat for years. I took the Coast Guard Safety course and now will revisit to review with a different slant power boat. Have all my charts ETC. Just have to wrap my head around now a power boat and the different proceedures.

 

[Toucan]

Davis sells a plastic card that has all of the light configurations, horn signals, nav aid types, etc. It is a handy quick reference that we like to keep by the throttle.

Barry Thompson
TOUCAN, R27 Classic

 

[Seamus]

My wife and I purchased an r23 a year ago and the learning curve was huge. Three tools helped me out immensely to complete the two most challenging maneuvers known to boaters... leaving and returning to the dock.
1. A spinner for the steering wheel to help move the outboard.
2. An app such as windy and a burgee to be able to determine wind direction. The burgee helps with very localized gusts.
3. A tide chart app for local conditions. I live in an area with strong tidal flow.

 

[iggy]

I joined a yacht club. The fees are a lot lower but the point is, you can learn a lot from your fellow members.

In the Boston area there are many clubs that work together in many ways and you even meet there members. The experience from these members are just unbelievable! One members owns Seatow Boston, a few sail to the Fl. and/or the Bahamas, some where tug or ferry boat operators and I can keep on going. I honestly have learnt a great deal and they have helped in leaning how to handle my boat, how to repair and manage my boat.

Right now I am in discussion with a few members in using NobleTec on my boat. https://mytimezero.com/ This is the software that the big boys use for navigation.

 

[FWTMD]

Thank you, all great help. I had a sailboat for years. I took the Coast Guard Safety course and now will revisit to review with a different slant power boat. Have all my charts ETC. Just have to wrap my head around now a power boat and the different proceedures.

Ah. More clear.

I too am an ex sailor.

So you know how sailboats are awful when backing up. So are motorboats, but it will seem a whole lot easier.

As a sailor you used to have the right of way. Now you have to give it. Now you get a chance to NOT be one of those rude motorboaters throwing a wake at you with excessive speed. You get a chance to show the courtesy you used to wish for.

Since you know boating generally, a lot of the rest is mechanics. Just hang here for a while and you will absorb a lot. I think you can see the members are very generous with advice anytime you have questions.

 

[Dab3750]

Check out boaters university.com
You can pick and choose what courses you take.