Boat owners need to have a wide variety of skills. From tying knots to backing a trailer to diagnosing a motor problem, these are the skills you’ll need for an enjoyable boating experience.
Knot Tying
If you are going to spend time on your boat, one of the most essential skills is knot tying. You don’t have to know every single knot type and the specific name, but you should be able to tie basic knots that can be used when docking, anchoring, and other essential boating tasks.
Backing a Trailer
It seems tough at first, but with practice backing a trailer is actually quite easy. If you expect to launch your boat at a busy ramp, it’s probably best to practice before heading out. It will keep others from waiting and will save you the embarrassment of learning to back as your launch.
Reading Tide Charts
Anyone who expects to boat in saltwater areas, especially intertidal locations, should know how to read a tidal chart. These charts will tell you when the tide is rising, falling, and when low tide could be a concern for your hull. They can also be important for finding the best fishing destinations.
Filing a Boating Plan
You need to keep others informed on where you will be and when. If anything goes wrong, a properly-filed boating and fishing plan will tell authorities where to look for you. Know how to fill out this plan and what you should do with it before leaving on a fishing trip or extended cruise.
Fish Identification
All anglers need to know what they are catching. You don’t have to be an expert marine biologist, but knowing what you’ve caught and whether you can keep it is an essential boating and fishing skill.
Setting an Anchor
You can’t just drop your anchor and call it done. You have to do it strategically. There are many techniques for properly setting an anchor, and having the right anchor is essential. Learning how to set an anchor under various conditions, and when to use what technique, will be essential.
Docking Safely (Especially in a Wind)
Docking needs to be done safely and slowly. You need to understand how to approach the dock, without hitting it, and properly tie your boat into position so it won’t drift away. This is an important skill, especially when it’s windy.
Basic Boat Troubleshooting and Repair
Boats can be highly complex, but you need a basic understanding of how they operate, the most common problems, and how to diagnose and repair typical boating issues. These problems can range from common motor issues to problems with the pumps or even electrical issues. Be sure you are knowledgeable on these problems and how to repair them.
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