2015 New York Safe Boating - 28

SAFE LOADING AND POWERING

If a marine patrol officer believes a boat is overloaded (which is
considered reckless operation), the officer has the authority to
send the boat back to shore. Overloading can lead to disaster,
and it can certainly ruin a pleasant day on the water. Abide by
your boat's capacity rating.

passenger may take a tumble or be tossed overboard during
a turn. So be safe; ask your passengers to be still while the
boat is moving.

Safe Boarding

It's very important to select the appropriate outboard
motor for your boat. Your boat's capacity plate will tell
you the maximum recommended horsepower of a motor
for the boat. Never exceed the maximum recommended
horsepower! A motor that is too big will weigh down the
stern-transoms can collapse if they must hold a motor
that is too heavy. A motor with too much horsepower will
reduce the boat's stability and make the boat susceptible to
swamping and capsizing. Also, if your steering mechanism
can't handle the extra power, you may lose control at higher
speeds. On the other hand, a motor that is too small won't
perform well -and won't last long-because it will have to
work too hard to power the boat. Find a motor suitable for
your boat.

Safe Powering

You're responsible for making sure that your passengers board
your boat safely, so teach them how to do it. On small boats
step directly into the center of the boat, and stay low as you

do so. Hold onto the sides to move once inside the boat.
Caution-don't catch your fingers between the boat and the
dock or another boat! Keep your fingers inside the boat.
If more than one person is boarding your boat, the operator
should get in the boat first, and then help your guests
aboard. Whenever possible, keep your hands free. Bring
your passengers on board first, and then load your gear from
the dock. Be sure to secure it in the manner outlined in the
previous section.

While it may not be a violation of state or federal regulations
to install or use an engine larger than specified on the
capacity label, if your over-powered engine affects your
boat's seaworthiness, a marine patrol officer may cite you for
reckless operation. And, your insurance company may refuse
to cover you if your boat motor's horsepower exceeds the
boat's capacity.

Everyone should stay seated once the boat gets underway.
Bring the boat to a complete stop before people change
positions. The action of people moving on the boat can be
enough to throw off the boat's stability, especially if there
are waves or the water is choppy. Furthermore, an unseated

Review Questions
1.

What information can be found on a capacity plate? ___________________________________________________
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How do you safely load a small boat? ________________________________________________________________
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Name some tips for safely boarding a small boat?_______________________________________________________
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Answers on page 82

2015 New York Safe Boating

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2015 New York Safe Boating