Table of Contents #4.4 The operator is able to:
A: From idle speed, throttle up to planing or cruising speed, and return to idle speed... B: smoothly and with consideration of passengers and gear.
Understanding the Element
• Being able to effect smooth speed transitions is an important vessel control safety skill. Abrupt speed changes may cause objects to shift or people to fall or go overboard. Changing from planing or cruising speed to idle speed also increases the risk of collision as well as being swamped from astern by the boat’s wake.
• This skill involves the smooth use of a throttle when changing speed from planing or cruising to idle speed, and from idle to planing or cruising speed.
Designing Instruction
• Beginner students tend to be hesitant in advancing the throttle when transitioning to planing or cruising speed. This causes protracted periods in the semi-displacement mode with resulting high wake and boat instability. Students also tend to lose heading control while advancing the throttle due to changing engine torque.
• Avoid abrupt speed changes unless an emergency exists.
• At planning or cruising speeds the operator can steady his or her hand by resting the heel on the base of the throttle control. Holding the throttle at the top can lead to sudden speed increases if the boat hits a wave.
Assessing Performance Level
Successful Performance
3 Needs 2 Improvement
Unacceptable (Unsuccessful) Performance
1
Proficiency description
The operator: Transitions between speeds smoothly without abrupt throttle movement. Maintains heading (toward object/marker) within 5° during the speed change. Decelerates slowly so as not to have backwash over transom. Warns passengers of pending speed shifts. Transitions between speeds without causing equipment to shift or passengers to lose balance. Adjusts engine trim or trim tabs to facilitate speed changes (if applicable). Maintains proper lookout throughout entire maneuver.
The operator: Transitions between speeds with awkward throttle movement. Drifts from 5° to 15° in heading (toward object/marker) during the speed change. Decelerates quickly causing minor backwash over transom. Warns passengers of pending speed shifts. Transitions between speeds without causing passengers to suddenly grasp on to someone or something to maintain balance. Adjusts engine trim or trim tabs incompletely to facilitate speed changes (if applicable). Maintains proper lookout throughout the entire maneuver.
The operator: Transitions between speeds with erratic throttle movement. Fails to maintain heading during speed change within 15°. Decelerates abruptly causing significant backwash over transom. Fails to warn passengers of pending speed shifts causing passengers to lose balance or equipment to shift. Completely fails to take engine trim or trim tabs into account (if applicable). Drags out speed changes (taking too long with bow too high and with a large wake). Fails to maintain proper lookout throughout the entire maneuver.
This Technical Support Document was produced in part through USCG grant funds to develop National On-Water Skills Standards. 41 ©2022 United States Sailing Association. Facilitated by Think First Serve.
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