Table of Contents #4.5 The operator is able to:
A: Stop the boat... B: from planing or cruising speed to within five boat lengths ensuring the wake does not overtake the stern and with consideration of passengers and gear.
Understanding the Element
• Stopping a boat from planing or cruising speed is a commonly used maneuver during powerboat operation that takes place in open water. An operator must safely stop a boat that is traveling at planning or cruising speed in a manner that avoids problems for the boat or people on board.
• This skill is a normal or typical stop of the boat while traveling at planning or cruising speed. It is different from stopping the boat in emergency mode, or abruptly, which is when the operator needs to stop the boat quickly to avoid collision or for some other safety reason.
• Different hull types and different propulsion systems exhibit a wide variety of stopping characteristics as do operations at various speeds. This element requires the operator to demonstrate proper stopping technique from normal operating speed for the boat, which for most boats is planing or cruising speed.
• Planing or cruising speed presents a different challenge displacement speed. If the operator does not execute the maneuver properly, injury to those on board as well as engine damage can result. In some boat designs, coming off the plane too quickly can result in water coming over the transom.
Designing Instruction
• Ensure the operator understands the role of communication between operator and passengers before demonstrating this skill.
• Make the student aware that attempting to stop a boat from a plane by using reverse can do irreparable damage to the engine and may result in the boat taking longer to stop.
• Ensuring the student checks behind their boat before commencing to stop is an important element of this skill.
Assessing Performance Level
Successful Performance
3 Needs 2 Improvement
Unacceptable (Unsuccessful) Performance
1 The operator:
Selects optimal method for stopping boat depending on urgency, speed, and sea conditions. Retards throttle smoothly and positively. Maintains heading within 5°. Warns passengers of pending stop. Stops boat within five boat lengths. Shifts to neutral or reverse but at speed without causing cavitation, engine kick-up, or damage to engine. Maintains proper lookout throughout entire maneuver.
The operator:
Does not select optimal method for stopping boat depending on urgency, speed and sea condition. Is hesitant in throttle positioning. Fails to maintain heading within 5° but does so within 15° during stop, except for planing stop. When decelerating from a plane, advances greater than five but no greater than eight boat lengths, or has some water enter the boat over transom. Warns passengers of pending stop. Delays shifting to neutral or shifts to reverse at a speed causing minor cavitation. Maintains proper lookout throughout entire maneuver.
The operator:
Selects method for stopping boat that is dangerous in terms of urgency, speed, and sea condition. Fails to retard throttle smoothly or delays maneuver. Fails to maintain heading within 15° during stop. When decelerating from a plane, advances greater than eight boat lengths or has large amounts of water enter boat over transom. Does not warn passengers of pending stop. Shifts reverse at a speed that causes cavitation, engine kick-up, or damage to engine. Does not 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. 42 ©2022 United States Sailing Association. Facilitated by Think First Serve.
Proficiency description
Element
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