Table of Contents
#4.6 The operator is able to: A: Make course alteration... B: by smoothly changing direction 45° and assuming the new heading.
Understanding the Element • The ability to change heading safely and smoothly is an essential skill for any operator. • “Course” is the intended direction. Heading is the actual direction at a given time.
• This skill is about changing course and remaining on a new heading, whereas “Element 4.2: Turn the boat at planing or cruising speed…” is about maneuvering around an object in the water and resuming the original heading.
Designing Instruction
• Changing the heading at planing or cruising speed can result in the boat digging a chine or having the stern slide over the surface of the water, resulting in the boat almost reversing course. Either of these problems can often result in injury to the operator or person on board the boat. Digging a chine can result in capsize.
• Hesitancy in initiating a turn could result in a collision or grounding.
• Consider stressing the importance of checking for other boats or objects in the direction of turn and maintaining a scan in that direction.
• In sharp or extended turns the operator may need to increase throttle to maintain the boat on a plane. • Use a reference point (on water or land) to help the operator visualize a turn of 45°.
• “Digging a chine” (see rubric, below) occurs when chine or sharp lower edge of a hull catches or trips on a wave resulting in a loss of lateral stability.
• “Ventilation” (see rubric, below) refers to the phenomenon that occurs when air is drawn from the surface and passes through the propeller. The propeller loses flow or grip on the water and the engine is allowed to speed up. The air is allowed to enter the prop stream as the boat rolls toward the turn, and the propeller actually moves closer to the surface.
• Heading (See rubric, below) means the direction in which a boat is being steered at a given moment.
Assessing Performance Level
Successful Performance
3 Needs 2 Improvement The operator:
Steers boat accurately and smoothly through a 45° turn in one direction and holds stable on new heading. Adjusts throttle to maintain speed during turn without ventilation or sliding. Takes sea state into account to avoid digging a chine during the turn. Steers smoothly into turn without causing passengers to lose balance. Maintains a constant rate of turn and a radius that remains clear of all hazards. Positions self to remain firm during turn and still maintains a proper lookout throughout the entire maneuver.
The operator: Steers boat through turn with varying rates of speed. Over- or understeers the turn by less than 15°. Adjusts throttle to maintain speed during turn without digging a chine, without ventilation, or with minor sliding. Steers smoothly into turn without causing passengers to lose balance. Does not maintain a constant rate of turn and must adjust radius during turn to remain clear of all hazards. Initially fails to hold stable on new heading. Initially fails to position self to remain firm during turn but maintains proper lookout throughout the entire maneuver.
Proficiency description
This Technical Support Document was produced in part through USCG grant funds to develop National On-Water Skills Standards. 43 ©2022 United States Sailing Association. Facilitated by Think First Serve.
Element
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