Solo Boating Worries.

[Lakemeadan]

Re: Solo Boating Worries.

Never thought of praticing boating alone with my wife. I do everything and she sits on the dock. Thanks for the Ideal HomeC.

After I started to going solo I no longer use her to do anything but hold the ropes when launching. When I retrieve I back the trailer in, put in park and parking brake on and walk to the boat at same time she goes to the vehicle. I drive the boat up and just ask her sometimes to back up a little more. She pulls me slowing up to the wash down area. She doesn't get out the vehicle until I get to the door and make sure trans is in park with parking brake on. When I do it myself I plan on getting water to my knees and wear good non-slip rubber boat shoes.

 

[smallboatlover]

Re: Solo Boating Worries.

Theres no worries with boating alone. i'm 15 and i do it all the time my boats at a mooring so i don't worry about the trailering aspect. But even when i first put the boat in after the resoration not sure if it will float or not i did it by my self took it for a ride. Don't worry about it just take your time with what ever you go to do. like i sayed i take my boat out by myself just about every day other then when i'm wit my friends. i just tie the dighy up drop the motor put a pfd on and go. it's easy as that don't make it any harder then that.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Solo Boating Worries.

If you lived on a lake, and had your boat tied to a pier, chances are you wouldn't think twice about going alone. There is a psychological jump that happens when trailering. If you're boating on familiar waters, there's probably very little to worry about. Haley's float plan suggestion is definitely a winner. A drop dead "I'll be back by ..." time will be a big help.

Someone above mentioned the obvious change of being on unfamiliar waters or in more dangerous situations, and I agree there are real risks involved at times. For many years now airplane pilots have handled those same risks and still regularly fly solo. It can be overcome.

Enjoy.

 

[Borgey401]

Re: Solo Boating Worries.

I am thinking about going out on Saturday for the first time by myself also. I just have never taken my boat by myself and I hear it's an awesome experience. I just want to be able to go at my own pace and do what I would like to do on the water. I am going to have to give it a try this week for sure.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Solo Boating Worries.

JUST DO IT!

^^^ Yup!

The only thing I have to add is, my "float plan" is writing on the calendar where I'm going and when I'm expected back. I usually throw in a fudge factor of 4 hours,,, in case the fish are biting...

 

[riptide09]

Re: Solo Boating Worries.

Make sure to use the safety lanyard, have fun and report back!!

+1 .. Always use it alone. Last thing you want is to be in the water and have a run away boat.

 

[americaneagler77]

Re: Solo Boating Worries.

Get a grip David!!!!

Go out and do what you want. Don't be so pessimistic. Dooms day is not here YET!!!!!!

Mark

we still have 16 months to live! lol

 

[LongLine]

Re: Solo Boating Worries.

I fish alone a lot. Been doing so for many years. Launch & retrieve is actually easy if you think about what your doing before you do it. I actually worry more about my truck in the parking lot while I'm gone than I do about being out there alone. It's great to get out & away from everything. No neighbor kids screaming, no telephone, no dogs barking, no sirens, just some relaxing piece & quiet.

Tom B.
(LongLine)

 

[Fed]

Re: Solo Boating Worries.

I wouldn't want to go down with the boat but I've considered clipping myself to a safety rope that wouldn't let me out of the boat.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Solo Boating Worries.

better off with a ship to shore radio then if something happens you can call coast guard. a cell phone is just about as worthless on a boat as sword in a gun fight.

I think its the other way around. The Coasties will ask if you're sinking or on fire. If you say no, they'll tell you to call SeaTow.

SeaTow answers their phone real quick. So do my relatives and friends that have boats, so they could easily come get me.

I boat on the Great Lakes. I see very few boats with antennas any more. At least not the newer ones. I DO carry a VHF, just because I've had one for 40 years. But my cell is programmed with the numbers for the USCG, SeaTow, and my son with the big boat!

As we travel thru the canal, or anchor in our favorite cove, seems every other boat I see has an idiot on the cell that can't live without texting somebody, but in the same time period I rarely hear anybody call while I'm monitoring Ch 16.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Solo Boating Worries.

Float Plan, Safety Lanyard... AND PFD- ALWAYS! I NEVER leave the dock solo without wearing my auto-inflating PFD.

Boating alone occasionally is fun. Do what you want, go where you want. Get out there and give it a try!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Solo Boating Worries.

re; cell phones and VHF; sometimes the coast guard, on VHF, will switch you over to cell phones. They did it to me twice, and I heard them do it to a distress call just this past weekend.

 

[beckoning]

Re: Solo Boating Worries.

I solo on Lake Michigan all the time. I follow many of the procedures outlined above......file a plan, strap on waterproof VHF or cell phone in a plastic bag if you have coverage (I have the coast guard on speed dial #2), tie a line to yourself using a loop and run your belt through it, have a GOOD PFD that will keep your head up (not down) if unconscious, enjoy the solitude and talk to the fish. After a few times you'll feel more confident. But over confidence is what causes accidents.

 

[AF rigger]

Re: Solo Boating Worries.

Since I've had my boat (a few months now) all but two times have I had anyone with me. A great way to find out just how the boat handles and what you should and should not do! like many have said, float plan, have some spare parts and fuzes on hand in case you break down so you can fix it, or limp back to dock, and make sure your bttery is fully charged. Relax and enjoy your time on the water, it refreshes the soul!

 

[raymondpickens]

Re: Solo Boating Worries.

I think as long as you dont plan on skiing you will be fine

 

[drrpm]

Re: Solo Boating Worries.

I don't power boat alone because I pretty much run that boat for the wife and kids enjoyment. I do occasionaly go kayaking or canoeing by myself. It gives a different feel to the trip. Just wear a PFD and keep the trip well within your skill level.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Solo Boating Worries.

I think as long as you dont plan on skiing you will be fine

Now that's about all you need to know, right there!

BTW I think the idea of tying yourself to the boat is absurd. We're not talking about solo sailing in heavy air; he's in a motor boat on a small lake. "Safety" devices like that will kill you. If you're that scared, do like some solo sailors and drag a line with a knot in the end behind you. Or take up golf.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Solo Boating Worries.

PFD, kill switch lanyard, and boarding is all you have to worry about if you're afraid you're going to fall out of the boat while boating alone. I have all 3 and wear the PFD and kill switch... haven't had to use the boarding ladder yet, but it's there if I should ever need it.

 

[88wellcraft]

Re: Solo Boating Worries.

I go solo quite often....it's pretty peacefull out there alone.

I always just double check that everything is ready before i launch the boat and I'll always warm up the engine before i leave the driveway (we are only a few minutes from the launch).

Go out and have a great time.

 

[Andy'sDelight]

Re: Solo Boating Worries.

I go out solo quite a bit. I also go out in the ocean solo at night now as well. It's amazingly peaceful although I will recommend if you go out at night, try doing it when there's a full moon or even half moon at least for the first few times. I went out once alone during a new moon phase without giving it much thought and have to admit it was scary out there not being able to see my hand in front of my face.