Lake George Boat Driving Tips: The Basics

You will need to pop the boat in and out or reverse 3-5 times to get enough momentum without prop interference to have the rudder get a good hold of the direction. Once you feel the boat going to the left, you can put the boat into reverse-idle and leave it there. You should now be holding a straight line or turning slightly to the left. Pop the boat in and out of gear, wait until the engine engages in reverse, leave it there for a second, then click back to neutral.

At the same time, having too much fuel can increase the risk of a fire. In general, laws regulate who can operate a boat and where you can go on your boat. Most states prohibit people younger than 18 from driving a boat.

Boaters can get information from VHF marine radios, commercial radios and television stations and newspapers. As a boater, you need to be aware of the types of advisories and take action before a storm hits. Warnings range from small craft advisories, with winds of 18 knots or less, up to hurricane warnings with winds of 74 miles per hour or greater.

Although there are no numerical speed limits on the water, citations may be issued for excessive speed or reckless operation. Use common sense, and operate at a safe speed at all times — especially in crowded areas. Maintain a 50-foot distance from other PWC’s, vessels, persons, shore, or stationary platform or other object unless operating at headway speed. As long yachts as you are safe, take care, and are a responsible captain, I genuinely believe that within 10 minutes you will be entirely comfortable operating one of these amazing vessels. As you can see, it’s actually incredibly simple to drive a pontoon boat.

When in coastal and inshore waters, these preparations can help take the search out of search and rescue. Part of the alert is the MMSI number, which will identify your vessel automatically. Boats 16 feet and longer must be equipped with one Type I, II, III, or V personal floatation device plus one Type IV throwable device. Boats that are 16 feet or less must have one Type I, II, III or V PFD for each person aboard. All boats must be equipped with one Type I, II, III, or V personal floatation device for each person aboard. Boats 16 feet and longer must also be equipped with a Type IV throwable device.

This is huge because it means the back of the boat will swing when you use reverse to slow down to pick up a skier, park the boat at a dock, or put the boat on the trailer. Find a position where you can secure your elbow, it may be by your side squished between your side and the boat. When your elbow is free, it will move when you change speeds, which will reduce your finesse and smoothness with the throttle. This is based on my personal experience with a variety of tournament ski boats, other boats and brands may vary.