When the water is calling but no one is available to join you on the boat, do you have to sit out the day? If you’re a skilled boater with a manageable vessel, a solo outing can be in the cards.
The most obvious drawbacks to boating alone are that no one is with you to lend a hand or to call for help. After that, it comes down to manageability of your vessel, your skills, and the weather.
If you need assistance fending off other boats when leaving and returning to the slip, or you need to pick up a mooring line while maneuvering from the bridge, soloing is impractical, but an experienced boater with a small center console or deck boat has a definite unaccompanied advantage.
Just as with any other boating trip, it’s vital to ensure all mechanics and electronics are in working order, the fuel tank(s) are full, the first aid kit is stocked, there’s a platform or accessible rope/ladder to get back aboard from the water, and the tools necessary for common mishaps are aboard.
Activate your registered emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), an electronic item that pinpoints your location for the U.S. Coast Guard and/or other emergency responders. Start your personal locator beacon (PLB) as well. Despite the reassurance these beacons provide, bring along additional emergency signaling communications — a VHF radio, flares, mirror, and a whistle.
File a float plan with someone who’ll be looking out for your safe return, and do so via the U.S. Coast Guard app as well. Check the marine forecast, listen in on VHF radio channel 16 to be sure nothing hazardous is going on in your area, and fasten your life jacket.
When it comes to lines at the dock, single them up so there’s one bow and stern line attached to the dock. If you are leaving from a slip, single the lines on the downwind or down-current side so you don’t take off before you’re ready! Make sure lines are long enough to have both in one hand.
When all is set, cast off your lines and move to the controls before you drift. Enjoy your day aboard, apply sunscreen, stay hydrated with water or other soft drinks, and change up your float plan details if you decide to stay later.
Before returning, check wind and currents for the trip home. Steer towards your mooring in such a way that the current conditions bring you to the pole or rope. If you’re heading to a dock or berth lacking a dockhand, prep your lines and then maneuver back and forth until you have secured two lines to the dock.
This “how-to” article is a general guide. All boaters should take an in-water course on boat handling.
