Dick's Helpful Hints
If you see another boat, study the COLLISION ANGLE
- When the relative bearing of another boat does not change there is danger of collision.
- When a relative bearing of another boat becomes greater the other boat will pass behind your boat.
- When the relative bearing of another boat becomes smaller the other boat will pass ahead of you.
- Don’t take chances with those big boats stay away.
When approaching shallow waters know the tide flow status and never move into shallow water at high tide.
Don’t sail at night on the Bahamas banks! It is also unwise to cross the Gulf Stream at night.
Use more than one form of navigation. The GPS alone is not enough.
Carry enough fuel to make your destination under adverse weather conditions
I check my Magnetic Compass frequently to see that it is reasonably accurate. Don’t place anything near it that will generate a magnetic field.
Always carry charts of your cruising area.
Check weather twice a day.
When anchored for the night, be sure to leave the GPS on and be sure to log your waypoint. If there is movement during a blinding storm, you will be able to take appropriate action.
Learn to visually read the water by color.
Carry lots of bottled drinking water. Good quality water in the out islands is hard to come by.
When anchoring take time to do it properly.
Check your engine each day, oil, belts, look for leaks and the overall general condition.
Monitor batteries for charge. One battery should be maintained at full charge for engine starting.
Don’t cross the Gulf Stream with an N in the wind component.
If you spot a waterspout that is a straight vertical line turn your boat 90° off its path to get out of its way.
When moving about the boat three of the human body's appendages must be in firm contact with the boat to avoid injuries.
While crossing any open water especially the Gulf Stream maintain a 360-degree visual.
Clean fuel
Buying clean fuel is always a problem and on my last three trips I got bad fuel. On my last trip to the Bahamas I picked a coffee can full of dirt and small pieces of wood not to mention a gallon of water out of my fuel tank. I had purchased fuel after a busy fishing tournament weekend and for the next two weeks. I fought the problem daily. The smart cruiser will filter the fuel before it goes into his tank. A Baja Fuel filter is a good Investment.
