Purpose-Value:
- Practice and develop the boat handling skill of making the transition from slow speed to planing to slow speed while optimizing visibility and boat control during the maneuver.
Setting Up the Drill:
- Set up the drill in open water.
Conducting the Drill:
- Operator takes the boat from displacement speed through the semi-displacement speed onto a plane.
- Operator maintains heading during transitions and minimizes time in the semi-displacement speed.
Teaching Tips:
- Operator should support throttle by resting heel of hand on the base of the throttle quadrant.
- When planing speed is reached, the operator should reduce throttle slightly to compensate for reduced resistance at planing speed.
- This drill may be done in the Follow the Leader drill, or by having the boats pass the trainer boat to observe the operators’ ability to make the transitions.
Common Errors:
- Allowing engine torque to turn the boat while transitioning through semi-displacement speed.
- Making large changes in headings during the transitions.
- Spending too much time in the semi-displacement speed.
References:
- Safe Powerboating Handling On-Water Skill Standard 4.2 and its rubrics
Start Powerboating Right! textbook pg. 48