Cruising in powerboats long distance: a quick guide

When cruising in powerboats, especially small open boats, safety is paramount. Jake Kavanagh shares his advice for relaxed high-speed adventures around the coast and at sea

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When cruising in powerboats long distance, across wide spaces of ocean, extra precautions are necessary.

The most obvious is that boats have enough fuel – with a 20% reserve – to make it or divert to the nearest safe haven if the weather takes a turn.

Extra two-stroke engine oil should also be carried for those who need it.

Three people on a rigid inflatable boat

Before setting out, make sure you have planned safe havens, in case the weather turns

Accommodation ashore should be booked in advance, as few smaller boats are able to accommodate crew overnight.

It is a good idea to carry your passport, even if not needed for the trip (to the Channel Islands, for instance) just in case France becomes a bolt hole.

Great care should be taken with the weather, and it is advisable to work out how to get home without the boat in advance, just in case.

It is better to come back later for it than take a risk in marginal weather.

Cruising in powerboats: equipment

The emphasis of small powerboat cruising is safety.

This means always knowing where you are, always being able to stay warn hydrated and fed, and having enough tools and fuel to cope with all but the most dramatic breakdown.

If you really can’t sort a problem out, then you also have to be able to summon help quickly and definitively.

Below is a list of essential gear that should be carried as routine.

Communication:

Distress:

Navigation:

Comfort/Safety:

  • Lifejackets
  • Wet weather gear
  • Dry clothes/survival blanket
  • Food/hot drinks
  • First Aid Kit

Safety/Repairs:

  • Tool kit
  • Spare prop
  • Spare fuel/oil
  • Spare belts/impellers
  • Anchor
  • Towlines

Powerboat cruising kit close up

Lifejackets vs Buoyancy Aids

Many powerboaters wear automatic lifejackets rather than buoyancy aids, mainly because an automatic lifejacket should, in theory, roll an unconscious casualty the right way up and keep their face clear of the water.

A buoyancy aid will keep the swimmer upright and vertical, but it allows the head to slump forward into the water.

Two women powerboat cruising

It is a matter of choice whether you wear a lifejacket or a buoyancy aid

Many RIBsters, however, still prefer the buoyancy aid, arguing that the foam padding acts as body armour should you get thrown against a console or an A-frame, and also acts as a spray deflector.

Buoyancy aids also have front pockets, which are useful for keeping a watertight bag holding a phone or a chocolate bar handy.

Helmets

Some RIB crews wear a helmet in rough weather.

If the RIB stuffs itself into a wave, the helmet will absorb a blow from the console or windscreen, many of which seem to be placed right where they can brain you.

two people wearing helmets in a RIB boat

Helmet are advisable, especially when it gets rough

Better still, a helmet makes the journey less tiring by reducing wind noise and dehydration.

A decent visor also stops the stinging spray.

Talking of spray, many RIBsters find tinted skiing goggles to be useful.

The best types are fully waterproof, with vents to avoid misting up, and are large enough to accommodate a pair of sunglasses underneath.

Charts

A favourite for small powerboats is the Admiralty Small Craft Series, which come as a large-scale portfolio with useful harbour plans inset.

They are small enough to be passed through a laminator, meaning they can be made fully waterproof and can be written on with a china marker pencil.

They can then be rolled up and stowed in a tube onboard.

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Most of the passage planning is done in advance, with distances and landmarks transcribed to a whiteboard, which is kept near the helm console.

It is also possible to get stick-down/tear-off writing pads, which can be put to use beside the helm.

Anchoring

A good anchor is essential for mooring off idyllic coves and beaches.

A favoured anchor is the Bruce, even though it doesn’t stow well, followed by the Danforth, which stows flat.

Bruce anchor

Bruce anchor

Because RIBS and small sportsboats have a bow configuration that makes anchoring difficult, the painter is tied to the anchor rope instead, so there is no need to lean over the bow.

Chart plotter/GPS

The easiest GPS systems for use in a fast moving powerboat involve big buttons, or a large multi-function scrolling tool.

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