You are bound to experience choppy bays and rough waters when fishing and boating on the coast. Taking your bowrider in the ocean is dangerous for inexperienced boaters.
This article explains safety tips for taking your bowrider boat on the ocean. We outline five safety tips to help you and your passengers stay safe on choppy waters.
What Is a Bowrider Boat?
A bowrider is a boat designed to seat people on the bow. It is a perfect boat for families and friend groups. Bowriders can seat four to ten people on the bow, depending on their size. They are versatile. Bowrider boats are good for fishing, trolling, tubing, and water skiing.
One of the best things about bowrider boats is that they’re perfect for coastal cruising. They’re agile, easy to maneuver, and made for versatility with groups of passengers in mind.
There are models for freshwater, like lakes and rivers. There are also bowrider boat models designed for saltwater boating. So depending on where you want to drop your boat, there is a bowrider boat for you.
Are Bowriders Good In The Ocean?
The short answer: YES! There are bowriders models designed for the saltwater and ocean.
Large Bowriders that are over 24 feet generally don’t have a problem being taken out in the ocean, as long as the captain has experience due to their wide hull and heavy construction design. This makes them stable in choppy waters. A bowrider boat is a vessel that can handle the roughest coastal waters.
Bowriders ride high on the water due to three main reasons;
- They are ideal for navigating around rocks and other obstacles in the ocean.
- They are agile and easy to maneuver.
- They also have large decks that make getting on and off the boat easy.
Safety Tips For Taking Your Bowrider On Rough Water
Gear Up
When taking your bowrider on the ocean, it’s essential to gear up for the trip. Make sure you have a full tank of gas. Also, double-check the charge levels of your battery and cell phone. Stock up on enough supplies to get you through a couple of days in case you get stranded.
Check all safety equipment and life jackets. Have your GPS calibrated and charged. Make sure you have plenty of food and water. Keep your flares, whistle, fire extinguisher, and first aid equipment accessible.
Also, ensure you have a solid anchor system and a bilge pump. Test your bilge pump before your trip, so it’s ready if you start to take on water.
Know Your Boat’s Limits
If you’re planning on taking your bowrider boat out on rough water, it’s essential to know your limits. You don’t want to get into a situation where you’re unsafe or uncomfortable. But, if conditions don’t feel right, listen to your gut and don’t go out.
Pay attention to weather conditions, and know your and your boat’s limitations. As a beginner boater, it’s always a good idea to get used to gentle waves and calm conditions. Don’t go beyond your comfort zone until you’re ready.
Understand that conditions off-shore will be different from conditions closer to the shore. Be aware of how far out you are and pay attention to your surroundings.
Always Stay Calm
Stay cool, calm, and collected when in rough water. Panic makes things worse. Stay focused and pay close attention to the current and waves as you make your way back to the dock.
Remember, you have life jackets, GPS location, and safety equipment. You have everything to keep you and your passengers safe. Using common sense and staying calm will ensure you make it back to the dock.
Know the Waters
Always be aware of where the shore is and how far from shore you are. Many shorelines and coastal waterways have rocks, oyster reefs, and other underwater obstacles. Be mindful and pay attention. Know the area and understand what is happening beneath the surface of the water.
Avoid any places you’ve never been to when the waters are rough. Watch the water for obstacles if you find yourself in unfamiliar territory.
Always Wear A Lifejacket
Whether on a calm canal or the rough ocean, the most vital safety tip is to always wear a life jacket. Even if you don’t plan on going overboard, it’s always a good idea to wear one in case of an accident.
It is easy to get tossed overboard from the bow in rough water. Your passengers need to be aware of this. Your passengers need to always wear life jackets. The bowrider’s unique design is fun but can be dangerous.
Additionally, you need to keep floatation devices with rope. This is so you can toss a floatation device to anyone who falls overboard, and pull them back to the boat. If you or a passenger fall overboard, don’t panic. Use common sense, stay calm, and let the life jacket keep you afloat until you get rescued.
Conclusion
When you take your bowrider on the ocean, it can get rough. It is important to take key safety precautions. Know your limits, prepare supplies, stay calm, and wear a lifejacket.
The bowrider is a safe saltwater boat that can seat your whole family or a group of friends. One main advantage is their versatility in the water, but it is also safe to take out on rough water.
Sources
- “Recreational Boating: Stay Safe on the Water,” https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/summer/boating (accessed July 1, 2022)
- “Bowrider,” https://www.discoverboating.com/buying/boat/bowriders (accessed July 1, 2022)
- “Are Sea Fox Boats Good & Reliable | Answered,” https://www.watersportsx.com/are-sea-fox-boats-good-reliable-answered/ (accessed July 1, 2022)
- “7 easy ways to boat safely and be kind to nature,” https://www.noaa.gov/stories/7-easy-ways-to-boat-safely-and-be-kind-to-nature (accessed July 1, 2022)