Pre-trip Route Checking for Boaters

A previous post promoted pre-trip route checking for camping, RVing and OHVing.  Knowing the current status of roads, bridges, and venues can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.  Pre-checking the route for boating activities is just as important but, of course, it will be somewhat different.  If you trailer your boat, you will want to check all the roads, gates, and bridges along your route to your launch point to make sure it is acceptable.  Basically for this you will want to consider the same things you would for Pre-Trip RV Route Checking.  You will also need to know if the launch ramp is suitable for the size of your boat and what you are towing it with and if it is useable condition.  Some marinas have cranes that can get your boat into the water for you but many do not.  Having Boat Trailer Guide Posts can be very helpful when it is time to pull the boat back out of the water.

Next you will want to consider the route you will be taking on the water in your boat.  It usually isn't as feasible to pre-scout the route over water like you can over land in a smaller vehicle, but if you have a very large boat it might be useful to check out the route in a smaller, more maneuverable craft before embarking on you primary journey if possible.  If you are only sailing on familiar inland lakes and rivers you may already know enough about where you are going,  but if you are headed into unfamiliar territory you will want to learn as much about it as you can.  Long ocean voyages aren't usually candidates for pre-running the route but negotiating local channels, inland lakes and rivers, and coastal waterways could still be useful if you have a vessel to do it in.  The alternative to pre-running is checking charts and maps and talking with other skippers who have already made the same voyage before.  You will need to pay special attention to things like navigable channels, the depth of water wherever you plan to go, any bridges or other over-head obstacles you may have to pass under, and any known underwater obstacles such as rocks, reefs, sandbars, coral, and wrecks.  Water currents (including tides) and wind will also need to be taken into consideration.  For ocean voyages you will need to be aware of regular trade routes.  Wind will be of more concern to sailboaters but wind can have a surprising affect on power boats that you will need to take into consideration when estimating travel times and fuel consumption.  Wind can also kick up waves that can pose a threat to your comfort and safety as well as slowing your progress.  Typical weather, major ocean current, and jet stream patterns will all have potential impact on any ocean voyage.  Local weather will be of even more concern to boaters than it is to RVers and campers, so be sure to check the forecast.

If your trip on the water will extend beyond one day you will want to plan for safe overnight anchorages along the way.  If your chosen anchorage is within a marina you will need make sure there is space available for the time you need.  Sometimes that means making advanced reservations.  If you can't make reservations you should probably plan for at least one alternate anchorage in case your first choice is full.  For long ocean voyages you will need to plan for 24-hour crew assignments or be prepared to heave to to give yourself time to sleep.

You may also need to plan for fuel stops.  Even sailboats often have auxiliary engines that require fuel.  You may need to carry extra fuel if fuel isn't available along your route.  Be sure to use only approved containers and store it safely and securely.  Outboard motors often have trouble with the E85 gasoline sold for automobiles so you may have to seek out locations the sell "clear" gas or plan to bring enough with you for your entire trip.  Speaking of outboard motors, many of them, especially older ones, may use 2-stroke engines so be sure to bring along enough oil to mix with the gas as needed,

Weather is probably an even more important factor for boaters than for campers and RVers.  A sudden rain storm can dampen your planned picnic but you can usually just wait it out in your tent or RV.  Bad weather out on the water can often deliver significant safety hazards and very often will seriously affect the progress of your voyage.  If you are in an open boat you will not be able to eaily escape any rain or other precipitation you may encounter along the way.  You wouldn't want to plan a boat trip when there are hurricanes or tornadoes forecast in the area during your planned excursion.  Rain and thunderstorms are not optimal weather for boating either.  Even without a the tall mast of a sailboat, just about any boat can pretty easily become the tallest thing on the water and therefore a likely target of lightning.  You should ensure your boat is properly equipped with lightning protection.  This usually consisted of some kind of mast that is grounded to the water so electrical charges can pass without striking occupants or equipment.  You will probably want to avoid boating trips when rain or thunderstorms are in the forecast, but you can't always avoid them or may encounter them unexpectedly, so be prepared!

The more you can learn about your route before you start your voyage, the safer you will be, the fewer the delays, less chance of accidents, and the more fun the trip will be.  That applies to both getting to the water and out on the water.  Sometimes learning about the route is a fun exercise all by itself!

Trip out!