Single Handed Boating
Written By: Dr Walter Scott
Taking the boat out on your own? No problem!
But you will have to be even more thoroughly prepared than usual as there will be no second pair of hands. Here are some tips on how to do it and get the most out of the trip:Engine and control maintenance
No boat should put to sea without proper preparation but when you are on your own this is more important than ever. The last thing you want in a heavy swell is to have to leave the helm for the engines to check a leaking coolant hose or a shredding alternator belt !
Navigation
All chart and GPS work for the
whole trip must be complete, together with
a “plan B” if relevant, before casting
off. On extended voyages such as trans-channel and when out of sight of land there should be way points on the screen with a line joining them so the course can be followed accurately at all times.
A hand held GPS also helps to establish your position at any time should the main electronic system fail. Waypoints should be clearly marked on the paper chart which ideally should be visible from the helm. That way, and by the use of dead reckoning (a combination of compass and log), you should know exactly where you are.
And talking of equipment failure, take a handheld VHF set in case the 12 volt supply to the fixed set fails (and remember to charge it up before leaving!).
Anchoring
And while you’re out there, why not stop for a spot of lunch? With no one to go forward to the ground tackle you must be able to free the anchor and chain while in a position where it is safe to let the boat drift for a minute or three. It might be wise to deal with this a couple of cables offshore than the intended drop position. It is also essential to have the electric winch switch at the helm and desirable, too, to have a chain length “read out” system at the helm. This way, you can control the boat’s heading, check the water depth and observe the chain length all at the same time. This becomes even more important when weighing anchor with the inevitable risk of getting the chain caught under the boat because you can’t see it from the steering position.
Berthing
So what happens when you arrive at a marina and there is no one to take the bow line ? This is where a midships fairlead and jamming cleat come in handy. In seconds the boat can be secured at two points allowing the helmsman to disembark to tie up fore and aft at his leisure. Always remember that there is more risk of the lines being dropped into the water when you are coping on your own so they should be cut short enough to avoid reaching the propellers if they do. Special care must be taken with the stern line as this will have to be longer than the distance to the propellers.
Below is a short video of leaving and arriving at a berth single-handed.
The last details
Having considered all the preparations and equipment you’re going to need when on your own, what’s left to think about? The helmsman himself needs his time to be comfortable and easy. Don’t forget that you’ll need to eat, drink and go to the loo… and that’s without leaving the helm! Seriously, though, this is important because empty stomachs and full bladders all contribute to the likelihood of making mistakes when you can least afford them.
The worst scenario
What could that be? It’s the unthinkable….. falling into the water and being unable to clamber back on board! I’ve never had it happen but an EPIRB attached to your trouser belt could just save your life. Even better if it’s registered with the coastguard “66” scheme. That way, an alarm will tell the coastguard not just where you are but who you are and the identity of the boat they are going to be looking for.
And finally
Single handed boating is a unique experience and is far from a last resort. But it does need meticulous planning beforehand and the utmost care on passage. Not a task for the faint hearted but an extended and successful solo trip can be very rewarding.