With the holiday season upon us and so many new owners and visitors in Noosa Waters, it is a good time to give some important tips that will ensure everyone has a safe and happy time on the canals.
Minimising boat wake is important in maintaining the revetment wall footings and preserving the structural integrity of the walls, so it's important we stay focused on both boat speed and position in the canal when you are making your way through the waterways.
4 knots - it is basically walking pace, 7.4km/h. As tempting as it is to get to the river quickly, if you are going faster than walking pace, you are likely to be going too fast.
Often the standard speedometers on outboards rely on waterflow and are only really designed for high speed accuracy, so they often don't work at idle or just above idle. Where possible refer to your GPS on your depth sounder or your smart phone to get an accurate speed. A helpful idea is to make a note of your engine's RPM's at 4 knots and use that as a guide for future reference.
Another great strategy to prevent boat wake is to drive in the middle of the canal. It gives the wake time to lose energy before it makes it to the moored boats and revetment walls. Keeping to the middle of the waterway also adds to the privacy for residents and is the courteous way to make your way around the waterfront.
Other helpful safety tips
Always turn your engine off when you are in the lock
Always swipe the lock key as you approach the lock, as it can prematurely shut on you if it doesn't know you are there
Always check to see if anyone is coming in behind you before you swipe the card to activate the lock
Always make your way to the front of the lock, in case someone wants to come in behind you
Never let people bow ride when underway; it is the cause of numerous maritime injuries
Make sure your registration and insurance is up to date
Article by Adrian Reed
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