Powerboating

Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter 1: Women and Powerboating A perfect fit for women The rewards of powerboating Women powerboaters and how they got started Chapter 2: Getting Started Learn before you cruise What to expect the first time Stepping aboard Normal apprehension Chapter 3: Getting Comfortable with Your Boat The parts of a powerboat How a powerboat moves through water The basics of driving a powerboat Types of powerboats Chapter 4: Leaving the Dock and Returning Anticipating your first powerboat cruise Preparing the boat for departure Casting off Leaving the dock Getting under way Turning to port and starboard Understanding prop walk Going in reverse Docking Fending off and making fast Knots for docking Chapter 5: Weather and Navigation Basics Weather forecasting basics Tips to avoid being caught in a storm What to do if you're caught in rough weather Do I need a compass? Using charts GPS units and other electronic tools Tides and currents Navigation aids Who has the right-of-way? Lights at night Speed limits Chapter 6: Essential Equipment Boat-buying basics Choosing between a new and a used boat What you really need on board Communication afloat: why you need a VHF radio Tools and spare parts Anchors and anchoring Clothing for more comfortable powerboating Chapter 7: Trailering Your Powerboat Trailer anatomy Hitting the road Backing up Launching from the trailer Retrieving the boat Chapter 8: Safety and Comfort Staying in touch How do I use a VHF radio? Required safety and emergency equipment Fuel safety What to do if something goes wrong Crew overboard and what to do EPIRBs and when to use them Float plans and how to file them First-aid equipment and knowing how to use it Personal comfort Chapter 9: Basic Maintenance and Minor Repairs How to tell whether your powerboat is operating properly Choosing a good mechanic Minor repairs you can make yourself Preventive maintenance Chapter 10: Powerboating with Friends and Family Sharing the joys of powerboating Bringing the whole family Taking vacations afloat and extended cruises Further adventures Chapter 11: Resources Index