Teaching Planing Speed on the Powerboat Level 2 course:
Instructor Briefing to cover:
- WHAT you / your students are going to do?
- WHERE you're going to carry out the activity?
- WHY we take so many considerations before and during planing speed activities?
- WHEN to speed up, slow down, turn etc
- HOW to achieve the aim (planing) then give a short demo.
Preparation:
- Are the conditions and area appropriate? (Visibility, Sea State, Other craft etc)
- Are you allowed to 'speed' in the area?
- Ensure all gear onboard is stowed away / Secure all loose gear
- Brief crew on correct positioning, lookout & communications
- Trim the engine down
- Ensure area is safe & clear
Crew Briefing:
- Ensure all crew / students are aware of what will be happening and what to expect
- All crew to keep a good lookout and make helm aware of any potential hazards / other craft in the area
- All crew / students to sit or stand in a secure position and hold on
Activity:
Each student in turn will have a go at all of the following:
Aim: Good crew communications
- Carry out good crew communications prior to any action i.e. when speeding up, turning or slowing down so there are no surprises !
Aim: Good throttle control
- Helm to bring powerboat gradually 'just' onto the plane and maintain a fixed speed i.e. 16 knots
Aim: Trim control
- Helm to adjust trim (trim tabs and/or power trim) to obtain optimum position
Aim: Turning (1 hand steer, 1 hand gear)
- Warn crew and carry out 360º check to ensure safe and clear prior to starting turn
- Perform wide, gentle turn/s maintaining a planing speed
Aim: Slowing down safely
- Warn crew and carry out 360º check (particularly behind) prior to slowing
- Trim engine down
- Reduce power gradually to reduce possibility of swamping
TOP TIP: Try to avoid engine ventilation
Other Background Information to include:
- Propellor angle and immersion
- Ventilation vs. Cavitation (see further info below)
- Prop Slip
- Power trim (FYI we do not condone the lack of lifejacket in this video)
- Making a VHF distress (MAYDAY) call
- Cold Water shock & Immersion Hypothermia (+ see cold water shock info below)
- Avoiding the risk of a hook turn
What is cold water shock?
What is the difference between Ventilation & Cavitation?
What is the difference between wash & wake?
