When the summer sun starts to shine, there’s nothing quite like the call of the open water. Whether you’re an experienced skipper or a novice cruiser, powerboating and sailing both offer exhilarating ways to explore the seas, lakes, or rivers. But to make the most of your time on the water, preparation is key. Here are 11 tips to ensure that your summer cruise—whether by powerboat or sailboat—goes smoothly and becomes a memorable adventure.
1. Choosing the Right Vessel
The first decision in any summer cruise is selecting the right boat for your needs. Powerboating and sailing offer different experiences and advantages.
- Powerboats: Powerboats are ideal for those who prefer speed and convenience. You can quickly cover long distances and navigate to destinations without relying on wind conditions. Prices for new powerboats vary widely depending on size and specifications. A small 20-foot powerboat can start at around $30,000, while larger, more luxurious models like the Sea Ray SLX 400 can cost over $800,000.
- Sailboats: Sailing is about enjoying the journey as much as the destination. Sailboats rely on the wind, which makes the experience more eco-friendly and serene. Small sailing dinghies can be purchased for as little as $5,000, while mid-sized cruisers like the Catalina 355 start around $200,000. Large, ocean-going yachts can exceed $1 million.
Specs to Consider:
- Powerboats: Engine horsepower, fuel capacity, cabin space, speed.
- Sailboats: Sail area, hull design, keel type, rigging, water tank capacity.
Before choosing your vessel, consider how you plan to use it. Are you cruising coastal waters or spending weeks offshore? Do you need a boat that sleeps four or just two? Answering these questions will help you make an informed decision.
2. Plan Your Route
Planning your route is crucial to avoid any unexpected surprises on the water. Whether you’re navigating along a coastline, exploring a lake, or island-hopping in the Caribbean, it’s important to chart your course in advance.
- Powerboaters: Consider fuel stops. Powerboats tend to consume a significant amount of fuel, especially at higher speeds, so knowing where marinas and fuel stations are located along your route is essential.
- Sailors: Sailors have the added challenge of weather and wind conditions. Use marine navigation apps and local weather forecasts to determine optimal sailing routes and anticipate wind patterns.
Tip: Apps like Navionics, Windy, and PredictWind provide reliable data for both powerboaters and sailors, allowing you to adjust your route based on real-time conditions.
3. Safety First: Gear & Equipment
Regardless of your vessel, safety is paramount. Make sure you’re equipped with all the necessary safety gear before you hit the water.
Essential Items:
- Life jackets: Make sure you have one for every person on board, and that they’re Coast Guard-approved.
- First-aid kit: A well-stocked medical kit with seasickness remedies and emergency supplies.
- VHF radio: Critical for communication in areas without cell phone coverage.
- Flares and signaling devices: Essential for alerting others in case of an emergency.
- Fire extinguishers: Always ensure they are charged and easily accessible.
- EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon): Highly recommended for longer cruises or offshore sailing.
The average cost of a good safety kit (including a VHF radio, flares, and EPIRB) can range from $500 to $1,500.
4. Weather and Tides
Weather can make or break your boating experience. For powerboaters, sudden storms can be hazardous, especially in open water. For sailors, wind is your engine, so calm weather can leave you stranded, while strong winds can be overwhelming.
- Check marine forecasts daily for both wind and weather conditions.
- Understand local tides: Tidal changes can affect both sailing routes and access to shallow harbors. Apps like AyeTides or Windfinder offer accurate tide and weather information.
Tip: Carry foul-weather gear regardless of the forecast. Conditions on the water can change quickly.
5. Maintenance & Preparation
Before embarking on any summer cruise, your boat needs to be in top condition. A mechanical failure at sea can be dangerous and costly.
- For Powerboats: Check the engine, fuel lines, and electrical systems. Carry spare parts for essential equipment like the engine, fuel filters, and belts. A basic tool kit for repairs should always be on board.
- For Sailboats: Inspect sails, rigging, and winches for any wear or damage. Have spare halyards and sheets on board. Regularly lubricate winches and pulleys to avoid jamming.
Regular maintenance can save you from costly breakdowns. An annual service for a powerboat might cost between $500 and $1,000, while sailboat maintenance can vary from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the complexity of the vessel.
6. Fuel Efficiency & Water Conservation
For both types of boats, managing fuel (or energy) and water usage is critical.
- Powerboaters: To maximize fuel efficiency, maintain a steady cruising speed—this is usually around 70-80% of your boat’s top speed. Larger boats can have more fuel-efficient engines but consume more fuel overall. The average fuel burn rate can be 10-25 gallons per hour for mid-sized powerboats.
- Sailors: Sailboats are generally more fuel-efficient, but when you’re motoring, pay attention to RPMs to save fuel. Most modern sailboats come with a small diesel engine which burns around 0.5 to 2 gallons per hour.
Water Conservation:
- Carry enough potable water for your entire trip. Many boats are fitted with water makers, but these can be expensive, costing between $2,000 and $8,000.
7. Anchoring & Mooring Skills
Knowing how to properly anchor or moor your boat is crucial for both powerboaters and sailors.
- Powerboats: Because of their weight and movement, powerboats can drag their anchor if it’s not set properly. Learn the correct scope ratio (typically 7:1—seven feet of anchor line for every foot of depth).
- Sailboats: Sailboats can be trickier to anchor because wind can push the boat in different directions. Practice anchoring in various conditions, and always check to see if the anchor has “set” by pulling back on it gently.
A good anchor system, including the anchor, chain, and windlass, can cost between $500 and $2,000, depending on the size and type of your boat.
While technology has made navigation easier, don’t rely solely on GPS systems. Powerboaters and sailors alike should know how to read a marine chart and use a compass.
- Charts: Paper charts are essential backups to your electronic devices, and they don’t require power or a signal to operate.
- Compass: A properly calibrated compass is a must for any vessel. If your electronics fail, you should still be able to find your way.
9. Provisioning for Your Trip
Whether you’re out for a day or several weeks, properly provisioning your boat with food, water, and essentials is critical.
- Powerboaters: With larger boats, refrigeration might be available, so you can bring perishable goods. However, always carry enough non-perishable food in case of emergencies.
- Sailors: Space is more limited, so think compact and efficient. Canned goods, freeze-dried meals, and pasta are good choices.
Budget between $150 to $300 for a week’s worth of food for two people.
10. Respect Wildlife & the Environment
When cruising in natural environments, be mindful of marine life and protected areas.
- Slow down near wildlife: Whether you’re near dolphins or manatees, reducing your speed can prevent accidents and minimize environmental impact.
- Dispose of waste responsibly: Never discharge untreated waste or garbage overboard. Many marinas provide waste pump-out stations for a fee (around $5 to $15).
11. Relax and Enjoy the Journey
Last but not least, remember to relax and enjoy your time on the water. Whether you’re speeding across the bay in a powerboat or gliding under sail, the joys of being out on the water are unparalleled. Bring a camera, a good book, and savor the peaceful moments as well as the adventure.
By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable summer cruise, whether you’re navigating a speedy powerboat or a graceful sailboat.
Happy Boating!
Share Powerboating & Sailing: 11 Tips for a Better Summer Cruise with your friends and leave a comment below with your thoughts.
Read Get Smart About Carbon Monoxide: The Invisible Danger until we meet in the next article.