Son takes the Helm

[belairbrian]

Well today was the day. Sort of a mix of excitement, nerves and pride.

He completed his boater safety course and got his vessel operators license. he's 14.

So we took the Grumman CC out and made a run about 6 or 7 miles down river. Me driving.

Brought it to a stop, and gave him the helm. At first he was happy cruising around 9 or 10 getting used to how a boat handles. Finally he said he wanted to throttle up and I gave him the go ahead. He brought it up on plane and we were cruising at 32 per the GPS. He handled it really well even when meeting another boats wake.

Did a really good job of easing off plane without nose diving it or swamping the stern.

Now the docking well, we'll work on that next outing.

 

[JEBar]

Re: Son takes the Helm

there weren't any such classes when our kids were coming along, wish there had of been .... congratulations to both of you, this has been a day you will talk about for many years to come

Jim

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Son takes the Helm

SWEEEEET!!! Congrats to the new cpt. I guess that makes you the Family Fleet Admiral now. Happy vroom-vrooming!

 

[belairbrian]

Re: Son takes the Helm

I think I'm still the purser. i get to pay the bills.

 

[sam60]

Re: Son takes the Helm

That is a cool thing in a young man's life. I remember 1971 when my dad let me dock the boat at lake of the Ozarks,...flat water and no wind made it easy to do.

 

[Jhudds]

Re: Son takes the Helm

Some of my best memories are those of me and my dad out on the boat. Like most have said, back in my day there were no regulations for classes. I think I was very young 8 or so when I would drive the boat, dad's hand on the wheel, and he would operate the throttle. Was probably 12 or so when he would let me drive and operate the throttles all under his watchful eye. I can remember helping him dock it and tie it off. I miss those simpler days of life.

I have a 11 and 9 year old boys that I will be introducing to the boating world next year. I'm looking forward to creating those memories for them, and reliving some of mine as well.

 

[Ciscovet]

Re: Son takes the Helm

Congrats you're a great dad... I hope to do the same thing one day with my son.

 

[Service Call]

Re: Son takes the Helm

I remember my first time. Backed off the throttle like letting off the accelerator. Everyone flew to the bow. Good times. :facepalm:

 

[SWD]

Re: Son takes the Helm

Congrats too! My son did his boater safety together with me last winter. He was 13 at the time but is confident and meticulous when it comes to safety. Great to see him at the helm!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Son takes the Helm

what a great moment. the next will be when you stand on the dock and watch him drive away without you (and hopefully with a cute chick).

One way to practice docking is to pick a target out in the middle of the river and practice pulling up to it so you touch without bumping too hard. Approach from all different directions to see how the wind and current affects you. You might want to pick a soft object, or use fenders (I used a marsh bank at first).