Tips for Boating on the Ocean: Saltwater and Tides

For those boaters who have little experience operating in the ocean, here are some general things to think about before you launch and during your cruise. Although it may be obvious to some, the tide, weather conditions, and emergency protocols are heightened on the ocean. For the purposes of this article we are talking about inland and offshore saltwater running. Let’s look at key things to know. 

Making Sure Your Boat is Designed for Ocean use

First, before you launch, keep in mind there are some boats that just aren’t designed for offshore use and probably aren’t the greatest saltwater vessels. If you have glued in carpet or an inboard without closed cooling or your boat is very small with a low freeboard and shallow V, you may want to use some extra caution in terms of conditions and care of the boat after. Being able to wash thoroughly and flush your engine are best practices in saltwater. Also, conditions on shore are not necessarily the conditions in a channel or offshore, so be mindful of the wind and forecast before launching. The calm in the bay might be only in that bay or change in a moment. 

Make Sure your Trailer is Aluminum

Another consideration for some is your trailer. If you don’t have an aluminum trailer or a galvanized trailer, you may be sending your trailer to the scrap yard sooner than later. Some trailers are built for saltwater use, others aren’t. 

Make Note of Water and Ramp Conditions

At the ramp, you’ll want to note the tide and conditions of the ramp. How far out does the ramp go in low tide? If you come back in 3 hours, will you able to load your boat? Is the angle of the ramp enough to not put your vehicle in the salt? Too many novice boaters back way into the water and realize that their boat is either still strapped down, isn’t floating because the ramp is not sufficient, or the ramp is too slippery to climb after the tide recedes. These are all simple factors you should know before you launch. 

Launching your Boat

Most trailers can launch the boat with the water line about halfway up, or where part of the fender is at the water line, of course this depends but you shouldn’t have your vehicle in the water, especially saltwater. Check your trailer fits you boat, and you know how it launched before you block a busy ramp. Before you even approach the ramp have a checklist of your own but always have these checks: Drain plug, fuel, keys. Without those, you are going to be off to a bad start. You’ll want documents for your boat, life jackets, an anchor and the coast guard recommended equipment; horn, lights, bailing device, flare. Be sure to check your state for requirements. 

Tides and currents are very powerful on the ocean in even inshore, so be very mindful to check the water before you launch. Having two people to launch is helpful, because you can have a boat operator and a driver. Even then, take the precaution of having a line ready to pull the boat to the dock in case it doesn't’ run. Or, sometimes you can float the boat off and have a line to pull it to the dock. Simply secure your line before you launch, and walk it to the dock, which means you need to launch close to the dock. This can work if you’re solo launching. Start you engines(s) before you pull away from the trailer. 

Navigation and Getting Out into the Ocean

Charts and maps are all up to you, but be sure you know the channel markers and where you are going. Obey all no wake zones, all simple stuff that is indicated on the channel markers. Seek more information from your local coast guard if you don’t know the rules of the road or how markers work. 

If you’re operating a smaller vessel or a low power vessel, be very cautious going out of an inlet or channel if you are going offshore. Currents, the tide, and other waves can make navigating through channels and inlets difficult. Never put yourself or your passengers in danger. If you have an engine failure or mechanical failure in a busy inlet, that will be an emergency. Have your anchor ready and signal for help immediately. Before you go through an inlet or channel be sure of the conditions and if your boat is capable. 

After Ocean Use

After you load your boat or dry dock it, you will need to flush it and wash thoroughly. There are products for saltwater rinsing but in general a mild soap and freshwater is going to do the trick. Follow your owners manual for maintenance and flushing. Brush off the rinsed boat with soap and rinse again to remove any salt residue which will get everywhere even if you never go the topside wet. Rinse your trailer as well. Look for any signs of damage to your boat when washing. Depending how often you change your prop, you may remove it each time you use it and you can regrease your prop shaft and keep the prop nut and washers clean as well. Saltwater use increases your maintenance significantly. 

Conclusion

In general, use common sense. Consult your local guides or coast guard. Have a checklist and use it. Plan ahead and check the weather. Be prepared to change course if the weather changes. Be cautious exiting inlets to go offshore as they are affected by tide, currents and other waves. Some low power small vessels will struggle going in and out of inlets in bad conditions. Use your sense, never go through an inlet in adverse conditions in a boat that is not capable of navigating it. Your anchor can be a life saver, if you have an engine failure, it can prevent you from drifting afar and secure a position to then call for help. Have life jackets for everyone and wear them.