Essential Tips for Night-time Boating

When you’re aboard one of those big boats during the daytime, you have a brilliant view of the sky, the water, and the city line. The same thing holds true when you’re in cruisers yachts or one of those cuddy cabin boats while cruising the Dubai Creek, for example. But what if it has gone from midday to dusk, and you still cannot bear to part with your boat? This is when your night-time boating skills prove to be essential. Since you do not have the sunlight anymore to guide you through your cruise, it is a must to pay closer attention to the smaller details while you are navigating the boat.

Take a look at our essential tips for night-time boating:

• Follow local regulations when it comes to your speed limit.

Let’s say that you really did not plan to stay out late at night, but you forgot about the time. The number one rule to remember is to never rush or beat the speed limit. In fact, night-time boating is almost synonymous to slowed-down sailing. Cut back on the throttle and take a slower pace because you practically have a visual handicap because of the lack of sunlight. Only go night-time cruising at an area that you’re familiar with and even then – it is best to check on the local speed regulations. Most cities implement a lower speed or even idle speed limit for boaters who are cruising at night.

• Be extra cautious of unusual sounds and sighting on your surroundings.

You can easily get into a minor or major accident when sailing at night because of the extra reflection that the city lights make on the water. You also won’t easily see any debris which may harm the exterior of your boat – so be very cautious of unusual sounds and bumps – and have an extra pair of eyes and hands on the lookout so that you can have a safe journey back home.

• Use proper lighting.

As beautiful as those city lights are, they might be very confusing especially for newbie sailors who are staying out late at night. To turn your night-time boating into a safe adventure, make sure to use proper lighting at all times. Dim those overhead and cockpit lights to enhance your night-time vision. Make sure that your running lights are working, and use them properly. Depending on the size and type of vessel that you have, there are other lighting requirements that you need to fulfil if you want to sail at night. powerboats, for example, should have a 360-degree white light on always. Spotlights and searchlights should only be used when necessary, while docking lights are only used to manoeuvre close quarters.

Additionally, make sure that all your sea sports boat’s safety features and gears are working. You don’t want your night-time boating to turn into an emergency, so make sure to take all the precautions necessary to cruise safely once the sun goes down.

Oryx yachts is a brand of sport cruisers yachts and boats by Gulf Craft; a multi-awarded company manufacturing and distributing only the best cruiser boats for sale from their shipyard in the UAE for the past three decades now. Check out their line of sea sport boats for sale and as well as other yachting tips by visiting their website at http:www.oryx-yachts.com.

For more sports yachts for sale, visit Oryx’ website at https://www.oryx-yachts.com/ or Gulf Craft’s website at https://www.gulfcraftinc.com.