Driving a boat with no hands on the wheel?

Question

On the lake today my friend was driving his 26' cuddy cabin boat with no hands on the wheel for 10 to 20 seconds at a time. We were doing between 30 and 35 mph. It really bothered me. No other boats were around us. Is this safe?

Answer 1

It's not really safe, but I wouldn't go as far as to say it's unsafe. Most boats track pretty straight and keep going where they are pointed (if you aren't turning). If your motor is off center than it will sometimes turn the motor (with a tiller motor)

Honestly I don't know much about boat steering without a tiller. I would guess that the motor does not really turn unless you turn the steering wheel (the hydraulics keep it in place?)

Answer 2

the captain must know the capability of his vessel - if you don't trust the captain, don't sail with him anymore.

Answer 3

stupid people die even on the lake dont get stupid

Answer 4

Here's the deal- it may be perfectly safe the first 100 times you so it. But what about the next time there is an underwater obstruction that has floated just below the surface and is not seen by him- the motor hits the obstruction, the wheel is turned violently to the side , causing the boat to make a very sharp turn that you are unprepared for,throwing everyone out and the boat proceeds to go wide open in tight circles until it hits something or runs out of gas- meanwhile, every one is in the water trying to keep the boat from hitting them- you may be successful, or you may not be. Is this worth the risk ,just because the driver is acting immature and trying to be (cute?)

Answer 5

Depends on the hull configuration , displacement and speed. Even if he hits an underwater object the boat may not veer considerably depending on what boat it is. It's not like he left the helm and closed his eyes for a nap. What makes you think he can't regain control by taking the wheel again? Obviously he knows his boat. Quite simply...YOU Don't.  Was the boat veering all over the place? Then it is  dangerous. If the boat tracked smoothly his actions weren't innapropriate for the conditions. It's all relative. Stop being paranoid. Enjoy the ride.

Answer 6

yes

Answer 7

Obviously it isn't wise to be letting go of the wheel when the boat is on plane. Just because it holds its own course doesn't mean that it can't change with a shift in wind, waves, or if it hits a submerged object or a rock. There are many other possibilities as well for what could go wrong, but it all stems back to the fact that someone needs to keep their hands on the wheel! Have fun!

Answer 8

NO hydraulic steering you can let go of for a moment> But cable steering No> He's looking for a crash> Might want to seek other boating friends>

Answer 9

That's safe as long as he was familiar with the waters and there really were no other boats around. I've often taken my hands off the wheel and gone and grabbed a rope that was loose or tucked something away into one of the seats. The boat is in no danger of changing course dramatically by itself. The rudder wants to stay straight in the water.

Answer 10

That is not a smart thing to do.  At that speed, you need to be in control and aware of your surroundings.  Would you take your hands off the wheel of your car at that speed?  Find safer friends.