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 The
video is presented by David Lewis, himself a relatively newcomer to power
boating, who is well able to understand some of the problems, as well as the
pleasures, of this fast-growing sport.
The
video starts by explaining the different types of power boat available, before
considering the various engines including a discussion, by a leading marine
expert, on the relative merits and pitfalls of diesel, petrol and LPG.
The
new boat owner is next advised on additional equipment needed to ensure safety
at sea, with an RNLI Coxswain describing the purchase and use of such items as
buoyancy, flares and radio equipment.
The
emphasis throughout this video is on safety at sea and a senior coastguard
officer describes how his Service can help power boat owners and explains the
Yacht Safety Scheme.
First
hand anecdotes from power boat owners’ helps reinforce key points in an
entertaining and reassuring manner.
Having
covered the basic groundwork of choosing and buying a powerboat, the video next
describes the difficulties associated with berthing the boat in a crowded
marina.
The
essential differences between parking a boat and parking a car are explained,
with diagrams clearly illustrating the correct method of handling the boat under
different conditions.
The
emphasis throughout this section is to help novices learn how to control their
boat rather than – as so often happens – letting the boat take control of
them!
Turning
a boat in a full circle is described in detail since mastering this skill gives
the newcomer a much greater sense of confidence in his, or her, ability to
handle the craft in congested waters.
 Newcomers
who have experience difficulty with these maneuvers receive reassurance from
other boat owners that they are not alone in their plight and that practice will
soon enable them to meet this sometimes-tricky challenge with confidence and
skill.
The
video next describes how to handle a planning power boat at speed, including
precautions to ensure the safety of crew and passengers.
 The
final sequence, entitled “Classic
Dockups” is an entertaining series of common mistakes and blunders, such
as throwing a fender over the side before attaching it to the craft, and causing
a crew member to fall off the stern by accelerating away without warning.
“When
I took up power boating, I found myself somewhat overwhelmed by all the things I
needed to learn. And coming alongside the jetty for the first time in a strong
cross wind was a nightmare. What would have really helped was a training video,
which clearly explained all the aspects of power boating which concern a
newcomer. As I couldn’t find
anything suitable I decided to produce my own. Practical
Powerboating is the result. By
giving it the look and feel of a television programme, I hope we will encourage
viewers are normally deterred by the worthy but dull approach of so many
training videos.”
Dr David Lewis: Presenter/Executive
Producer.
An internationally published author and award
winning professional broadcaster.
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