A Pittwater picnic with an afternoon wind change
You plan a morning picnic trip on Pittwater, returning in the afternoon. The ramp is sheltered, but the BoM forecast shows strengthening winds before your return. Your boat has 60 litres of usable fuel, and the proposed outward leg is expected to use 15 litres. Picnic gear is piled beside the stern seats.
Before you read the solution: what would you do?
True or false?
Decide each statement before you see the answer.
It is calm at the ramp, so the whole trip will be calm.
The annual service means I can skip today's checks.
A recent service does not replace today's checks.
Stay within the people and weight limits, with heavy gear low and secured.
We are under the passenger limit, so another heavy esky cannot matter.
Someone ashore should know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
The forecast wave height is the biggest wave I can meet.
I told someone the destination, so they have everything they need.
Half the fuel gets us there and half gets us home.
Check BoM before leaving and regularly while out, including the return conditions.
Plan one third out, one third home and one third in reserve.
Check the boat and show everyone the safety equipment before departure.