Exercise: Make a launch decision
These are invented planning figures, not a fuel-range prediction. Your Lake Macquarie outing starts with 72 litres of usable fuel, and stronger winds are forecast for later.
Step by step
What should your trip message to someone ashore include?
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Give enough information to describe the trip and vessel, including your estimated return and number aboard. Report changes to the plan (p. 66).
Using the rule of thirds, how much of the 72 litres do you keep in reserve?
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72 ÷ 3 = 24 litres in reserve. Plan another 24 litres for each leg; check the planned legs actually fit those allowances (pp. 67, 76).
The ramp is calm, but the return route may be too rough for your boat later. What is the sound decision?
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Plan for the conditions you may meet on the return as well as the outward leg. Choose a calmer option or postpone if conditions are doubtful (p. 70).
You are within both carrying limits, but the stern sits low under a stack of heavy gear. What next?
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Limits and weight distribution both matter. Stern-heavy loading increases the risk of swamping; heavy items belong low and secured (pp. 73–74).
Now on your own
Try a new plan for Port Hacking. You have 90 litres of usable fuel. Answer before reading the solutions.
Under the rule of thirds, what is the planned outward fuel allowance?
You decide to stay out longer than your logged return time. What should you do?
Threatening clouds and whitecaps develop while you are out. What does the handbook advise?
You are boarding a small dinghy for the trip. Which method follows the handbook?