Published on : 1st Sept 2006 Article by: Sabrina Chew
		Powerboating with you… Control. Speed. Adrenaline rush. These are the most common things that come to mind when someone mentions the term 'powerboat'. And they will find that they are not wrong. In fact, powerboating encompasses all of that and more. This issue, Bosun's Call brings you into the no-limits world of powerboating - another vibrant community within the SAF Yacht Club.

Powerboat - a speed machine

A powerboat is basically a boat that is propelled through water using generated power. "[It] employs some form of mechanical device to develop horsepower, using steam, electricity, gasoline or diesel fuel. Power is then transferred to the water so that the boat is propelled either forward (ahead) or backward (astern)." (Source: About, Inc.)

Different from a sailboat, which utilises wind power with her sails, a powerboat is dependent on its engine to run.

Powerboat vs. Sailboat

Aside from their physical differences, the powerboat has its own unique characteristics that set it apart from its sailing counterpart. First is difference in speed. A powerboat is usually at least four to five times faster than a sailboat. The speed it offers attracts speed-lovers who enjoy the thrill and excitement of rushing over the waters. William Chua, a veteran boater has this to say: "One of the most exciting things about powerboating is having the control of speed in your hands."

Next, journeys made on a powerboat are vastly shortened given its incredible speed. As many enthusiasts can only pursue their interest on weekends or even once a month, the powerboat provides the ideal time-saving solution. One of them is Lee How Cheng, who travels to Batam occasionally. While it usually takes four hours, the journey can be as long as 12 hours on a sailboat. "When we come here, we only have the weekend to enjoy and sailboats are too time-consuming" he explained.

Me, myself and Mother Nature

A love for the tranquil sea is what moved many powerboaters to take up the hobby. To most, if not all of them, the sea breeze, scenery and interesting trips are the perfect ingredients to cook up a nice and relaxing day away from city life.

Hong Ding Hean, a powerboater and fishing enthusiast prefers to spend as much time as he can out at sea. A recent retiree, he felt that he needed a place to relax, away from the city where it is congested with buildings and cars. "One of the best experiences you can get as a powerboater is to go out when the sea is calm and not choppy. Then as you're drifting out there, play some music and have a drink while you enjoy the golden sunset" he mused.

And there are some who simply crave for the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature again. William feels that powerboating gives him a chance to be "out there and be at one with nature, [and] the sea breeze makes everyone feel very comfortable."

The challenge of the power

Little known to many, powerboating has enough challenges of its own to keep anyone interested. For some, it is the challenge of handling the boat well and not running into sticky situations like an engine breakdown. For others, it is the challenge of finding out new fishing spots on their trips. So what poses a challenge to our SAFYC powerboaters?

"The challenge is to discover all those islands that we've never been before and also to be able to control the boat in dangerous scenarios. For example, if your boat meets obstructions in the water and get stuck, you will need experience to get out of it," William elaborated.

"I think it is to handle the engine and other problems with calmness and precision." Mr Hong agreed.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Powerboat

For those who are thinking whether they would like to take up the sport, our veteran boaters strongly recommend that the following be considered:

Speed: Powerboats go faster than sailboats which, depending on the wind conditions, could take more than 10 hours to reach islands out of Singapore waters.

Skills: Powerboats are easier to control than sailing vessels, but no-less easier to handle given their speed and power. Proper training is essential, and there is nowhere better than SAFYC's very own Powered Pleasure Craft Driving Licence programme!

Maintenance and running costs: Maintenance and storage fees are moderate, but fuel may set you back a fair bit depending on whether it's a diesel or gasoline.

Ultimately, it all boils down to the individual's interest and the usage as well. As How Cheng rationalized, "Most things are like that, if you want to save time, you have to pay."

Tips for fellow powerboaters

As with any piece of machinery, knowledge of technical details really comes in handy, especially if you're stranded all alone out there in the middle of nowhere. Powerboats are no exception. Equipping yourself with the necessary technical know-how ensures that you will be able to get yourself out of tricky situations.

One of the most important equipment to check is the engine itself, for it probably makes the greatest difference between a smooth trip or a five hour drift in no-man's-land. As such, Ding Hean advises that thorough engine checks be done before you launch your boat.

William, a firm believer in always keeping his boat in tiptop condition recommends a weekly routine check on boats. "From the engine sounds, you will know if it is in good condition." Other than the engine, he also referred to the hull and communication devices such as the Very High Frequency radio (VHF) as areas to inspect regularly.

"Maintenance is very important. A lot of boaters only touch the engine when they want to use it. I think that's incorrect. If you maintain your boat regularly, she will work for you willingly when you need her. It's just like taking care of a human being," William reflected.

Powerboating - the healthy way to go!

Some go for it because they like the sea, some prefer the speed and others enjoy the freedom to go wherever they wish. Regardless, there is no doubt that powerboating is a healthy sport that is recommended for all. Ding Hean dittos that sentiment.

"If you can spend $300 on cigarettes every month, you might as well set that sum of money aside for a healthier hobby. When you buy a boat, you're not just purchasing a product, you're buying the good experiences too." Aptly said indeed.