Absolute Power
Barbara Unger

My boating experience began as a child in Ohio. My relatives own a small marina on theRocky River, which empties into Lake Erie. In the 1960s, my grandfather and three uncles ran the marina operations and offered fishing charters on two 55-foot steel hull fishing boats - The Mary K and the Helen K. When they needed time off, my dad would captain the charters. Many times he took me along as "First Mate." Once anchored, I'd help sell pop and chips while my dad was busy selling minnows from the large aerated tank in the middle of the boat and cleaning the passengers' fish. With wooden folding chairs lining the sides of the boat, I'd take my seat on the starboard side close to the helm station. Dad instructed me on how to perch fish. He is very good at it, although he never got the chance on the charters. I would drop my line down until it hit the bottom, then reel in five cranks. Then I'd wait. It didn't take long before I would feel a bite. Reacting instinctively, I'd pull back on the pole and start cranking. The mostly male fishermen
were amazed at how easily I would catch perch. I don't know if it was because of my age
or because I was a girl, but I sure enjoyed the attention and their help getting the fish off
my line.

On Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, all my relatives gathered for a day of fun in the sun. Picnic tables were placed on the open deck area of the boat and coolers full of food and beverages were everywhere. My cousins and I would tie string onto plastic toy boats and let them "cruise" in the wake behind the real boat. After watching fireworks, swimming and picnicking all day, I would usually fall asleep very contented. My bed was fashioned with a sleeping bag placed on the large dashboard of the boat's windshield for the cruise back to the marina. The sound of the engines lulled me to sleep. I still love that sound. My relatives still own the marina, but sold the boats when fishing in Lake Erie declined. I am pleased to mention that today Lake Erie is thriving again.

When I was in my 20s, I began boating with friends who owned various types of boats. I never felt safe. The owners of these boats didn't follow basic safety, rarely knew how to read a chart or dock the boat, and were usually consuming large quantities of alcohol.

Perhaps it has happened to you. You don't know where you're going, how long you'll be gone, or what the facilities are. Then you realize after you're underway that the person in charge doesn't have a clue. I came to feel boating was terrifying and stifling.

Years later, when I met a man who owned a boat, it took a lot of convincing to get me on his boat- away from the dock. I was fine as long as we sat on the boat at the dock. It wasn't until I realized he and his friends were knowledgeable, safe and sober skippers that I relaxed a little. Even then we took only short boat rides away from the marina until
I was ready to cruise any distance.

More women than ever are involved in boating. Some enjoy the sport with a partner, while others are owner-operators of pleasure or charter boats. As with life, women often have a different approach to the sport than men do. The intent of this book is to help you embrace the sport, from a woman's point of view.

Taking a safe boating course through the Coast Guard Auxiliary gave me the confidence to embrace boating again. I have learned and experienced a lot over the years and plan to continue exploring different types of waterways and boats. I hope you will too.


Nautical Terminology


Too often women gain their knowledge of boating from the partners who introduce them to the sport. Often these women lose interest in the sport because they never feel comfortable.


Over the years I've observed that women approach boating differently than men. While understanding safety, navigation, weather and seamanship is very important, many women also find themself responsible for preparing meals, keeping the boat clean and organized, and packing for herself and family. All these responsibilities can be overwhelming.

Boating should be a participation sport. The captain is responsible for the safety of the crew and vessel. The first mate should be ready to assist in that duty. If you are new to the sport, taking a safe boating course through the Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadron will empower you. Fears will diminish once you have the knowledge you need.

Creating a comfortable environment aboard a boat will usually be the first mate's responsibility. This comes easily with a little organization and an understanding of what essentials are needed, how the boat functions, boating etiquette, and how to conserve the precious space you have.

This book is a lifestyle guide to help you gain the confidence to enjoy the sport and begin to use the boat as a place to relax, entertain and vacation.

Certainly there is much more to learn than this book provides. Numerous books are available with in-depth information on the technical aspects of the sport. My intention is to make you familiar with the basics in terms you will relate to.

I believe you will find the boating community filled with wonderful people, places and adventure. So I encourage you to embrace the sport and let the adventures begin.