Boating

This is the ability to handle a spe-
cific type of small watercraft. For large
vessels that require multiple crewmen
on a “bridge,” use Seamanship (see
Crewman, p. 185) and Shiphandling
(p. 220).
Make a roll to get underway, to
dock, and whenever you encounter a
hazard. If using this skill at default,
also roll when you first enter the boat
– to avoid falling in the water!
You must specialize:
Large Powerboat: Any boat with an
enclosed cabin and an inboard motor.
Includes cabin cruisers, houseboats,
and patrol boats. Defaults: Motorboat-
2, Sailboat-4, or Unpowered-4. This
specialty (only) also defaults to
Seamanship-4.
Motorboat: Any open powerboat –
notably speedboats and any of the
boats used with the Sailboat or
Unpowered specialty when outfitted
with an outboard motor. Defaults:
Large Powerboat-2, Sailboat-3, or
Unpowered-3.
Sailboat: Any small watercraft
moving under sail. Defaults: Large
Powerboat-4,
Motorboat-3,
or
Unpowered-3.
Unpowered: Any small watercraft
that relies on muscle power, whether it
is paddled, rowed, or poled. Includes
canoes, rowboats, and rafts. Defaults:
Large Powerboat-4, Motorboat-3, or
Sailboat-3.
Modifiers: -2 for an unfamiliar boat
within your specialty (e.g., a kayak
when you’re used to a rowboat); -3 or
worse for foul weather, navigational
hazards, etc.