INSTRUCTIONS FOR DRIVING THE RUBBER BOAT NAVIGATION

CONDUCTING THE RUBBER BOAT: Below are the instructions for safe and easy use when renting a boat to navigate the Tavolara and Molara marine area.

To navigate safely, you must follow some basic rules, such as maintaining at least 150 meters from the coastline. The coastal area may have “semi-submerged rocks,” or rocks just a few centimeters below the water’s surface. To avoid them, it is sufficient to navigate at least 150 meters from the coast. If the rock is farther away, it will be properly marked with a pole and flashing lights.

Navigation within ports and corridors: Navigating inside ports and corridors should not exceed a speed of 3 knots. To achieve 3 knots, simply set the throttle to the lowest speed.

Landing on the beach: It is only possible to approach the beach if there is a launching corridor. Once you have disembarked, the boat must be anchored at least 200 meters from the shore (the 200-meter distance is marked with red buoys). If there is no launching corridor, approaching within 200 meters is prohibited.

DANGEROUS ZONES

Dangerous areas, as indicated on the map on board, are zones with semi-submerged rocks that are particularly dangerous. These can be found among small islands or rocks close to the coast within 100 meters.

PROHIBITED ZONES

Prohibited areas are marked in red on the map, where navigation is forbidden. These include areas along the Tavolara cliffs, behind Tavolara (navigate at least 500 meters away), and around the island of Molarotto. These areas are marked by large yellow buoys. You can also see them on the regulation map of the Tavolara Coda Cavallo Marine Area.

RECOMMENDED ZONES

Recommended zones are beautiful, easily accessible, and safe areas, easily recognizable because they are generally where most boats are anchored. These include: the Molara pools, the coves of Cala Girgolu, and the Tavolara area where the three accessible beaches are located, with a pier for anchoring the rubber boat.

ANCHORING

Anchoring should be done at least 200 meters from the coast and within the protected marine area only on sandy bottoms. The procedure for anchoring is as follows:

1. Identify the imaginary anchoring point, far from other boats or semi-submerged rocks, and 200 meters from the coast.
2. Approach at minimal speed and against the current (you can identify the current by observing other anchored boats, then approach perpendicularly and toward their bow).
3. When you are about 10 meters from the intended anchoring point, put the engine in neutral (DO NOT TURN OFF THE ENGINE). Wait for the boat to naturally reach the correct point; if not, give a small forward thrust and return to neutral.
4. With the boat stopped and the engine in neutral, ensure that the bottom is sufficient for anchoring (not deeper than 15 meters, and sandy). Then, lower the anchor onto the seabed by letting the anchor line slide.
5. When the anchor touches the bottom and the line slows down, release at least twice the length of the boat’s anchor line. Then, secure the line to the cleat or rings provided.
6. After securing the anchor line to the boat, wait for the boat to align with the wind. Ensure it does not interfere with or come too close to other anchored boats. Check for a few minutes to make sure the anchor holds, using fixed reference points along the coast.
7. Once confident that the boat is securely anchored, you can turn off the engine, lower the ladder, and enjoy a swim.

UNANCHORING

The procedure for unanchoring is as follows:

1. Ensure everyone is on board, and no swimmers or divers are in the water nearby.
2. Close the ladder and pull any ropes out of the water. At this point, you can start the engine.
3. Pull in the anchor line until it is vertical on the seabed. With a quick pull, release the anchor from the bottom, then raise the entire line and anchor aboard.
4. Secure the engine and start moving.

When navigating, it is recommended to maintain a planing speed, which means accelerating until the boat levels horizontally in the water and seems to glide. Once this speed is reached, maintain it for a steady pace and reduced fuel consumption.

If you encounter a boat with an underwater marker buoy or flag, maintain a distance of 200 meters.

RIGHT OF WAY

When driving the rubber boat, you must follow the right of way rules. Vessels approaching from your right (starboard) have the right of way. Sailing vessels have the right of way from either side.

NAVIGATING WITH WAVES

When navigating with waves, steer the boat at a 45-degree angle to the waves. Climb the wave’s crest by accelerating, decelerate at the crest, and accelerate again once past it.

If the wind picks up, contact the rental for advice on returning and navigating.

DRIVING THE RUBBER BOAT

Upon receiving the boat, check and ensure all its parts are in good condition and must be returned in the same state. Any missing or damaged parts must be reimbursed by the renter.

THE RUBBER BOAT

Our rental offers different models of rubber boats with various features. All of our boats come equipped with a large sunbathing area at the bow, storage compartments (for bags under the sunbathing area and a more protected one for phones and wallets under the steering wheel), and canopies that can be fixed when the boat is anchored. The aft seating area usually contains a compartment for safety equipment, the boat’s fuel tank, and battery.

THE ENGINE

To operate the boat, the engine is controlled through the throttle and steering wheel. It is IMPORTANT, with the engine running, to ensure the safety lanyard is attached. The throttle has three main settings: forward (press the clutch and move the handle upward), neutral (without pressing the clutch, bring the handle to the center, where it will lock), and reverse (press the clutch and move the handle downward).

Once a gear is engaged (forward or reverse), the more you push the handle (up or down depending on the gear), the faster the boat will go. In neutral, the engine is running but the propeller does not turn.

The steering wheel is used to change the boat’s direction. The bow follows the direction of the wheel (turning right will move the boat right, left will move it left).

For safer driving, it’s better to stand while driving, as this gives a better view. Additionally, in case of backlight or reflection on the water, pay more attention for difficulties in seeing obstacles or semi-submerged rocks.

ROCK AT ISOLA ROSSA

The first semi-submerged rock to watch out for is located between the small island in front of Baia Salinedda beach and the coast. They are connected by a submerged strip of land just a few centimeters underwater.

ROCK AT ISOLA DI PRORATORA

The second and third areas to watch out for are at Punta Coda Cavallo. One is just a few meters from the coast, and the other is between the coast and the island of Proratora, which has areas with shallow depths that can be dangerous for navigation.

ROCK AT ISOLA DI MOLARA

The fourth and fifth dangerous areas are located at the Molara Pools. To avoid the fourth, simply respect the 200-meter distance from the coast when anchoring. To avoid the fifth, navigate keeping the island of Fico on your right.

PLACES TO VISIT BY RUBBER BOAT

Some of the best places to visit within the protected marine area include the coves of Cala Girgolu, where you can see the Turtle Rock, the flat stones, and Cala delle Vacche, where you can anchor for a swim.

Another beautiful location is the Molara Pools, a sandy seabed with a constant depth of 7/8 meters, where anchoring is safe for a swim, maintaining a distance of about 150 meters from the coast.

Tavolara is another wonderful location, the largest island in the area, about 6 km long, with 2 bars, a restaurant, and 3 beaches with services such as sunbeds and umbrellas. You can disembark on the island via a pier where you can anchor your rubber boat. The pier is accessible even to inexperienced users, with assistance available, and there is also a beautiful naturalistic path for a walk.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Safety equipment includes six life jackets, stored in the compartment beneath the sunbathing area. Life jackets must be worn during navigation and have a whistle for acoustic signaling.

Flares and fire extinguishers are stored in a compartment or under the pilot’s seat to protect them from water. The fire extinguisher is used in case of a fire, while flares are used if the boat breaks down and there is no way to contact anyone.

PROBLEMS WITH THE BOAT OR ENGINE

In case of issues with the boat, if the engine won’t start, don’t worry. If the anchor has been lifted, drop it back in the water. If the anchor is still in the water, remain anchored and call the rental company to report your location.

If the issue concerns the boat, such as one of the tubes deflating, call the rental company to report the problem and your location.

If the issue is serious and you are unable to continue, simply drop the anchor, turn off the engine, and call the rental. We will take care of everything.

Driving the rubber boat is easy, but it is important to pay attention and remember the instructions. If you have any doubts, contact the rental company.