Boating
TL; Must Specialise; DX/Average;
Defaults: DX-5 or IQ-5.
This is the ability to handle a specific 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.