When leaving the tender it is very important to make sure it is properly secured. When tying to a dock or mooring always use a bowline knot or round turn and 2 half hitches. Always put out and secure a stern anchor when tying to a dock, not only will this prevent the tender from rubbing against the dock but if some one unties your bow lines it will prevent the tender from drifting away.

Check that docks or moorings are clear of sharp objects, although the inflatable pontoons are tough they can be easily punctured, even barnacle growth on dock posts can be sharp enough to puncture a tube.

Always take the kill switch cord with you when leaving the tender. Your local VOYAGE base staff will advise you where it is necessary to padlock the tender to prevent theft.

If landing on a beach make sure there are enough people on hand to pull the tender above the surf line and make allowance for tidal changes. The boat and motor weigh some 244lbs and if left in the surf the water that splashes in will soon increase that weight by a further 50%. Two people would find this very heavy to deal with. Only land on clean sand not rocks or stones. If leaving the beached inflatable unattended secure with the anchor dug well into the sand.

Always make a very careful assessment of the wave conditions before attempting to land on a beach, many people are injured every year by being knocked over in the surf by dinghies. Use a dock if one is available, look for the calmest spot if you are going to land on a beach, if the waves are too big for a safe landing anchor off and swim ashore.

Cut the motor and tilt the engine before getting into too shallow water. The propellor can be damaged even by a sand bottom and the water intakes on the lower end of the shaft can become blocked preventing proper cooling.