Powerboat Handling

POWERBOAT HANDLING

Here are some simple tips for driving a powerboat!

Operators must wear a kill switch cord at all times while the engine is running. The kill switch is a vital piece of safety equipment that could save their lives should they fall away from the controls and occupants of other nearby vessels. Wearing a kill switch is compulsory.

TURNING THE BOAT The ‘pivot point’, or the point at which the boat can pivot on itself is forward of the console (think opposite of a car). When in reverse, the ‘pivot point’ is directly at the engine. This means the boat has a much smaller turning circle when operating in reverse.  

LOW-SPEED MANOEUVRES

Keep one hand on the throttle and one hand on the wheel. This will allow you to use the throttle to assist your steering even when turning the boat in a confined area.  

Steer first, then engage in gear.

Using more throttle on the exit of a turn will encourage the boat to go in a straight line. You don’t need to oversteer! Changing gears: always move into NEUTRAL. Never skip from FORWARD straight into REVERSE (or the other way around), as it will damage the gearbox.  If you think you may bump into something at low speed or run over a line or object in the water, simply stop the boat by pulling out the kill switch.  

STANDING OFF

To ‘stand-off’ another vessel, keep it at idle speed reverse, with the stern pointing towards the wind. Keep your boat between your engine and a sailing dinghy or person in the water.  

DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED

Communicate with vessel occupants that you are increasing speed.  

Apply enough FORWARD power to get the boat onto the ‘plane’ (bow drops & boat accelerates). Trim the engine up a few degrees to prevent the bow from digging into waves (flat water).  

Gradually pull the throttle back to bring the boat to a stop.  

DRIVING IN SWELL / CHOPPY WATER

If driving in swell or choppy water, trim the engine down in the direction of the wind and waves and up when driving with the wind and waves. 

Trimming the engine down will help you steer the boat in high-speed turns. This prevents cavitation (air bubbles around the propeller).