How to Steer an Outboard Motor
An outboard motor is an engine that is fitted to the back of a small boat to propel it through the water. Modern models use a clamping system to hold them in place, and are easy to install and remove. As well as providing forward motion, outboard motors are designed to steer the vessel they're attached to in the desired direction. They are controlled by a tiller protruding from the engine that faces into the boat.
Instructions
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1
Move your boat away from the shore and check that you aren't near to any rocks or debris that could damage your motor once it's started.
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2
Make sure that the motor's gear is in neutral before starting the it. The gears -- forward, reverse and neutral -- are controlled by rotating the handle of the tiller to the left or the right on some models. Ensure the handle is in a central position if this applies to yours. On other motors, the gears are controlled by a switch on the side of the engine with the central position being neutral.
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3
Release the choke and pull the throttle to start the engine. You may need to pull the throttle a number of times before it starts.
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4
Return the choke and allow the motor to warm up for 60 seconds.
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5
Rotate the handle of the tiller to the left to move forward. Keep pressure applied to the handle to maintain forward momentum. If your motor has a gear switch on the side of its engine, move it to the forward position before rotating the tiller's handle.
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6
Drag the tiller to the right to move the boat to the left.
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Drag the tiller to the left to move the boat to the right.
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8
Push the tiller to an acute angle in either direction to turn 180 degrees.
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Tips & Warnings
Always ride directly into any waves. You risk capsizing if the force of a wave meets the side of your boat.
