How to Drive Motorboats
Driving motorboats is not altogether different from driving cars, but there are a few key points to keep in mind. The first and most important is that a boat does not stop the same way a car does. You have to maneuver or slow down by ceasing the forward momentum of the boat rather than simply hitting the brakes.
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Instructions
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Launch the boat into the water, tie up the boat to the end of the dock, and then park your vehicle and trailer.
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Climb aboard the boat and then cast off from the dock. The driver's seat is on the right-hand side. The throttle control is the lever located just to the right of the steering wheel. You should have it set to "0" when the boat is not powered.
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Turn on the boat ignition switch with the throttle set at "0." Pulling back on the throttle causes the boat to move backward, while pushing the throttle forward will cause the boat to move forward. Pull back on the throttle slightly while steering the rudder of the boat away from the dock. Use very little throttle to avoid damage to the boat by striking the dock.
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Turn the boat 180 degrees to face the open water and then push the throttle forward by no more than 1/8 throttle. You will see a series of marker buoys further out in the water. Until you reach those buoys, your speed is restricted. Watch to the left, right and ahead of you for other boats leaving or entering the dock.
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Pass the marker buoys and determine your desired course. Whenever possible, give other boats a wide berth to avoid collision. Push the throttle to half to speed up the boat and get a feel for the speed and control of the boat before attempting to increase speed further.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear glasses on the boat to reduce the glare of the sun from the water.
Take a boating safety course prior to attempting to pilot your boat for the first time, and always wear a life vest while operating a boat.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
