All boats are handled differently but with hands-on practice you can become a proficient in handling your boat.
Learn more about steering, speed, gear shifting and how different hull types can affect how your boat handles. Familiarize yourself with factors you can control, and you’ll be well on your way to a more enjoyable boating adventure.
Placing the shift lever in neutral will not stop the boat. Since a boat does not have brakes, you must learn to judge your speed and maneuver carefully, using the forward and reverse controls to avoid hitting docks and other boats or objects.
Boats with planing hulls are designated to rise up and glide on top of the water when enough power is supplied.
Displacement Mode: A planing hull, when operated at very slow speeds, will cut through the water like a displacement hull.
Plowing Mode: As speed increases, a planing hull will have a raised bow, reducing the operator's vision and throwing a very large wake. Avoid maintaining a speed that puts your boat in plowing mode.
Planing Mode: Your boat is in planing mode when enough power is applied so that the hull glides on top of the water. Different boats reach planing mode at different speeds.
Learn more about specific hull types.
Boat handling also involves making sure your boat is docked safely. Here are some basic tips:
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