Big 3 Factors Affecting Boat Control

Factors Affecting Boat Control

We'll next address your controls, and then the key dynamics of the boat in response to your controls. After that, we'll take the boat for a spin around the harbor and docks. First, the controls.
Know Your Controls
Your boat has a wheel for steering and a throttle for power and direction.

Engine Control

If you have a single-engine there usually will be one control. Today, most boats employ a single lever to control both transmission and throttle.
By moving the lever forward, forward gear is engaged and power is applied. Initially, power is at idle speed steadily increasing as the lever is moved farther forward. Conversely, moving the lever sternward from the neutral position engages reverse gear at idle speed increasing as the lever is moved rearward.

Neutral is usually indicated by a tactile "detent" between forward and reverse gears.
With the latest electronic controls, shifting is effortless and may lead to not appreciating when the boat is now in gear. It's very important that you get the feel for the detent so you know when you are in neutral. With mechanically-linked engine controls, the transition into gear of often associated with a "clunk" as the engine engages. Still, knowing when you are in neutral is essential. It's that quiet slot between forward and reverse clunks. Usually, there is some tactile detent but you need to be careful to feel for it.
On some older boats, there are two levers: one for gear and the other for throttle. With these, knowing whether the transmission is in neutral is easier, but dealing with two levers for one engine takes practice.
On twin-engine boats, there are two identical sets of controls: one for the port engine and one for the starboard engine. You should practice with the throttle control while the boat is securely attached to the dock to get a feel for its action and the neutral detent.

Intermittent Power

As indicated earlier, you can proceed more slowly than at idle speed by applying intermittent power. A good technique is to first ensure your rudder is properly positioned and then shift into gear at idle power for a 3-count (1-2-3) and then shift back to neutral. If idle power does not achieve the desired result, you may need to increase the power for the short interval then return to neutral. Boats can be heavy and it sometimes takes a little "goose" to get them moving, but never for more than a very short interval in close quarters; otherwise, bad things can happen. Once the boat is moving, it takes less effort to keep it moving. Observe the boat's movement and decide to repeat as necessary, or to apply steering while still in neutral. By so doing, you can slowly maneuver your boat in whatever direction you choose. Remember, all steering actions should be implemented while the engine is in neutral. This includes returning the wheel to the neutral (straight ahead) position. If conditions, such as wind, inhibit your intended action, you may need to briefly apply slightly greater power during your 3-count.

Rudder Management

Clearly, knowing the position of the rudder is essential before applying power. An easy way to do that is by turning the wheel from lock (full left or right) to the opposite lock and counting the number of turns to get there.
By dividing by two, you will know approximately how many turns will be required to return to the neutral position. When turning in close quarters you usually will use the rudder either full to port or to starboard for your short interval of applied power. This gives maximum turning and minimum forward or sternward motion. M.•hen you want to return the rudder to its neutral position, simply count half of the lock-to-lock turns and you will be there.
If you have an outboard, you can check the drive's position by observing the engine orientation. However, this requires you to divert your attention sternward. On the other hand, if you have an inboard or inboard-outboard drive you cannot see the rudder or drive lower unit. In any case, a technique for knowing the steering position is essential.
Some boaters will add a spinner to the wheel to help with turns and identifying the neutral position. Alternatively, there are devices that monitor the rudder position and even a simple one that mounts on the wheel's hub to count turns and indicate rudder position.

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