Operating Small Boats: Basic and Advanced Handling

Basic boat handling

Steering

The rudder (or the turning engine on an outboard) pushes the stern to one side, so the bow swings the other way. A boat turns around a point near its middle, so the stern swings wide. Look at the space behind and beside you before turning. Turn early and gently.

Speed and stopping

A boat has no brakes. When you close the throttle it keeps gliding until the water slows it. A heavier boat or higher speed glides further. To stop sooner use a short burst of reverse. Practise in open water to learn how far your boat glides.

Wind and current

Wind pushes the high part of the boat and current moves the whole boat with the water. The boat then drifts sideways. Aim a little into the push (called making allowance), and give extra space near jetties. Near a jetty, approach slowly into the wind or current so you keep control.

Keeping a lookout and giving way

Always look all round and listen. Go at a safe speed for the water, light and traffic. Local water rules apply, but common ideas are: when two boats meet head on, both turn to the right; a boat overtaking keeps clear of the boat it passes; and a small or slow boat keeps well away from big ships. Stay clear of swimmers, divers and fishing nets.

Advanced boat handling

Person overboard

1. Shout "person overboard" and point at them without stopping.
2. Throw a lifebuoy or anything that floats.
3. Turn back towards them and slow down. Keep them in sight.
4. Come alongside slowly, with the person on the side where the wind helps keep the boat off them.
5. Stop the engine when close, so the propeller cannot hurt them, then help them aboard.

Anchoring

Choose a place with the right depth and good holding ground (sand or mud). Slow down, stop, and let the anchor down with the line, not just throw it. Let out line of about five times the depth (more in rough weather) and check the anchor holds by looking at a landmark. To leave, motor up to the anchor and pull it in.

Rough weather and poor visibility

Slow down. Take waves at a small angle on the bow, not side-on. Keep weight low and central, and everyone should wear life jackets. In fog or rain slow right down, use the horn, keep a lookout, and keep to a safe distance from others.

Narrow channels, towing and landing

In narrow channels keep to your side, go slowly, and avoid sudden turns. When towing, use a long strong line and go slowly. To land on a beach, approach slowly and tilt the engine up before the propeller touches the bottom.

Speed, distance and time

One knot is one nautical mile per hour (about 1.85 km/h).

Distance = speed × time, so time = distance ÷ speed. For example, at 6 knots a boat covers 6 nautical miles in 1 hour. A boat needs more distance to stop at higher speed, so slow down near jetties and people.

Key formulas and definitions

• Distance = speed × time (nautical miles = knots × hours)
• Anchor line ≈ 5 × depth (in calm water)
• 1 knot = 1 nautical mile per hour ≈ 1.85 km/h
• S-S-S: Slow near things, Steer early, Stop with a plan

Worked examples

Common mistakes

• Expecting the boat to stop the moment the throttle is closed.
• Turning at speed in a small space, so the stern swings into the jetty.
• Forgetting wind and current when coming alongside, so the boat drifts onto others.
• Leaving the engine in gear near a person in the water.