In this session, you'll learn how to hold the position
of your boat near an object in the water for at least a minute within two boat lengths.
You'll learn how to maintain idle speed by using intermittent throttle control
and to bring your boat from idle speed to a complete stop within one boat length.
And you'll learn how to back the boat in a predetermined direction for five boat lengths.
What problems are we trying to avoid?
After maneuvering your boat to a position near an object in the water, not being able
to hold a position relative to the object for any length of time.
Requiring more than three boat lengths to stop your boat from idle speed.
Using excessive throttle in reverse causing the boat to move backwards
or causing passengers and crew to have to hold on.
Shifting awkwardly between gears.
Failing to straighten the helm when in neutral.
Changing your heading more than ten degrees –
or the equivalent of two minutes clock time.
Not maintaining a proper lookout throughout the entire maneuver.
Being unable to maintain control of your boat for four or more boat lengths while moving backwards.
Causing excessive water to come into the boat.
And not maintaining a proper lookout throughout the entire maneuver,
whether holding a position,
coming to a stop,
or backing up.
So, how do we do it right?
Maneuver your boat to a position near an object in the water.
Hold the position relative to the object within fifteen yards for at least one minute
by turning the bow or stern into the wind or current,
whichever has the strongest effect on your boat's movement,
and using the engine to maintain position,
steering as necessary to keep the boat's heading constant.
In windy conditions, it may be easier to position your stern into the wind.
Maintain a proper lookout throughout the entire maneuver.
Next, with your boat operating with the drive continuously in forward gear
and with the boat having forward motion, bring your boat from idle speed
to a complete stop within ten yards
by using intermittent throttle control –
shifting into neutral then briefly into reverse
and back to neutral.
Make sure the helm is turned straight to avoid turning when you shift into reverse.
Shift smoothly
into neutral and reverse.
Maintain a straight heading.
Maintain a proper lookout throughout the entire maneuver.
And finally, maneuver your boat backwards in a predetermined course for one-hundred fifty yards
without losing directional control
by facing the rear of the boat and steering by aiming the stern on the desired course.
Use the wheel to make minor adjustments to correct course deviations.
Anticipate the effects of prop-walk in reverse –
the natural tendency of the boat to turn in one direction
when in reverse based on the direction of propeller rotation.
Take little to no water into the boat by proceeding at a slow speed in reverse.
Make timely helm adjustments to stay in a predetermined course.
Maintain a proper lookout throughout the entire maneuver
with an emphasis on looking backwards.
With practice, you'll be able to hold the position of your boat
near an object in the water for at least a minute within two boat lengths.
You'll also be able to bring your boat from idle speed
to a complete stop within one boat length.
And you'll learn how to back your boat in a predetermined direction for five or more boat lengths.