Outboard Boat Driving

An outboard boat is a boat with an engine hanging on the stern of the boat (can have multiple engines). The boat's propeller ("prop") is directly under the engine. On an outboard boat, both the engine and propeller act as the rudder together. To steer on an outboard, the full engine and prop rotate from the stern. The vessel must be making way to steer, and steers when pushed by the propeller. Generally, boats using an outboard engine as propulsion are smaller than those using inboard engines.

FORWARD

• To go forward, engage the throttle in the forward gear. There is a slight delay in the forward movement. But once the momentum gets going, you will reach a consistent speed. 
• In forward, the prop will spin. Generally, vessels with a single outboard engine will have a propeller that spins clockwise when in forward gear.

NEUTRAL

• In neutral sitting still, a vessel's prop will move freely. In this case with no water rushing over it, the prop will not spin. 
• If a vessel has forward or reverse momentum, the propeller will move freely with that momentum.

REVERSE

• To go reverse, the vessel's throttle should be placed in the reverse gear. There is a slight delay in movement of the vessel. But once momentum gets going, it will reach a consistent speed. 
• Relative to forward gear, reverse gear is much less efficient. At the same RPM's, reverse will reach a slower speed than forward. The shape of the vessel along with the propellers contribute to this.
• In reverse, the leading part is the stern. The stern is flat and bulky which increases drag in the water. The propeller is also less efficient in this because the leading edge of the propeller generally has more of a flat angle.
• Generally, in a boat with a single outboard engine, a prop in reverse will spin counter clockwise.

FORWARD

• In an outboard boat, you will steer by turning the full engine and propeller at the stern of the boat.
• In forward, the engine/prop is turned to your desired direction and you will feel an immediate reaction. 

NEUTRAL

• In neutral sitting still, you can turn the engine/prop all you want. Nothing will happen.
• If you are drifting in forward, depending on your speed, you will turn. The faster your drifting speed, the more responsive turning is.
• If drifting forward at 5 knots, you will still be able to control the vessel some. But drifting at 1 knot, you will not get much response. 

REVERSE

• In reverse, you will steer by turning the full engine and propeller at the stern of the boat. 
• The reaction time is just as immediate as in forward.

• Boats do not have brakes.
• To stop a boat from moving forward, the boat must move from forward to neutral first. This will slow down some momentum, but it will take time. Depending on your speed, you want to judge how long to stay in neutral before you put the engines into reverse. 
• The faster you are going, the longer you should wait before you put the gears into reverse. If you are at high speeds and go straight from forward to neutral to reverse in less than a few seconds, you are at risk of engine failure. 
• Make sure to take off as much momentum as possible in neutral before moving to reverse. 

• To dock, you will take the driving information above and put it all together.
• Time and experience can perfect your docking comfort and ability. Of course, the more you do it, the more comfortable you are.
• Perfect conditions can help you understand the theory of docking. As wind and current are applied, you will need to adjust accordingly.