How to Boat: Mastering Boat Maneuvers

Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or recently obtained your boating license and want to hone your skills, our comprehensive guide will help you understand how to execute a series of basic, intermediate, and advanced boat maneuvers. These essential techniques will have you navigating with confidence in no time. 

Basic Maneuvers

Let’s start with the basic maneuvers that every beginner boater needs to learn before hitting the water.

Starting the Boat

Before leaving the slip, execute a series pre-departure checks by ensuring that all passengers are seated, and all required safety gear is onboard, including life jackets. Now you can start the engine. If you are operating an inboard, turn on the ventilation blower. Always check that gasoline and oil levels are sufficient, and that the engine appears to be functioning properly. From there, prepare for a slow departure by releasing the lines and gently moving away from the dock.

Stopping the Boat

Unlike a car, there are no brakes on a boat to bring you to a stop. This means you must plan ahead to perform a stop maneuver. You should first identify the stopping point and reduce speed gradually. Then, shift into neutral as you approach the area you wish to stop at. A reverse thrust will allow you to slow down and come to a complete stop. Reverse thrusts are the closest thing to “brakes” on a boat.

Executing Turns

There are three types of turns that all boaters should be comfortable performing. The first is a gradual turn in which you apply gentle pressure to the wheel in order steer smoothly. The second is a sharp turn which is exactly as it sounds. If you must execute a sharp turn, reduce speed to maintain control and prevent capsizing. The third turn maneuver is counter-steering, in which you steer in the opposite direction to stabilize the boat after performing a turn.

Intermediate Maneuvers

To safely operate a boat, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the intermediate maneuvers listed below. Regardless of whether you're operating a pontoon, center console, bowrider, or sailboat – these techniques will prove useful.

Docking a Boat

A standard approach to docking a boat involves pulling into the dock at a shallow angle (about 20 degrees) while maintaining a slow and controlled speed. Have the lines and fenders ready and assign passengers to handle them if possible. As you near the dock, enter into neutral before shifting to reverse and applying short bursts of power to come to a stop. 

Anchoring a Boat

When anchoring your vessel, location selection is key. We recommend choosing a suitable spot with solid holding ground and plenty of swing room. Lower the anchor while the boat is stopped, then release the anchor line gradually. You should never simply toss your anchor overboard and risk tangling the anchor line. Lastly, gently drive in reverse to set the anchor. For more detailed instructions, check out our 10 Tips for Boat Anchoring.

Man Overboard Recovery

We hope that you’ll never need to use it, however knowing how to rescue a man overboard can be lifesaving. If someone is thrown overboard, alert the other passengers by shouting "MAN OVERBOARD!" and quickly assign a spotter to keep eyes on the person in the water. At this point, throwable flotation device, which is required by law, should be tossed to them if possible. Then, navigate slowly and with caution as you circle back towards the person. Approach from downwind and stop the boat alongside the person for rescue.

Advanced Maneuvers

Now let’s review a series of more advanced boat maneuvers. Mastering these techniques is sure to have you feeling like a qualified captain! 

Pivot Turn

Performing a pivot turn requires you to shift into neutral and turn the wheel as far as you can in the desired direction. From there, alternate between applying short bursts of power forward and reverse to pivot the boat on its axis. You can fine-tune this maneuver by using the wheel and throttle to correct the boat’s position.

Docking Parallel

Anyone familiar with driving a car knows that parallel parking is one of the most difficult parking maneuvers. We’re sorry to share that it’s also tricky to master from a boat. To pull it off, your boat should be parallel to the dock as you approach at a slow speed. Then, turn the wheel away from the dock and apply short bursts of power in reverse to move the stern towards the dock. You’ll continue to alternate between forward and reverse thrusts until the boat is nudged sideways into the desired spot.

Handling Rough Waves

When the water is choppy, reduce your speed to lower the impact of large waves. Be mindful of the angle at which you approach the waves. Angling the hull at a 45-degree angle can minimize jarring motions. You should also adjust the trim to keep the bow up and reduce water intake.

Two-Anchor Method

Some advanced boaters preferred to use a two-anchor method for added stability. To achieve this, set the first anchor as usual. For the second anchor, move the boat 45 to 60 degrees off the first anchor line, then lower it into the water and set it. You’ll form a triangular shape with the two anchor lines and the boat.

Boat with Confidence!

Mastering these boat maneuvers enhances your boating knowledge and ensures safety on the water. Regular practice and adherence to marine safety rules are key. Whether you’re spending the day fishing, cruising the harbor, anchoring in the bay, or docking in a busy marina, these techniques will serve you well.

Keep in mind that Freedom Boat Club members receive free and unlimited training. Our members can work 1:1 with a certified captain to master an array of boat maneuvers at their own pace. You can learn more about the ways in which Freedom Boat Club keeps boating safe by checking out our recent blog. And for non-members seeking additional instruction and safety courses, we recommend registering for a 3-hour on-water course offered by BoatClass.