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Basic Powerboat Maneuvers Videos

Us powerboating provides a variety of resources to help boaters educate themselves. below are a series of videos and animations that depict some of the on-the-water maneuvers all boaters should be able to perform..

After checking an area, approach the anchoring spot slowly, heading into the wind or current, whichever is stronger. Stop the boat and lower the anchor over bow- do not throw it.

The end of the rode should be attached to the boat before releasing the anchor. Let out the anchor line as the boat drifts downwind. If the wind has too little effect, back the boat very slowly while letting the line run out freely. Avoid backing too fast, which could cause the anchor to bounce along the bottom.

When a scope of 5:1 has been let out, wrap the line around the bow cleat and reverse slowly against it until it becomes taut.

Moorings typically have a large buoy that is attached to an anchor on the bottom with chain. The driver should approach the mooring with it on his side of the boat to keep it in sight throughout the maneuver. Approach at minimum control speed from a position downwind of the buoy, or down current if stronger. Shift into neutral. Use reverse if needed to stop boat. Pick up and secure mooring pennant.

When backing up into the wind or downwind, use minimum control speed. When backing towards the wind the combination of windage and pivot point will help you hold course. It may be more difficult to maintain your course when backing downwind.

If the bow falls off too much you will loose steering control. Before this happens, shift to forward gear and bring the boat back on course. Then back up again with perhaps a slight steering correction to compensate for the wind’s effect.

To master this important maneuver you need to be aware of how your powerboat steers and reacts to changes in throttle and gearshift in different wind and current conditions. Place fenders at dock level and prepare dock lines before making the final approach. Be sure everyone knows what to do with the dock lines.

Come alongside the dock with the bow pointing into the wind or current, whichever is stronger. Approach the dock slowly at a 25 to 45 degree angle and use intermittent power to maintain minimum control speed.

When the bow is 1/2 to one boat length from the dock, make a smooth turn to bring the boat almost parallel to the dock by turning the wheel and briefly shifting into forward. Then shift to neutral. Turn the wheel toward the dock and briefly shift to reverse to bring the stern in as the boat stops.

To avoid a possible collision with a submerged object or another boat it maybe necessary to stop your boat quickly. To be able to respond promptly, keep one hand on the throttle and the other on the steering wheel at all times. All occupants should be in their seats and have a secure grip on the boat. As a boat rolls in a tight turn, it always slides sideways. There is a risk in some boats of the boat’s wake coming over the transom. To avoid this flooding problem, reduce throttle to idle rpm. Make a 90-degree turn. Shift into neutral.

The key to holding position is to anticipate boat drift and make small, gentle corrections early rather than large powerful corrections late. There are two methods for holding position: Bow into Waves, and Stern into Waves.

Since the bow will usually have a tendency to turn away from the wind, you will have to compensate for this by periodically shifting into forward gear and making slight steering corrections to bring the bow back into the wind. Because the bow wants to turn downwind, it is usually easier to hold position with the stern into the wind, provided the waves don’t come over the transom.

Backing away from a dock usually offers the best maneuvering control. It also avoids a problem inherent to forward departures when the boat starts to turn and its stern swings into the dock, preventing the boat from departing cleanly.

Start by turning the wheel away from the dock, which rotates the propeller away from the dock. Shift into reverse, the stern swings away from the dock as the boat backs away. To avoid scraping the bow against the dock, make your turning angle slight.

When clear of the dock, turn the wheel in the opposite direction to bring the boat parallel to the dock. Center the wheel, pause briefly in neutral while counting 1-2-3, then shift to forward.

Minimum control speed is the slowest speed at which you can operate and still maintain steering control. Typically, this is less than the speed produced when the engine is in gear and the throttle is set at idle rpm, and is accomplished by the use of intermittent power.

With the throttle at idle rpm, shift from neutral to forward and back to neutral. This produces a short, gentle pulse of power to maintain steering control. Repeat this technique to keep the boat under control and moving slowly.

If a person falls overboard, immediately swing the stern and propeller away from the person in the water. Shout “Crew Overboard!” and throw buoyant objects such as cushions and life rings toward the person. Assign a spotter. Designate someone to point to the person. Maneuver the boat into a position downwind.

Approach slowly using intermittent power, bow first pointing into the wind and waves with the person in the water on the driver’s side. Shift into neutral and coast to the person. When contact is made, shut off the engine. Attach the person to the boat using a looped line. Assist the person to get back into the boat.

Use a pivot turn to turn your boat in a confined area. Starting at rest, turn the wheel hard over and shift into gear at idle rpm to initiate the pivot turn. Shift into neutral and turn the wheel hard over in the opposite direction, while counting 1-2-3. Shift into reverse at idle rpm to continue the turn, and repeat the steps until the boat has completed the turn.

Capsize Rescue – Centerboard Push

Before initiating a centerboard push rescue, ensure that the sailors are safely in the safety-rescue boat. Begin by grabbing the centerboard of the sailboat and push downward until the boat comes upright. As the boat begins to come upright, grab the gunwale and shroud to complete the righting process. The sailors may now re-enter the sailboat.

Capsize Rescue – Mast tip Lift

The mast tip lift method can be used when the sailors are still in the water. Using minimum control speed, slowly approach from a direction forward of the mast. This keeps the powerboat from running over the mainsail and avoids interference with the sail as the boat comes upright.

Make contact near the top of the mast and turn off the engine. If the mast tip is submerged too far below the water to reach, approach the boat perpendicular to the forestay, grab the forestay or shroud and walk hand over hand up the mast. Lift the mast tip and move hand over hand down the mast and shroud to bring the boat upright.

Towing another boat alongside is often used when bringing a disabled boat into a dock. The towboat should be positioned so that its propeller is far enough aft of the other boat’s stern to turn the tow in either direction.

Fenders should be rigged between the boats to prevent damage. Tie the boats together tightly using bow, stern and spring lines, so there is no movement between them. If a line is slack, it will reduce the maneuverability of the tow.

When coming alongside a dock, approach it at minimum control speed with the other boat on the dockside.

Boating Knots

Knots are essential to every boater. Below you will find a series of instructional videos that will help you tie some of the more common knots used while boating.

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Welcome to Powerboating Adventures! If you're interested in detailed walkthroughs of powerboats, including Jeanneau Powerboats, then you have come to the right place! Follow Bob and Nicky here and on YouTube and watch as they measure berths, investigate each hatch and cupboard and highlight every aspect of onboard technology. We leave nothing uncovered!

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Jeanneau Powerboat Dealers

BHG Marine, The Shipyard, Bath Road, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 3YL

Tel: Sales : 01590 613600 | Parts : 01590 613603

Daniel Yeates at BHG Marine provided us with a superb service when we bought our Merry Fisher 895 Offshore from BHG Marine. Daniel answered our every question and provided us with all the knowledge we needed to make informed decisions on buying our dream boat!

BHG Marine are part of the Berthon Boat Company group. Situated within Berthon Lymington Marina on the Lymington River, they have a wealth of services and facilities within their 18-acre site.

Visit their sales office and showroom to see a wide range of new and used powerboats and yacht tenders. Specialising in Jeanneau powerboats, Zodiac and AB RIBs, inflatables and yacht tenders, Linder aluminium boats, Yamaha outboard engines, davit systems, Propguards, Rigiflex and much more.

Boatshop 24

Boatshop24 is a good website for finding, buying and selling new and used powerboats available in the UK.

Start your search for new and used boats or create your boat advert in a few simple steps.

Cambrian Boats

Morgan marine

L H Morgan & Sons (Marine) Ltd The Boatyard, Shipyard Estate Brightlingsea COLCHESTER Essex CO7 0AR

Tel: 01206 302003

Morgan Marine are a distributor of Jeanneau motor boats (including Merry Fisher, NC, Cap Camarat and DB), Excel inflatable Boats and Highfield Aluminium RIBs; plus outboard engines. They also stock a wide range of used boats, including affordable fishing boats, sportsboats, yachts and RIBs. View their ranges of new boats or their wide selection of used boats.

Motor Boat Articles

Guide to buying a motor boat.

Safety Equipment for Powerboats.

Guide to choosing Trim Tabs or Interceptors.

Review of the Merry Fisher 895 Offshore Powerboat.

Our 6 favourite Boating Apps.

Mindlefullness through boating.

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Our Articles

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Guide to buying a Motor Boat

Boats are categorised according to their sea capabilities. For example, our old Merry Fisher 795 was a Cat C boat, suitable for staying in coastal waters and waves no more than 2 metres high. By contrast, our Merry Fisher 895 Offshore is a Cat B boat and is suitable for venturing offshore and waves no more than 4 metres high.

Where do I look to decide on a boat I like?

Initially, we searched online for boating publications and dealers and narrowed our search by visiting nearby marinas to physically look at different types of boat. You may want to visit boat shows to speak to experts and shop around. Once we decided on the type of boat we liked, we visited dealers that had the boat for sale and had a good look inside. We then sought the cheapest deal amongst several dealers!

Once you have established your dealer it is important to develop a strong relationship with them as this will help to ensure nothing is overlooked and all of your questions are answered.

Do you want an enclosed or open cabin?

You may just want to use your boat in better weather and not opt for an enclosed cabin. Our boat has an enclosed cabin and with heating on board, it is very comfortable and warm when it’s freezing outside.

Will you use your motor boat mainly for leisure or fishing?

Some boats are better equipped for fishing and vice versa. For example, in Jeanneau’s Merry Fisher range of boats the Marlin is better adapted for fishing. Other boats have more areas for lounging on cushions outside.

Do I choose a new or used boat?

If you are buying a new boat you have the option of buying direct from a manufacturer or via an authorised dealer or agent. If the manufacturer is not based in your country then it is likely that they will have a local agent you can contact.

You should always ensure that you receive a builder's certificate, and that the boat is built and equipped to Boat Safety Scheme standards. You should always make sure that sea trials are included as part of any contract you sign as it is important that you try the boat before you buy it.

When buying a used boat you can either do so using a broker or through a private sale. Whichever option you choose it is important that you go for a number of viewings and look out for things such as, indentations in the hull, oil leaks, damage to the propellers and rudder, signs of corrosion on metal hulls and signs of damp. Find out as much as you can about the boat before you make an offer, such as the history of the boat, outstanding mortgages, how long the boat has been for sale, and whether it has been in any accidents. Once you have done your visual inspection and background checks it is vital that you partake in a sea trial to see how the boat actually runs and handles.

Once you have narrowed down your search and found a number of motor boats you are interested in you should arrange viewings and get a surveyor to inspect each vessel, including the hull. If any works are required on a boat you can either insist the work is done and paid for by the vendor or have the price reduced accordingly. If the vendor does not agree to these options you can withdraw from the sale and have your deposit returned.

What costs do I need to consider?

Once you've identified the type of boat you'd like based on your budget, you will want to consider the cost of additional boat specifications, boat extras, delivery of the boat, boat insurance, boat survey (if required), mooring or marina fees, fuel costs, engine servicing costs, safety equipment (life raft, life jackets, tender etc), maintenance costs (cleaning and re-painting of hull) and toys, such as towables and paddleboards.

What training and qualifications will I need?

The type of training and qualifications required will vary according to your own geographical location, use of boat and type of boat. In the UK, leisure boat users are required to be trained in the use of the VHF Radio if it is carried onboard. For equipment capable of voice transmissions a maritime radio operator licence (such as the Short Range Certificate (SRC) is usually required for the operator. We opted to do a Power Boat course and online Seamanship course as well, which we found invaluable. The RYA run these courses and qualifications in the UK. There are different requirements for the commercial use of boats.

Safety Equipment for Powerboats

What safety equipment will i need.

The type of safety equipment that is required by law will vary according to your own country. Here, we provide a comprehesive list of safety equipment that you should consider for your powerboat...

Lifejacket (or buoyancy aid) for everyone onboard.

Kill cord and spare for your type of engine (as they vary).

Marine Radio (VHF).

Distress Flares.

Radar Reflector

Chart(s), Almanac and Pilot Book.

Hand Bearing Compass.

First Aid Kit.

Space Blanket.

Liferaft and Grab bag.

Fire Extiguisher/Fireblanket.

Bailer, Bilge Pump, Bungs for water ingress.

Toolkit and spares for engine and electrics.

Spare fuel.

Knife (for cutting caught lines).

Pump and puncture repair kit (for inflatable boats).

Anchor and cable/warp.

Alternative means of propulsion for smaller boats (oars, outboard engine etc).

Mobile Phone (and waterproof case).

Mooring Lines and Fenders.

Chartplotter and Depth Sounder.

Hat and warm/dry clothing.

Trim Tabs or Interceptors?

A guide to choosing trim tabs or interceptors..

Trim tabs and interceptors are designed to improve the performance of your motor boat by correcting uneven weight distribution, enabling the boat to get on the plane quickly and improving speed and stability.

How do trim tabs and interceptors work?

Trim tabs are metal plates that push down from the back of the transom, creating an upward force to raise the aft end of the boat while pushing down the bow. Tabs can be adjusted between port and starboard to help a boat run level despite an uneven weight load or listing.

Conversely, interceptors are blades that sit inside a thin housing mounted to the edge of the transom and deploy vertically, pushing straight down just below the bottom of the boat to create lift. Multiple units can be mounted along a transom to increase the amount of lift.

Pros and Cons of trim tabs and interceptors.

Trim tabs are bigger than interceptors and can cause more ‘drag’, which makes them less efficient. On the other hand, interceptors are deployed more quickly, making them more efficient.

As interceptors are actuated from a thin housing unit, they do not ‘stick out’ like trim tabs and don’t get in the way of lines or swimmers’ hands and feet.

Your choice between trim tabs or interceptors may come down to cost. Indeed, trim tabs are cheaper than interceptors.

Our move from Trim Tabs to Interceptors.

On our old Jeanneau Merry Fisher 795 we had trim tabs fitted, which we adjusted manually. Once we learnt to get the best out of them, we found that they improved the boat’s stability and fuel economy and getting on the plane was quick and easy.

By contrast, on our Jeanneau Merry Fisher 895 we had interceptors (Zipwakes) fitted, which work automatically. Their automation makes for plane sailing and the boat’s performance, speed, stability and fuel economy are taken care of without us having to think about it as we enjoy our journey. We think interceptors work more efficiently and ‘look’ much better than trim tabs. For these reasons, we prefer interceptors.

However, we would say that it would be worth you taking a boat with interceptors fitted out for a sea trial before making your choice.

Take a look at our Powerboating Adventures YouTube Episode that shows you how the Zipwake Interceptor system works on our boat.

Merry Fisher 895 Review

A review of the merry fisher 895 offshore powerboat..

This review is based on our personal experience of owning a Merry Fisher 895 and we hope that you find it useful if you’re in the market for buying a boat.

Performance.

With twin Yamaha F200 GETX engines we get onto the plain very quickly and at around 4000rpm we travel at around 21 knots. We have done a performance and speed test video, which you can view here on our YouTube Channel.

Here, we can offer you some fuel consumption data we collected. We recorded the distance in nautical miles of each of our trips and calculated the amount of fuel used (petrol) in litres per nautical mile. During these trips, we travelled in both calm and rough seas and at various states of tide. Here are some of the figures – the total distance covered at the time of writing was 187.2 nautical miles and the average number of litres used per nautical mile was 2.77. The price of petrol will obviously vary according to your location, but for us based on these figures, the total cost of petrol was £622.08.

The top speed of the Merry Fisher 895 with twin 200hp engines is around 37 knots, we are yet to test the boat in this respect, but the sweet spot of between 21 and 24 knots gives you a very comfortable ride!

Striking Features.

The large windows in the cabin make it exceptionally light inside and you get a good sense of openness and space. The large windows give you outstanding views onto the water.

The side door in the cabin provides great access to the forward and rear decks. We have found this especially helpful when docking and mooring the boat.

The heads are a good size and you can stand up with enough headroom to comfortably move around. The shower behind the door is a great added extra!

The ample storage compartments on the Merry Fisher 895 mean that you can stow away all your equipment. We keep our dinghy, fishing equipment and fenders in the lazarette (storage locker) below the cockpit, leaving the decks clear!

The sleeping space in both bedrooms is good and the views onto the water from the main bedroom are spectacular!

The height of the galley makes cooking easier as you don’t have to bend down as much as you would with some galley set ups.

The boat feels pretty stable when we have been in waves of around 1.7 to 2.00 metres and your height above the water adds to the overall feeling of stability. The Offshore version of the 895 has a strengthened hull giving it offshore capability. I always keep this in mind when we are going through choppy water and I can hear and feel the boat crashing through the waves!

Take a look at our Powerboating Adventures YouTube Episode that gives you a very detailed walkthrough of the Merry Fisher 895 Offshore.

Our Favourite Boating Apps

A list of our favourite boating apps..

Boating Apps can provide a wealth of information for boaters, such as weather forecasts, tide times, anchorage points to name but a few. As signals can be lost at sea, you shouldn't solely rely on your mobile phone for this information. Nevertheless, we have put together a list of 6 boating apps that we have found very useful!

1. Predict Wind

Predict Wind (the free version) provides weather patterns, wind speed, wind direction and much more. The paid version has a weather routing service that enables you to plan the best passage according to the weather forecast and sea conditions. We have found this app to be very accurate and we can see when a storm is coming or when it’s going to be calm seas!

Windy is another excellent app that provides the following information at a glance... wind speed, wind direction, air temperature, currents speed, swell size, swell period, tide heights and a lot more! We like the apps’ interface that allows you to see all of this information at a glance. This app has also proven to be very accurate.

3. My Tide Times

My Tide Times gives you the times of daily low and high tides and their respective heights. We have found this app great for a quick visual reading of the tide.

4. RYA SafeTrx app

The RYA SafeTrx app (UK) monitors your boat journeys and can alert emergency contacts should you fail to arrive on time. It is an app for both Android and Apple iOS smartphones that allows you to track your journey on your phone. Since RYA SafeTrx periodically sends your location data back to a dedicated server, HM Coastguard's response team can get help directly to you, and quickly.

Navily maps out anchorage sites and gives you information about the site, such as seabed type (e.g. sand), access (by dinghy) to beach, snack bars, mooring buoys and much more!

6.Marine Traffic

MarineTraffic displays near real-time positions of ships and yachts worldwide. Using the largest network of land-based AIS receivers, the app covers most major ports and shipping routes.

Mindlefullness Through Boating

Boating your way out of stress.

Boating could be one of the best ways to relax as we navigate the turbulent journey of life's stresses. What better way to unwind by tinkering with your boat, admiring the scenery of the open water and engaging in watersports.

We all need that sense of freedom and open water gives you that in abundance. Whether you rent or own a boat you can enjoy taking to the water for a day out or a staycation.

The need to nurture our mental health has never been greater because of the issues the pandemic caused and the cost of living crisis. Our thoughts and feelings could do with being drenched in beautiful scenery, marine wildlife and messing about in boats.

Many people will be substituting their holiday abroad with a staycation because of the cost of travelling abroad. What could be better than being self-sufficient in a boat with picnics, taking a dip in warmer weather and relaxing whilst moored in a pretty setting. Or indeed, undertaking activities like fishing, paddle boarding, water skiing, fun with towables and snorkelling.

The peace and tranquillity that boating can bring should not be underestimated at a time when we need distraction from our worries!

Here are some comments from our boating community that highlight the increasing popularity of boating your way out of lockdown.

‘Here in the US, boating was huge last summer. Sales of new boats were also way up. A "staycation" with a boat rocks!’

‘A few states had boating lockdowns, mine (South Carolina) closed boat ramps, piers, and even beach access. This excluded commercial fishing and people with private docks/lifts/ramps. Once it was lifted, boat sales were crazy. Whole dealerships completely sold out for the year, in May.’

‘Marinas, mechanics, and dealers have had their best years ever. The marina I keep my boat at, now has a 60 person wait list and we only hold 75 boats. Aside from marinas with a bridge clearance of less than 4ft, there isn't a single open slip on the lake. It was a godsend to have a boat and a slip this past summer. I used my boat more than ever!’

I rest my case!

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Merry Fisher 895 Offshore

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Father and son jump to safety as power boat slices through their kayak - and doesn't stop

Washington cops have arrested a 20-year-old man in connection with the hit and run incident

A father and son who were kayaking at a popular beauty spot in Washington state have told how they were forced to leap to safety moments before a power boat drove into them.

After a week-long investigation, Thurston County Sheriff’s Office in Washington has arrested a 20-year-old man, who is suspected of driving a power boat through the two-person kayak , almost slicing it into two pieces.

The incident happened in Puget Sound, at Carlyon Beach, on the Totten Inlet side of the tip of the Steamboat Island peninsula earlier in Augus. Police finally arrested a suspect on Friday following eye witness accounts.

“A power boat had collided with a kayak, leaving its two occupants floating in the water,” said the Sheriff’s Office in a Facebook post. “The operator of the power boat, who was alone, continued on without stopping to assist. Thanks to a detailed description of the boat, our boating deputies were able to track it down. The boat was owned by the operator’s employer, who cooperated fully with the investigation. The suspect has been located and is now facing criminal charges.”

The kayakers involved were Philip Hill and his son Adam, who were paddling to Hope Island when they saw a power boat heading for them. As they recount in an interview with KING 5 Seattle (video below) they waved their bright yellow paddles to alert the power boat driver, and refuse to believe he wouldn’t have been able to spot them or their bright red kayak.

But the boat continued towards them and they had to bail, leaping into the water as the power boat ploughed through the kayak, almost breaking it in two.

“You can kind of see a couple of the spots where the propeller hit,” says Adam, showing the damage to the kayak in the video, which shows one end of the craft hanging off. “It split through it entirely.”

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And while it’s been more than a week since the potentially fatal collision, Adam says, "Physically, we're fine – mentally, still messed up.”

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