Boating Basics: How To Steer a Powerboat | BoatUS

If you're a new boat owner or just learning boat handling skills, this video will teach you the basics of steering a boat, particularly a planing outboard. BoatUS Magazine's Lenny Rudow explains how boat steering works and gives you some tips for how to steer a powerboat most effectively. He covers how to make turns, both while at planing speeds and at low rpms. Lenny covers some safety issues, like letting your passengers know when you're going to speed up or turn suddenly. He also shows you how small movements of the wheel can have big effects. He explains the difference between steering an outboard and an inboard with a a rudder. And he teaches you how to properly steer for easier maneuvering while docking. Learn more about better boat control at www.boatus.com...
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[@Michael-vt9cz]

Excellent tip about slow speed maneuvering- using neutral to change thrust direction before applying power.

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Michael! Glad you found it useful.

[@alecharper515]

Nice! Wife instructed me to watch a video...

[@boatus]

Your first mate is a smart cookie! If you haven't already done so, be sure to take the BoatUS Foundation's FREE online boating safety course (www.BoatUS.org/Free). It meets boating education requirements in 36 states. Plus we have tons more helpful how-to boating videos for skippers of all levels right here on KZbin. Looks like you've been watching a few!

[@benjigans1419]

I'd like to see more about docking a twin outboard v-hull

[@boatus]

Search our channel for docking videos. We have lots of different ones that should help. I will put it on our future shoot list for consideration in case we're missing one though.

[@stevenphamm]

Appreciate the insight, tips, and advice. About to be a new boat owner soon...

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching!

[@lincoln537]

I am about to get my license and this is amazing! Subscribed!

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, and glad you found it helpful. Be sure to check out our "boating quick start playlist" for more helpful boat-handling how-tos and others (kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKm2epuejapkd9k). Here's to a great fun and safe season ahead!

[@lincoln537]

​@@boatus You guys are legends. Awesome videos, all instructions are clear, straight to the point and I am already watching them! Cheers and again thank you for your warm wishes and amazing content! Appreciate it

[@boatus]

@@lincoln537 You are so welcome!! Thanks for making our day!

[@carldea]

Mr. Lenny, Love your videos, I sometimes come back to some of your older videos to better understand things as a new boater. Not sure if you have a video about reverse, but could you do another video on steering in reverse from a dock? (outboard preferably) -Carl

[@boatus]

Thanks for your kind note, Carl. We may already have a video in our library that will give you the info you are looking for. Check out the vids here: kzbin.info/aero/PLSrVa8gUFaPzjJwQSx3UMnqpyse4m9D9w If you're looking for info on how to leave a slip, like at a gas dock, when you have boats ahead of and behind you, do a search on our channel for "springing off." This is a great technique to help you get out of a tough spot. Also great if the wind is pushing you against the dock. If neither of these suggestions help you, let us know and give us a bit more info so we can either point you to the right video or put the topic on our list for future consideration.

[@Captdal]

Great info for newbe

[@adriancleveland4838]

Sooo that’s where it all goes horribly wrong.... can’t wait to get out and try this 😊

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Adrian. Hope this helps! Have a fun and safe boating season, and don't forget to sign up or renew your BoatUS Towing Membership just in case. www.BoatUS.com/Towing

[@maz227]

Nice boat! Keywest one of the best in my opinion!

[@boatus]

It really was fun to shoot on, Michael! Lenny's boat was in the shop for a total refit, so his friend let us borrow the Key West for the day. Can't complain at all. (You'll see her in a few other upcoming videos as well!)

[@davebest6369]

Could you please do a video for first time boat owner that has duel motors such as a catamaran and how to dock and steer. thanks.

[@boatus]

Thanks for the suggestion, Dave. We have plenty of videos on docking and maneuvering twin engine boats. While the motors aren't set as far apart as on cats, the general idea is the same. Also, some of the vids are done on Lenny's planing powercat. We will consider adding others to our list for future shoots though. Here's a link to our boating basics playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLSrVa8gUFaPwoBcTU1ojy9t7nV2JSQw27 I'll look at adding new separate playlists for single engine and twin prop handling sometime this week. No doubt folks will find that helpful!

[@davebest6369]

@@boatus Outstanding thank you. You all put out some real helpful and useful information. It is greatly appreciated by new boaters.

[@boatus]

@@davebest6369 Also, if you're a BoatUS member, you might want to check out the Feb/Mar 2023 issue coming out early Feb that has a whole article (well, actually two) on handling cats (sail and power) as well as planing cats. If you're not a member, you can still find it by searching our website after Feb 1.

[@allseriousness]

Can you do a video on good budget boats?

[@boatus]

Hi James. Great suggestion! We've done articles on this before (www.boatus.com/expert-advice/expert-advice-archive/2018/april/three-new-boats-under-$30k and www.boatus.com/magazine/trailering/2016/october/the-best-boats-for-your-money.asp), but we haven't done an encompassing video yet. We'll certainly give it some thought. In the meantime, we have done a video recently on at least one boat (Robalo) that has a ton of quality features for a really nice price. Search our KZbin channel or look for our Walkthrough playlist.

[@LTJACKASS858]

i bought my first one. it's only a little 38 foot twin inboard Sonic.

[@boatus]

Congrats on the new boat! 38 foot is a pretty good size. Enjoy it and be safe out there.